New PBIS system initiated, fall sports winding down
We have had a great start to the school year implementing our district-wide PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports). The entire building has revamped and looked at their expectations for the classroom as well as shared areas (hallway, commons, gym, etc.). Each school has taught the expectations in ageappropriate ways to create a common language between all staff and students. With these expectations, we have been able to set clear guidelines on what students need to do to be successful in school.
This past month we have started to hand out the incentives with PBIS. Students K-12 can earn a “Dog Tag” when they are “caught” meeting or exceeding expectations. Elementary students can turn these dog tags in on Fridays when the PBIS cart comes around. Middle and high school students turn their dog tags into the office, receive a pen and are placed into a monthly, trimester, and end-of-year drawing for great prizes. We have also announced our first Spotlight Class in the elementary as well as our Class of the Month for both middle and high school.
Most recently, we have had our first “Top Dog” students for middle and high school. The “Top Dog” award is given monthly and decided by two different teachers. Students are nominated for “Top Dog” when they are clearly excelling when it comes to behavior and academics, they are clearly doing an excellent job and we want to make sure it does not go unnoticed. As we put all these systems and rewards into place, there will be hiccups along the way, but we are seeing wonderful things so far and adjusting when needed.
Athletics for the fall are winding down. Cross country, football and volleyball have had good seasons of growth and success. Our volleyball team started regional play Tuesday, Oct. 17, in Alma-Pepin. Football will play away this Friday, Oct. 20, at Reedsville. Cross country sectionals are Saturday, Oct. 21, in Colby, with boys at 2:45 p.m. and girls at 3:45 p.m. We wish good luck to all our coaches and athletes participating in the postseason events.
Winter sports are just around the corner. Monday, Oct. 16, was the start of our middle school boys basketball season. We will also have parent meetings for girls basketball, with the time to be determined, and boys basketball on Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. The start of the high school girls basketball season is Nov. 6 and the boys start Nov. 13. Wrestling will co-op again with Neillsville and all information for that will be through Neillsville athletics. We look forward to an exciting winter season!
Loyal Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Jeff Bell
