Lima North Middle School has been recognized for its success with Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS).
PBIS involves teaching students expected behaviors in a consistent and positive way, modeling and acknowledging those behaviors, and helping all students meet expectations and be successful. PBIS has been shown to improve student achievement, student behavior and school climate.
In 2015, Ohio first recognized schools that are model examples of strong PBIS. This year, North applied and earned recognition at the Bronze level. North is one of 88 award-winning schools to be recognized at this level of distinction. North will be honored at the 2017 Ohio PBIS Showcase Nov. 30 in Mansfield.
North created a school-wide PBIS system of awarding Spartan Bucks to students at random who display a good example for others. With those they can buy items from the school store or different experiences such as dances, field day, lunch outside, gym rental or special assemblies.
The school also formalized a PBIS committee by examining building discipline data and creating strategies to improve specific problem areas. Officials then evaluated the strategies for success and in many cases the lower referral numbers lead to permanent changes to building operations and procedures.