At the midway point of the first nine weeks of school, students at Central Junior High School have a solid idea about how they stand with their grades.

Those with all passing grades, in fact, received a treat Thursday for their work: their choice of a chocolate or vanilla custard from Sheridan’s Custard and some extra socializing time at the end of the school day.

Students with failing grades, on the other hand, were given time to develop strategies for improving their marks.

“We’re kind of doing two things at once,” said Brian McCaffrey, CJHS assistant principal. “We’re helping those kids who are failing and rewarding the kids who are keeping their grades up.”

This is the second year the school has had the reward program for students. McCaffrey said Sheridan’s Custard agreed to donate the custard Thursday.

While custard may not be seen as an incentive, several students said it was.

“They don’t tell us what it’s (the reward) going to be,” said ninth-grader Bethany Saylor, 14. “So, you want to do well to find out. It’s good. It’s a treat.”

Last year, students were rewarded with ice cream, pizza and watermelon. On one occasion, Kansas University basketball players paid a visit.

“I think it’s good the school does this,” said ninth-grader Kiara Robinson, 15. “And it’s kind of like a double bonus because you get out of class a little early.”

Central Junior High seventh-graders, clockwise from left, Nabila Formusoh, Whitney Demby, Kim Allen and Amanda Berryhill enjoy custard. Students with no failing grades at the midpoint of the first quarter of classes were rewarded with custard on Thursday at CJHS.

In all, about 420 students received custard Thursday, McCaffrey said. Although the school has not officially announced its enrollment for the year, 513 students had enrolled by Aug. 16.

Audio: Brian McCaffrey, part 1 Audio: Brian McCaffrey, part 1 Audio: Duke Frye