Gainesville: PBIS is going strong at the Gainesville State School. The last incentive was the largest yet with 68 students participating. The teachers came in early and prepared a home cooked breakfast for the students that included scrambled eggs, biscuits & gravy, sausage, waffles and fresh fruit. They enjoyed games, having free time in the gymnasium, playing pool, cards, dominoes and ping pong. The free day from school provided an opportunity for the students to have fellowship with their teachers and coaches without the pressure of school work. All the staff worked very hard to make this a meaningful experience and a great day for the students and PBIS…GO TORNADOES!!! James Bateman: PBIS Coach
McLennan II/MRTC: A total of 78 students participated in sports activities and a presentation by Ahmad Washington, founder of Movement Up, an organization to help mentor societal needs of at-risk children. Mr. Washington performed rap lyrics and incorporated his experiences as a youth. He related personal experiences such as growing up in an impoverished area of Houston that was surrounded by anger, abuse, drug abuse, and illegal drug distribution. Against all odds and misfortune, he rose to flourish in a successful athletic career while continuously striving to become a productive, contributing citizen. Students were overcome with emotion and moved to speak of their own trials in life. Mr. Washington wrote a formula on the board and suggested to the students that the sum of life is predicated on experiences, plus choices. Travis Boyd and Larrye Weaver: PBIS Coaches
Giddings: Lone Star High School South East celebrated its first PBIS incentive day of the new school year. Because youth met behavior and academic goals, youth were able to watch “Batman versus Superman” in the chapel and partook in eating donuts, kolaches and drinking orange juice. Due to the amazing participation from the youth, this incentive day goes down in the books as one of the largest and most memorable PBIS Incentive Days with a final count of 92 youth. The number of participants shows an increase in the number of youth taking responsibility for their behavior. The comradery shown between staff and youth was amazing and reinforced how PBIS is becoming part of campus culture. The staff at LSHS SE is dedicated to making sure each youth is afforded equal opportunities to do the right thing and make the right choices. Tatrina Bailey: PBIS Coach
Ron Jackson had 42 students qualify for the first six weeks PBIS Incentive Day. All groups participated in a ropes course trolley activity involving long boards with ropes connected to them. The object was for the groups to learn to work as a team and to afford the opportunities for leaders to emerge. All were able to practice and demonstrate leadership skills. Throughout the morning, each group spent time practicing with their groups. A leader from each group guided group members to step in a rhythmic, unison manner, first with their right foot followed by the left foot. At the end of the day, all the groups came together for a race across the court yard. Everyone got involved including students, teachers, principals, JCO’s and even Ron Jackson Superintendent joined in the fun! The Challenge & Courage group won the race. The whole distance of the race was about 20 yards. Kind-hearted teachers agreed to race the kids in the final race. Students also enjoyed watching an approved movie, eating popcorn, snacks, drinking soda, and playing basketball. Tony Roberts: PBIS Coach
Evins had an excellent PBIS Incentive Day! Prior to the actual day, the Dodgeball teams were eager to show their talents and competitiveness on the gym floor. Three teachers and staff were selected to play and guide the youth as Coaches on each team. Staff had drafted, met, and mentally prepared the youths to unite as a team. Each team was united as one group, one team, and one family. All students met with the coaches in the early morning to prep them for the game. Officials gathered the youth to emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork, and importantly to have fun! Officials had to declare the yellow team winners to break a tie!! Both teams were taught how important it was to shake hands and congratulate each other on their hard work and dedication throughout the games. Both teams gathered for lunch and sat together to enjoy pizza and an ice cream cone. Manny Ortiz: PBIS Coach