Six Schools Recognized for Positive Behavioral Program

Six Dorchester District Two schools have earned recognition by the state's Department of Education for their implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports.

"As a district we've embraced this (program)," Superintendent Joe Pye said during the June 13 school board meeting when the accolades were announced.

The program is "a prevention-oriented way for school personnel to organize evidence-based practices, improve their implementation of those practices, and maximize academic and social behavior outcomes for students," according to its website.

Of the six school recognized, Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary School received the highest award: the Exemplar Award, which means the school has school-wide, secondary and tertiary behavior supports in place.

"(It) was the first one in our district that has applied and received that recognition," Michelle Jacques said. Jacques is the district coordinator of the Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports program.

Schools implementing the program must apply for the awards annually.
Flowertown Elementary and Beech Hill Elementary received Ribbon Awards, which mean the schools have school-wide behavior supports in place.

Alston Middle, Knightsville Elementary and William M. Reeves Elementary received Banner Awards, which means the schools have secondary and school-wide supports in place.

"We like to think we're getting ready to take off in some really special areas," Pye said. "This is just the surface of what we're really doing. Powerful things are going on … We'll be doing something at every level in the district."