Positive supports? Bring it on.
That is the mindset at Stolley Park Elementary. It was especially true during the month of March. This is the second year the school has organized a building-wide Positive Supports March Madness Challenge.
Positive supports, which is part of Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), is a way to meet the academic, social, emotional and behavioral needs of all students.
Principal Whitney Flower said students were rewarded points to instances of respect, responsibility, safety, and kindness they demonstrated. Classes competed for the most points, where the prize was getting to play in a basketball game of lightning against Stolley Park staff.
“Focusing on the positive is important in any situation, but especially in a school setting where students need encouragement to grow and learn,” Flower explained.
Flower said the idea for the challenge came from the Positive Support Building Leadership Team.
“We wanted a way to encourage good behavior in March and what better theme for the month than basketball?,” she said. “Last year was a success and this year we refined some of the pieces and brought it back. The kids were excited to be challenged again this year.”
Each day had a specific challenge drawn randomly each morning. Flower stated this gave students and staff a focus for the day.
“Those focuses were determined by our Positive Support Building Leadership Team from behavior data,” Flower continued, “ All daily challenges were designed to address expectations we want to see improvement in schoolwide.”
The daily challenges ranged from walking in a Panther Parade through the halls, to telling an adult what you appreciate about them, to playing with someone new at recess.
When classrooms were eliminated from the bracket after a round, their positive supports challenge did not end. They were added to the Second Chance Showcase. Those classes continued to keep track of their positive recognition through the remainder of the competition, but kept their points a secret.
Mrs. Tracy Morrow’s Newcomer Class was the first place winner in this year’s challenge. They also defeated the Stolley Park staff in the basketball lightning game. The class was gifted the golden basketball, which will be signed by Mrs. Morrow’s students and displayed for years to come.
What a fun way to promote positive behavior and meet the needs of students.
Way to go, Stolley Park Panthers!
