MEXICO — Students at Meroby Elementary School raised $344.75 last week from turning in their good behavior tokens.

Principal Melanie Chasse said the funds represent 1,379 tokens for which the children received 25 cents each from the Teachers’ Sunshine Fund. The money was then turned over to Sue Byam, coordinator of the Greater Rumford Area Food Pantry at an assembly.

The school had challenged area businesses to match the amount of money the children raised. That was successful, too.

Chasse said the Oxford County Federal Credit Union presented $350 toward the food pantry drive.

She was pleased that the credit union decided to participate in the children’s efforts.

Each year, MES students and staff pursue a fundraising project for an area charity or need. In the past, these have included gathering items for the local animal shelter or for local military personnel serving overseas.

The token system is based on the RSU 10 district schools’ motto — Be Kind, Be Respectful, Be Safe and Be Responsible. It is part of a behavioral program instituted in the district about four years ago known as Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports.

Each time a child is “caught” doing something good, like picking up trash, helping another student, or being polite, teachers and other staff members present the child with a “code of excellence” token.

Generally, the children save them up so they can be redeemed for small items, or for larger things such as lunch with the principal or extra art time.