December PBIS winners demonstrate willingness to help others

PBIS has announced Student of the Month and Staff Member of the Month recipients for the month of December. 

Annika Pepper

Band director Scott King recognized freshman Noah Lewis because he has continually been respectful and helpful to those with learning disabilities in his class. He has worked side-by-side with his fellow peers and does not hesitate to lend a helping hand.

“He is truly a role model for treating others with respect,” King said.

Other underclassman nominees include freshmen Hannah McBryde, Nyasia Merritt-Carrington, and Megan Ritchie, and sophomore Angelize Archer.

Science teacher Jessica Tatum nominated senior Brandon Mathis for always being prepared and ready to learn. She said he asks detailed questions about assignments for the day and shows a great work ethic.

Annika Pepper

“He goes above and beyond to help other students in his group,” Tatum said. “Even when the task is difficult, he has a positive attitude.”

Other upperclassman nominees include junior Nick Haney, and seniors Roma Balhas, Oreana Beuno, Evan Courville, Tyler Ercole, Sarah Galloway, Alex Rineer, and Josh Thompson.

Learning specialist Jodi Christensen and speech language pathologist Shannon Gagliano both recognized English teacher Juliana Wright for always being willing to lend a helping hand to others. 

“She helped me get the scooter in and out of my car, ran errands, etc. She treats everyone this way, including her students,” Christensen said. 

Staff Photo

Spanish teachers Laura Alldredge and Shayne Thompson, CTE teachers Patt Coleman and Mike Myers, English teacher Terence Fitzgerald, math teacher Wendy Willoughby, sign language interpreters Christine Chatham and Brenda French, and paraprofessionals Ilona Canada and Marcie Comeau were also nominated. 

Once a month Andrea Freeman, the assistant principal in charge of PBIS, sends out a link for staff members to nominate students and teachers on their good behavior. The PBIS committee, composed of Freeman, PBIS coach Adriah Williamson, and other faculty and staff, vote on the PBIS staff and students of the month. 

“[PBIS] is a system and a framework that rewards students for positive behavior,” Freeman said. “Research tells us that when we work in an environment that rewards positive behavior, rather than focusing on the consequences from negative behavior, then students and staff will internalize those behaviors better and more effectively.”