Sometimes when a student displays good behavior, he is not recognized or rewarded. That is not the case at D.H.H. Lengel Middle School; the school gives rewards to students who work hard and follow rules.

As part of the new Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports behavioral system (PBIS) set in place in the district, one such reward is called the “Principal’s 200 Club.”

Students exceeding teachers’ expectations and making a conscious effort to achieve their academic goals will be given a ticket. The recipient then will place his ticket onto a chart that cuts off at 200. If a student receives 10 of the cards, he can receive a reward including but not limited to lunch with the principal or another privilege.

Along with individual rewards, quarterly incentives are offered for the entire student body. All students are eligible to receive the rewards as long as the students have not received a discipline referral. During one such incentive, the students were allowed to go to a “carnival” filled with activities and Rita’s ice.

“This is a great way to show kids what they can earn if they show good behavior,” Miss Katelynn Hranchock, middle school English teacher, said. “We just had our second one on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and it was a big hit. The students are now aware that by simply behaving correctly and doing what they are supposed to do, they can earn a reward each marking period. I know students are already looking forward to the next one.”

Eighth graders have slightly different reward opportunities than the rest of the school; the students recieve privilege cards, which can be used as free passes to chew gum during class, listen to music during class or skip to the beginning of the lunch line.

“I honestly haven’t changed my behavior a lot because I don’t really do anything to get me in trouble, but if I wasn’t the best kid then I would because the rewards sound fun,” eighth grader Isabella Woodford said. “I have not yet gotten rewards, but we are having a gym day on Wednesday and a chance to win [time] to swim in the pool or go play in the gym.”

To deal with disruptions, the teachers will now follow a flow chart. If one were to misbehave, he would receive a “Stop and Think Sheet” which must then be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the teacher.

If the incident occurs in the classroom, the student can get his seat changed, a breather in the hallway, parental contact or a review of the rules. If the problem occurs outside of a classroom, the student can receive a write-up, a parent/student conference, lunch or after-school detention, in/out of school suspension or other various punishments.

“This is a mature way to deal with problem behavioral issues,” Mrs. Gayle Rehnert, middle school student services worker, said.

With PBIS in place, the district hopes the school will become more positive due to the rewards students receive. It is expected that there will be more of a positive vibe within the school.

“Overall, negative behaviors and write-ups have decreased. Students are [more] excited about the positive rewards and incentives,” Miss Hranchock said.

D.H.H Lengel’s PBIS focuses on rewarding students who demonstrate good behavior. The quarterly incentives show students that if they behave and follow rules, they can be rewarded each marking period. The rewards push students to try harder and follow the rules, which makes the school a more positive place to be.