SAN MARCOS - San Elijo Elementary School first-grader Nicole Michaels can count her school accomplishments by the brightly colored charms strung from a chain necklace.

"This one is for reading," Nicole, 7, said as she pointed to her newest addition, a red book charm with "I love to read" on the cover. She was awarded the charm Friday during the school's weekly flag-salute assembly, in which students are recognized for their academic, athletic and citizenship achievements.

"I feel good," said Nicole, who earned the award for reading comprehension.

The plastic charms are part of the school's incentive necklace program, implemented this year to motivate students to succeed and to remind them of their accomplishments. Students can earn multiple charms in about 13 categories, which include academic and character accomplishments, schoolwide participation and school spirit, Principal Lynda McDonell said.

The goal is to get children trying to achieve in any one area, whether it's perfect attendance or math, McDonell said.

"Every child shines in different ways, and we feel they should be recognized for their strengths and wear it proudly, " she said. "Every time they put (the necklace) on, there's that visual reminder that, 'Hey, I'm really doing well.' "

In the past, children were recognized with food-based rewards, such as pizza parties or ice cream socials, Assistant Principal Mindy Wilson said. With the district's federally mandated wellness policy, which was adopted last year and outlines the district's nutritional guidelines and physical education goals, schools have had to find different ways to keep kids driven, Wilson said.

The policy includes a ban on food and beverages as rewards at schools, and restricts birthday celebrations and fundraising activities involving candy during the school day to one to three times a year.

"With the obesity statistics being what they are, the earlier we can seek a different way (to reward), the better off it is for the children," she said.

McDonell praised the necklaces as a more healthful and symbolic alternative.

"You eat that cupcake or that cake, but you can't carry it with you," she said.

The school piloted a bracelet and charm incentive program last year, but it didn't go over as well with students, Wilson said.

"The bracelet didn't do it … this did." she said, adding that the necklace appeals to boys and girls in every grade level.

All students start their collection with a school spirit charm of an eagle, the school's mascot. They can then earn additional charms, including awards for physical education, music, computer and librarian's student of the week, which are handed out and worn at schoolwide Friday flag salutes.

Parents wielding video cameras and peers waving black and gold pom-poms cheered, clapped and whistled Friday as students were called up to receive recognition.

"I feel special," said fourth-grader Erica Luancing, who collected a certificate and an "honor student" charm for making the honor roll. "I like just being in front of everyone and feeling the excitement."

The charms have motivated her to continue to excel, Erica said.

"I feel like I should always get better grades and always work hard like I do," she said.

The charms motivate parents as well, said Mary Hauri, who videotaped her daughter Maddie during the ceremony. Maddie earned a soaring eagle charm for trying extra hard in math, Hauri said.

"It makes me feel like I've done a good job at home to promote her learning at school," she said.

Contact staff writer Noelle Ibrahim at (760) 740-3517 or nibrahim@nctimes.com.