Sarah Schmitt is 12 years old, and she already has a checkbook.

The sixth-grader works each morning in Bar Nunn Elementary's preschool classroom, playing with the children and helping keep them on task. For her efforts, Sarah earns $14 in Bobcat Bucks a day, which she carefully enters into her ledger when she gets paid.

"I only lost my job once," Sarah said, "because I forgot to turn in my homework."

Bar Nunn sixth-graders apply for jobs around their school as a reward for good behavior, such as consistently turning in homework and avoiding trips to the office. Students work as classroom helpers, custodians and lunchroom workers to earn the school's form of money, Bobcat Bucks. The money is then put toward a class trip.

Students get two 'Oops passes' a month, in case they forget a homework assignment one day. If the passes aren't used, students can turn them in and earn more money.

Sarah said she knows seventh graders don't always get an 'Oops pass' for forgetting their work. Having jobs prepares her and her classmates for next year, she said.

"It helps us have more responsibility," Sarah said. "It's a lot of fun."

Students fill out job applications, including references, and interview with potential employers. As long as a student maintains good behavior and good work habits, they can keep their job.

Being part of the 'paparazzi' is a coveted job among sixth graders. Students are assigned a digital camera and take pictures of students and staff for an end of year slideshow.

Bar Nunn revised its discipline process last year and part of that included this program. Teachers frequently reward good behavior instead of focusing on punishment for bad behavior. Sixth-grade teacher Jessica Winford said she's seen changes in student behavior since the program started.

"They like working," Winford said. "They like to feel kind of important, and they like feeling like they're part of the system."

Assistant Principal DeAnn Russell said office referrals for sixth-graders have steadily decreased since the program started. Working in the school and with younger students creates a sense of ownership in the students, she said.

"They kind of become these little ambassadors for the school," Russell said. "It's been a very valuable program."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com.