The annual MacArthur All-Star Program has struggled to maintain its relevance in recent years. Fewer students are completing the signature-gathering All-Stars program. The incentive program requires students to acquire signatures from teachers and coaches for a list of participation opportunities and achievements.  Originally designed to generate engagement, the overall participation and completion rate have lowered over the last several years.

Last year, there were 61 All-Stars, students who received the requisite number of signatures, which is eight for seventh and eighth-graders but sixth graders only need six.  However, in 2018 there were 121 All-Stars, representing a 50% drop overall.  

“It’s not very publicized until the second semester, and not knowing about the All Stars puts kids behind, ” said Math Teacher Ms. Holly Kotler.  Kotler and fellow math teacher Mrs. Emily Fellmer oversee the program.

To become an All-Star, students collect signatures from teachers, coaches, or other staff members.  Students who become All Stars receive the end-of-the-year sundae party, and depending on how many times they have become All Stars will receive a T-shirt, water bottle, or a medal. 

Some ways students can earn All-Star signatures include achieving the Honor roll,  having perfect attendance throughout the whole school year, reaching their annual Accelerated Reader goal, finishing the MacTivities, etc.. All students have a lot of opportunities to earn signatures and get awards.

“Doing All Stars is fun for me because I only look forward to the ice cream party at the end of the year and earning signatures from getting a general shirt and by getting a signature from making the basketball team,” said eighth-grader Alexander R.

Some obstacles for students to get signatures include not remembering about the program or not recognizing or remembering if they had achieved a goal.  For example, over 60% of students had passed their Summer Reading title, but many students neglected to get it signed off by their language arts teacher.

“I really don’t feel like doing all stars because I think it is not fun and I have to get a lot of signatures for just some items and some ice cream sundae,” said eighth-grader Nathaniel M.

Aside from the All-Star program, students also collect signatures and achievement for the MacTivities and the 5-Star Reading program. Engagement is a long-standing goal at MacArthur and many teachers and staff members try to push students to participate in any number of curricular and extra-curricular activities.