See how Berkey Elementary achieved 87% reduction in suspension by focusing on connection with ClassDojo

When Brian Heidenreich stepped into his role as principal of H.D. Berkey Elementary, he saw an urgent need for change. The school was facing high numbers of discipline referrals, suspensions, attendance issues, and a notable lack of communication between staff and families. “The school needed a cultural reset,” Heidenreich said. “We had to find a better way to help kids feel connected, seen, and celebrated.”

Drawing from his success using ClassDojo as a teacher, Heidenreich implemented it schoolwide on his first day as principal.

Starting with day one buy-in

Knowing the importance of early momentum, Heidenreich introduced ClassDojo during a staff development the day before students arrived. He expected some hesitation, but teachers quickly embraced the platform — particularly its real-time messaging and the ability to highlight positive behaviors instantly. “It made their lives easier,” he explained. “They didn’t have to wait until a problem happened to reach out to families. Now they could share the great stuff too, and do it in seconds.”

“They didn’t have to wait until a problem happened to reach out to families. Now 
they could share the great stuff too, and 
do it in seconds.”

Communication that builds trust

ClassDojo helped bridge the communication gap between school and home, especially for parents who had negative school experiences themselves. The informal, friendly nature of ClassDojo's messages — photos, videos, and updates — made families feel more connected and less intimidated. Instead of relying on papers that could get lost, families were now consistently informed and involved. “When the teacher and the parent are on the same page, and the student knows that, it goes a long way,” Heidenreich said.

Transforming school culture

The impact on school culture was dramatic. Suspensions dropped by an incredible 87%, and school events saw record turnout. Over 500 people attended one fall event, up from just 60 the previous year. The enthusiasm extended to staff as well, with teachers sending over 1,400 messages and posts some weeks, celebrating student achievements and classroom moments.

Heidenreich noticed the emotional tenor of the school shift as well, with the change palpable in the halls. “It’s an overwhelming feeling of positivity,” he said. Even simple greetings became opportunities for affirmation, with students receiving Dojo points for something as simple as saying “Good morning.”

Positive behavior driving academic momentum

The positivity extended into academics too. One second-grade class, motivated by Dojo points for passing Accelerated Reader tests, read over 2,000 books. Other teachers awarded points for homework completion or extra effort, reinforcing habits that supported learning. While the academic gains weren’t strictly measurable, the engagement was undeniable.

Whole-school alignment around shared values

ClassDojo’s point system was also aligned with HD Berkey’s core values: kindness, respect, integrity, and compassion. Teachers had flexibility in how students earned points, allowing them to tailor rewards to classroom goals while reinforcing schoolwide expectations. Students celebrated successes with raffles, “best day ever” events, and group rewards that promoted peer encouragement and teamwork.

“We see kids encouraging each other to do the right thing,” Heidenreich said. “They’ve bought into the idea that school is a place where we lift each other up.”

Looking ahead

For Heidenreich, ClassDojo wasn’t just a behavior tool — it was a vehicle for connection, motivation, and joy. Looking ahead to the new school year, his goal is to find even more ways to maximize its impact. “The positivity is contagious,” he said. “And when students want to come to school, everything else gets better.”