In 2018, Martin Meylin Middle School implemented a program to transform teachers' interactions with students. The Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program is centered around one core idea: that positive reinforcement works better with kids than negative reinforcement.

"(PBIS) came from the idea that punitive consequences aren't always successful," said Alicia Kowitz, school principal. "Instead of detention and suspension, the thought was that we would reinforce positive behaviors and set an example out of students who are doing the right thing."

A large part of the program revolves around a ticket system. Every time a teacher notices a student who is exhibiting positive behavior, that student earns a ticket. These tickets can be used in a variety of ways, such as being redeemed at the school's pride store. Students can purchase items like small trinkets and candy at the store with tickets they've earned. In the fall semester, students submitted their tickets in a drawing to determine who would pick the song that plays in the hallway between classes - and it's safe to say that at this point, every student and teacher in the school has memorized every word of "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley.

PBIS has evolved since it was first introduced, but the program is still centered around rewarding students for doing the right thing. Although the COVID-19 pandemic put several limitations on the program such as preventing large assemblies for some time, PBIS remains a successful initiative at Martin Meylin Middle School and has been adopted in other district schools.

On Tuesday, Jan. 10, the middle school hosted its Winter Games event as a part of the PBIS program. The event consisted of six different events in which teams of students from each grade level and school staff members competed with each other. Students could use a ticket earned from the PBIS program to participate in the event, and over 30 kids from each grade level joined in the fun. The Winter Games featured sled races, where participants pulled a team member on a blanket to the finish line, and a relay race in which runners wore winter attire. Contestants also played musical chairs, competed in a contest to turn a team member into a snowman using toilet paper and saw which team could unwrap the most Hershey's Kisses in under two minutes while wearing oven mitts.

"The program also provides an opportunity for kids who were getting in trouble to showcase who they are and to be recognized," said Cory Robison, assistant principal. "The success of it and the kids' excitement is a direct effect of the work that teachers have put into the program."

At the end of each marking period, the school will hold a recognition assembly to shine a spotlight on kids who have improved in ways such as participating in class for the first time or students who teachers have noticed to be hardworking. "It's a chance for kids to recognize each other's accomplishments in a way that isn't centered solely on academic achievements."