Valley Springs
Middle School
PBIS- Positive Behavior
Interventions and Supports
By Stacia Harris, Communications Department
7th Grader Makarri Tobe
cheers during a PBIS Pep Rally
at the beginning of the year.
“It’s amazing,” assistant principal Wendy Hannah said. “The kindness
we see throughout the school is inspiring. The students and teachers
are so invested in this program!”
All BCS Intermediate and Middle Schools have implemented a PBIS
framework to create a positive, productive, and engaging environment
for students and staff.
“PBIS helps our middle schoolers focus and understand the behavior
that’s expected of them,” said Hannah. “Middle schoolers want to be a
part of something bigger than themselves, and our PBIS program helps
create a sense of community that students want to support.”
Bethany Chapman, 7th grade
teacher gives Mattie Bailey a
Golden Ticket for good behavior.
Students also receive rewards for good behavior. Teachers may give
out Golden Tickets or Ram Bucks, which students can put in a drawing
for special prizes or use to earn special pri vileges.
“It’s good to be a part of this community, because people are trying to be their best,” said eighth-grader James
Sherlin. “Our teachers have high expectations for us, and they are on the lookout to catch us doing good.”
7x7
Katrina Fox is a seventh-grade English/Language Arts teacher. She helps facilitate the 7x7 program at Valley
Springs. Seventh-graders choose an area non-profit, or several if they’d like, volunteer for at least seven
hours, then put together a presentation about what they’ve learned.
“Students are building more than reading and writing skills here at Valley Springs; they are learning life skills
that they will take with them into adulthood,” Fox said.
She says students often volunteer with family members and they remain
connected to that non-profit, even after the project is over.
“It’s emotional to see the students present their projects,” she said. “They
are so excited about helping others. We are able to spark some conversations
about who we are and what we want to put out in our community.”
Ms. Fox says being of service to others is a humbling experience and an
important life lesson for students in this age group.
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