Mt. Pleasant Middle School's Puma Pride Promotes Positive Pupil Performance

When Debra Ostrowski became the Mt. Pleasant Middle School Principal this fall, she was not the only new face. The former teacher realized all 476 students were new to the school as well.

"This is the biggest transition for them.  We have six elementary schools feeding into this sixth grade middle school," she said.

To help with this transition, Ostrowski, along with a team of educators, developed the Puma Pride character education program.

Ostrowski wanted to emphasize to her students the importance of good character, and the four "pillars" necessary for establishing a solid character: Caring, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness.

Ostrowski's team, which consisted of Livingston School district Assistant Superintendent Mary Oates, guidance counselor Wendy Walter and teachers Kim Lui, Susie Ferguson, Doug Jay, Nancy Babey, and Katie Quillen, worked in the spring and summer on a program for a kick-off Puma Pride assembly and lesson plans for follow up monthly meetings involving every teacher at Mt. Pleasant Middle School.

Each teacher meets with a small group of students monthly for "Pillar Talks," in which the group discusses scenarios and how students would react.

One such scenario — a student sees a boy upset at his locker, crying and kicking it, but the boy is known as a bully. Would the student ignore this classmate, try to help him, or contact someone else?

"We give them decision-making options.  We don't tell them what is right or wrong, just what could be possible outcomes," Ostrowski explained. Livingston school district crisis counselor Ann DeGennaro also facilitates these discussions.

To further help with these scenarios, students will see a Dec. 23 performance by Cameo Cast, a professional ensemble that acts out realistic student scenarios. The cast will answer questions about the performances.

A Puma Pride walk, originally scheduled in November right after the  has been rescheduled for the spring. Team building exercises will occur during this walk.

Perhaps the best re-enforcement of Puma Pride is the monthly student recognition.  Ostrowski said each teacher may nominate any student for a monthly Puma Pride Award.

"We try to catch students when they think no one is watching," Ostrowski said.  Examples of positive behavior include helping other students pick up dropped items, turning in lost items and holding the door for others.

The awards are announced at lunchtime, with students cheering and applauding for the winners.  A year-end breakfast is planned for all award recipients.

"This is middle school. We are looking at the development of the whole child," Ostrowski said, adding, "We want the students to know we are one community."

To view winners of the monthly Puma Pride Awards, click on the school's website.