An incentive program at John F. Kennedy Middle School, which teachers say is cutting referrals and increasing learning, had students up and dancing on Friday.

Seventh-grade teacher Nada Jefferson, its main driving force at JFK, said Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports was restarted at the school last spring.

“This is the fourth time we have had one of these particular events,” she said, speaking in the gymnasium during a celebration marking another nine weeks of progress.

The “You Brighten My Day” carnival involved a host of fun games and activities for students, including the bounce house that took up one corner of the gym.

It all started with a dance-off, with teachers joining students to bust some moves to the latest hits.

Only students with no referrals during the past nine weeks were invited — their misbehaving classmates had to keep their heads buried in books.

By participating in the fun, students had the opportunity to win “Wolverine Bucks” to add to what they’d earned for their good behavior. During the carnival, they could spend their bucks at the “Wolverine Store,” on items like skullcaps and speaker systems.

Various prizes were given away during a raffle at the end, including T-shirts, gift cards, a bike and a tablet.

The initiative is having an impact, according to Jefferson. “Initially when I started here, we had a high referrals rate,” she said.

“The overall goal is to create a positive learning environment.”

Before the carnival started in the gym, the students gathered in the auditorium to honor the community groups and businesses that have made the program possible. Their representatives were called onto the stage to receive a plaque and star-shaped candy dish.

“It’s wonderful to see your smiling faces, and it’s an honor to be able to present this small token of our appreciation,” Principal Vivian Covington said.

Yvette Pierce, one of the program’s teacher coordinators, encouraged the students being rewarded to help make sure their classmates get to join in the fun next time.