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Sarah delves into their challenges with the existing system, the evolution towards a more streamlined solution, and their ultimate success through innovation and collaboration.

Embracing the Positive Reinforcement Journey

Upon assuming the principal role at Clarkston, Sarah recognized the need for a change in their behavior system. Cougar Cash, the existing system, had its merits, but it proved to be time-consuming and challenging to manage. Teachers and staff were cutting and printing cash every nine weeks, and students needed help in handling physical cash, leading to swaps, losses, and potential misuse. 

Seeking a sustainable and efficient alternative, Sarah and her team discovered LiveSchool, a comprehensive platform that acknowledged positive behaviors and documented unwanted behaviors without deducting points.

From Cash to Points

LiveSchool became the new currency at Clarkston, replacing Cougar Cash. Students earned points for positive actions, and every three weeks, the Cougar Cart, their school store, opened its doors. Here, students exchanged their hard-earned LiveSchool points for various prizes, creating a tangible and exciting reward system. The digital tracking system made it easier for students to keep up with their points, eliminating the challenges associated with physical currency.

Liveschool offers a daily platform for students and parents to assess behavioral standards, featuring a distinctive system that empowers Sarah to engage with parents instantly.

Behavior Parties and Unleashing Creativity

To enhance the fun and engagement, Clarkston introduced behavior parties every nine weeks, celebrating excellent conduct with glow-in-the-dark dance parties and upcoming ice skating events. This initiative not only recognized good behavior but celebrated it in style, reinforcing the idea that positive actions were valued and appreciated by teachers and staff. Students have to meet certain exceptional criteria to qualify for these parties, ensuring that students always have a reward to work towards. 

The Social Twist: Leadership Assemblies and Randomized Fun

However, challenges arose as students strategized to earn just enough points for desired prizes. Students would be on top of their students until they qualified for the party every nine weeks. In response, Clarkston introduced leadership assemblies, spotlighting students who achieved specific point thresholds. The innovative use of a randomizer to select students for engaging games injected an element of surprise and intrinsic motivation into the system. The boost in student behavior after implementing these assemblies was remarkable. These elements work together to create a comprehensive behavior system that fosters a positive and respectful atmosphere conducive to learning in elementary schools.

The Role of the Behavior Committee: A Collaborative Approach

Sarah emphasizes that Clarkston's success is a collective effort. The Behavior Committee, consisting of teachers, administrators, and the school counselor, played a crucial role in brainstorming and strategizing a holistic approach to behavior management tailored to different grade levels. The importance of her behavior committee helped shape their school-wide behavior goals into tangible achievements for all students. Additionally, LiveSchool enables her behavior team to analyze school behavior norms and adjust their program as necessary.

A Return to the Roots

What makes this transformation even more impactful is Sarah's personal connection to Clarkston. Having started her journey as a teacher at the school, her return as principal brings a unique perspective. She understands the community, empathizes with the teachers, and seeks to create an environment that nurtures not only academic success but also emotional well-being. Sarah is seeing a positive impact on her school and community through this strategy. 

Facing the Challenges of the Modern Student

In a poignant reflection, Sarah acknowledges the challenges today's students face—social pressures, the ubiquity of technology, and heightened academic expectations. In response, Clarkston Elementary is not just an educational institution; it's a haven that amplifies the importance of doing the right thing, instilling in students the values of respect, responsibility, and hard work. Implementing LiveSchool has allowed Sarah and her staff to teach the whole child life skills. 

A Billboard Message for Every Principal

Sarah leaves a thought-provoking message for every principal on a hypothetical billboard: "Be the positive and show the positive." In a world filled with external noise and challenges, she advocates for principals to become beacons of positivity, guiding their schools toward an environment where every success, no matter how small, is celebrated. Sarah is truly a born leader who recognizes the importance of positive reinforcement. 

Rewriting the Script

The story of Clarkston Elementary School is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to positive change. As LiveSchool and the dedicated team at Clarkston continue to reshape the narrative, one behavior point at a time, the school stands as a shining example of what's possible when a community comes together to rewrite the script for the benefit of its students.

Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.
In the heart of Tyler, Texas, a remarkable transformation is unfolding at Clarkston Elementary School in Tyler ISD. Principal Sarah Cureton, a dynamic leader, shares the inspiring story of how she and her team overhauled their school's behavior system, fostering a positive and rewarding environment for students through implementing PBIS.

Sarah delves into their challenges with the existing system, the evolution towards a more streamlined solution, and their ultimate success through innovation and collaboration.

Embracing the Positive Reinforcement Journey

Upon assuming the principal role at Clarkston, Sarah recognized the need for a change in their behavior system. Cougar Cash, the existing system, had its merits, but it proved to be time-consuming and challenging to manage. Teachers and staff were cutting and printing cash every nine weeks, and students needed help in handling physical cash, leading to swaps, losses, and potential misuse. 

Seeking a sustainable and efficient alternative, Sarah and her team discovered LiveSchool, a comprehensive platform that acknowledged positive behaviors and documented unwanted behaviors without deducting points.

From Cash to Points

LiveSchool became the new currency at Clarkston, replacing Cougar Cash. Students earned points for positive actions, and every three weeks, the Cougar Cart, their school store, opened its doors. Here, students exchanged their hard-earned LiveSchool points for various prizes, creating a tangible and exciting reward system. The digital tracking system made it easier for students to keep up with their points, eliminating the challenges associated with physical currency.

Liveschool offers a daily platform for students and parents to assess behavioral standards, featuring a distinctive system that empowers Sarah to engage with parents instantly.

Behavior Parties and Unleashing Creativity

To enhance the fun and engagement, Clarkston introduced behavior parties every nine weeks, celebrating excellent conduct with glow-in-the-dark dance parties and upcoming ice skating events. This initiative not only recognized good behavior but celebrated it in style, reinforcing the idea that positive actions were valued and appreciated by teachers and staff. Students have to meet certain exceptional criteria to qualify for these parties, ensuring that students always have a reward to work towards. 

The Social Twist: Leadership Assemblies and Randomized Fun

However, challenges arose as students strategized to earn just enough points for desired prizes. Students would be on top of their students until they qualified for the party every nine weeks. In response, Clarkston introduced leadership assemblies, spotlighting students who achieved specific point thresholds. The innovative use of a randomizer to select students for engaging games injected an element of surprise and intrinsic motivation into the system. The boost in student behavior after implementing these assemblies was remarkable. These elements work together to create a comprehensive behavior system that fosters a positive and respectful atmosphere conducive to learning in elementary schools.

The Role of the Behavior Committee: A Collaborative Approach

Sarah emphasizes that Clarkston's success is a collective effort. The Behavior Committee, consisting of teachers, administrators, and the school counselor, played a crucial role in brainstorming and strategizing a holistic approach to behavior management tailored to different grade levels. The importance of her behavior committee helped shape their school-wide behavior goals into tangible achievements for all students. Additionally, LiveSchool enables her behavior team to analyze school behavior norms and adjust their program as necessary.

A Return to the Roots

What makes this transformation even more impactful is Sarah's personal connection to Clarkston. Having started her journey as a teacher at the school, her return as principal brings a unique perspective. She understands the community, empathizes with the teachers, and seeks to create an environment that nurtures not only academic success but also emotional well-being. Sarah is seeing a positive impact on her school and community through this strategy. 

Facing the Challenges of the Modern Student

In a poignant reflection, Sarah acknowledges the challenges today's students face—social pressures, the ubiquity of technology, and heightened academic expectations. In response, Clarkston Elementary is not just an educational institution; it's a haven that amplifies the importance of doing the right thing, instilling in students the values of respect, responsibility, and hard work. Implementing LiveSchool has allowed Sarah and her staff to teach the whole child life skills. 

A Billboard Message for Every Principal

Sarah leaves a thought-provoking message for every principal on a hypothetical billboard: "Be the positive and show the positive." In a world filled with external noise and challenges, she advocates for principals to become beacons of positivity, guiding their schools toward an environment where every success, no matter how small, is celebrated. Sarah is truly a born leader who recognizes the importance of positive reinforcement. 

Rewriting the Script

The story of Clarkston Elementary School is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to positive change. As LiveSchool and the dedicated team at Clarkston continue to reshape the narrative, one behavior point at a time, the school stands as a shining example of what's possible when a community comes together to rewrite the script for the benefit of its students.

Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.

Sarah delves into their challenges with the existing system, the evolution towards a more streamlined solution, and their ultimate success through innovation and collaboration.

Embracing the Positive Reinforcement Journey

Upon assuming the principal role at Clarkston, Sarah recognized the need for a change in their behavior system. Cougar Cash, the existing system, had its merits, but it proved to be time-consuming and challenging to manage. Teachers and staff were cutting and printing cash every nine weeks, and students needed help in handling physical cash, leading to swaps, losses, and potential misuse. 

Seeking a sustainable and efficient alternative, Sarah and her team discovered LiveSchool, a comprehensive platform that acknowledged positive behaviors and documented unwanted behaviors without deducting points.

From Cash to Points

LiveSchool became the new currency at Clarkston, replacing Cougar Cash. Students earned points for positive actions, and every three weeks, the Cougar Cart, their school store, opened its doors. Here, students exchanged their hard-earned LiveSchool points for various prizes, creating a tangible and exciting reward system. The digital tracking system made it easier for students to keep up with their points, eliminating the challenges associated with physical currency.

Liveschool offers a daily platform for students and parents to assess behavioral standards, featuring a distinctive system that empowers Sarah to engage with parents instantly.

Behavior Parties and Unleashing Creativity

To enhance the fun and engagement, Clarkston introduced behavior parties every nine weeks, celebrating excellent conduct with glow-in-the-dark dance parties and upcoming ice skating events. This initiative not only recognized good behavior but celebrated it in style, reinforcing the idea that positive actions were valued and appreciated by teachers and staff. Students have to meet certain exceptional criteria to qualify for these parties, ensuring that students always have a reward to work towards. 

The Social Twist: Leadership Assemblies and Randomized Fun

However, challenges arose as students strategized to earn just enough points for desired prizes. Students would be on top of their students until they qualified for the party every nine weeks. In response, Clarkston introduced leadership assemblies, spotlighting students who achieved specific point thresholds. The innovative use of a randomizer to select students for engaging games injected an element of surprise and intrinsic motivation into the system. The boost in student behavior after implementing these assemblies was remarkable. These elements work together to create a comprehensive behavior system that fosters a positive and respectful atmosphere conducive to learning in elementary schools.

The Role of the Behavior Committee: A Collaborative Approach

Sarah emphasizes that Clarkston's success is a collective effort. The Behavior Committee, consisting of teachers, administrators, and the school counselor, played a crucial role in brainstorming and strategizing a holistic approach to behavior management tailored to different grade levels. The importance of her behavior committee helped shape their school-wide behavior goals into tangible achievements for all students. Additionally, LiveSchool enables her behavior team to analyze school behavior norms and adjust their program as necessary.

A Return to the Roots

What makes this transformation even more impactful is Sarah's personal connection to Clarkston. Having started her journey as a teacher at the school, her return as principal brings a unique perspective. She understands the community, empathizes with the teachers, and seeks to create an environment that nurtures not only academic success but also emotional well-being. Sarah is seeing a positive impact on her school and community through this strategy. 

Facing the Challenges of the Modern Student

In a poignant reflection, Sarah acknowledges the challenges today's students face—social pressures, the ubiquity of technology, and heightened academic expectations. In response, Clarkston Elementary is not just an educational institution; it's a haven that amplifies the importance of doing the right thing, instilling in students the values of respect, responsibility, and hard work. Implementing LiveSchool has allowed Sarah and her staff to teach the whole child life skills. 

A Billboard Message for Every Principal

Sarah leaves a thought-provoking message for every principal on a hypothetical billboard: "Be the positive and show the positive." In a world filled with external noise and challenges, she advocates for principals to become beacons of positivity, guiding their schools toward an environment where every success, no matter how small, is celebrated. Sarah is truly a born leader who recognizes the importance of positive reinforcement. 

Rewriting the Script

The story of Clarkston Elementary School is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to positive change. As LiveSchool and the dedicated team at Clarkston continue to reshape the narrative, one behavior point at a time, the school stands as a shining example of what's possible when a community comes together to rewrite the script for the benefit of its students.

Bowmar Elementary is a rural K-6 elementary school in Vicksburg, Mississippi. They are a “Leader in Me” school. The “Leader in Me” program is based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, the program engages the students in student-led parent/teacher conferences, tracking data, setting personal and academic goals, public speaking, creating action teams and actively working together to resolve disputes.

Bowmar uses LiveSchool to support behavior and build culture, as well as facilitate their Leader in Me program

In May 2014, Bowmar Elementary, along with Bovina Elementary, was recognized as a “Lighthouse School” by FranklinCovey Education, designer of the “Leader in Me” program. 

  • 376 Students
  • Minority Enrollment of 47.9%
  • 100% Free and Reduced Lunch
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We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.

About the Presenter

Mary Quinn is a 6th Grade Math Teacher at Bowmar Elementary in Vicksburg Mississippi. Over the past Seven years in the classroom, Mary Quinn has been apart of her schools Lighthouse Team, Student Lighthouse Team Coordinator, PBIS Committee, Culture Committee, and was named the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year. Through her leadership positions, Mary Quinn has implemented LiveSchool in her classroom and promotes positive energy throughout her school. Mary Quinn enjoys being a Coach’s Wife and a mom to her two-year-old daughter, Liza True. 

About the Event

Sarah delves into their challenges with the existing system, the evolution towards a more streamlined solution, and their ultimate success through innovation and collaboration.

Embracing the Positive Reinforcement Journey

Upon assuming the principal role at Clarkston, Sarah recognized the need for a change in their behavior system. Cougar Cash, the existing system, had its merits, but it proved to be time-consuming and challenging to manage. Teachers and staff were cutting and printing cash every nine weeks, and students needed help in handling physical cash, leading to swaps, losses, and potential misuse. 

Seeking a sustainable and efficient alternative, Sarah and her team discovered LiveSchool, a comprehensive platform that acknowledged positive behaviors and documented unwanted behaviors without deducting points.

From Cash to Points

LiveSchool became the new currency at Clarkston, replacing Cougar Cash. Students earned points for positive actions, and every three weeks, the Cougar Cart, their school store, opened its doors. Here, students exchanged their hard-earned LiveSchool points for various prizes, creating a tangible and exciting reward system. The digital tracking system made it easier for students to keep up with their points, eliminating the challenges associated with physical currency.

Liveschool offers a daily platform for students and parents to assess behavioral standards, featuring a distinctive system that empowers Sarah to engage with parents instantly.

Behavior Parties and Unleashing Creativity

To enhance the fun and engagement, Clarkston introduced behavior parties every nine weeks, celebrating excellent conduct with glow-in-the-dark dance parties and upcoming ice skating events. This initiative not only recognized good behavior but celebrated it in style, reinforcing the idea that positive actions were valued and appreciated by teachers and staff. Students have to meet certain exceptional criteria to qualify for these parties, ensuring that students always have a reward to work towards. 

The Social Twist: Leadership Assemblies and Randomized Fun

However, challenges arose as students strategized to earn just enough points for desired prizes. Students would be on top of their students until they qualified for the party every nine weeks. In response, Clarkston introduced leadership assemblies, spotlighting students who achieved specific point thresholds. The innovative use of a randomizer to select students for engaging games injected an element of surprise and intrinsic motivation into the system. The boost in student behavior after implementing these assemblies was remarkable. These elements work together to create a comprehensive behavior system that fosters a positive and respectful atmosphere conducive to learning in elementary schools.

The Role of the Behavior Committee: A Collaborative Approach

Sarah emphasizes that Clarkston's success is a collective effort. The Behavior Committee, consisting of teachers, administrators, and the school counselor, played a crucial role in brainstorming and strategizing a holistic approach to behavior management tailored to different grade levels. The importance of her behavior committee helped shape their school-wide behavior goals into tangible achievements for all students. Additionally, LiveSchool enables her behavior team to analyze school behavior norms and adjust their program as necessary.

A Return to the Roots

What makes this transformation even more impactful is Sarah's personal connection to Clarkston. Having started her journey as a teacher at the school, her return as principal brings a unique perspective. She understands the community, empathizes with the teachers, and seeks to create an environment that nurtures not only academic success but also emotional well-being. Sarah is seeing a positive impact on her school and community through this strategy. 

Facing the Challenges of the Modern Student

In a poignant reflection, Sarah acknowledges the challenges today's students face—social pressures, the ubiquity of technology, and heightened academic expectations. In response, Clarkston Elementary is not just an educational institution; it's a haven that amplifies the importance of doing the right thing, instilling in students the values of respect, responsibility, and hard work. Implementing LiveSchool has allowed Sarah and her staff to teach the whole child life skills. 

A Billboard Message for Every Principal

Sarah leaves a thought-provoking message for every principal on a hypothetical billboard: "Be the positive and show the positive." In a world filled with external noise and challenges, she advocates for principals to become beacons of positivity, guiding their schools toward an environment where every success, no matter how small, is celebrated. Sarah is truly a born leader who recognizes the importance of positive reinforcement. 

Rewriting the Script

The story of Clarkston Elementary School is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to positive change. As LiveSchool and the dedicated team at Clarkston continue to reshape the narrative, one behavior point at a time, the school stands as a shining example of what's possible when a community comes together to rewrite the script for the benefit of its students.

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About the Event

Sarah delves into their challenges with the existing system, the evolution towards a more streamlined solution, and their ultimate success through innovation and collaboration.

Embracing the Positive Reinforcement Journey

Upon assuming the principal role at Clarkston, Sarah recognized the need for a change in their behavior system. Cougar Cash, the existing system, had its merits, but it proved to be time-consuming and challenging to manage. Teachers and staff were cutting and printing cash every nine weeks, and students needed help in handling physical cash, leading to swaps, losses, and potential misuse. 

Seeking a sustainable and efficient alternative, Sarah and her team discovered LiveSchool, a comprehensive platform that acknowledged positive behaviors and documented unwanted behaviors without deducting points.

From Cash to Points

LiveSchool became the new currency at Clarkston, replacing Cougar Cash. Students earned points for positive actions, and every three weeks, the Cougar Cart, their school store, opened its doors. Here, students exchanged their hard-earned LiveSchool points for various prizes, creating a tangible and exciting reward system. The digital tracking system made it easier for students to keep up with their points, eliminating the challenges associated with physical currency.

Liveschool offers a daily platform for students and parents to assess behavioral standards, featuring a distinctive system that empowers Sarah to engage with parents instantly.

Behavior Parties and Unleashing Creativity

To enhance the fun and engagement, Clarkston introduced behavior parties every nine weeks, celebrating excellent conduct with glow-in-the-dark dance parties and upcoming ice skating events. This initiative not only recognized good behavior but celebrated it in style, reinforcing the idea that positive actions were valued and appreciated by teachers and staff. Students have to meet certain exceptional criteria to qualify for these parties, ensuring that students always have a reward to work towards. 

The Social Twist: Leadership Assemblies and Randomized Fun

However, challenges arose as students strategized to earn just enough points for desired prizes. Students would be on top of their students until they qualified for the party every nine weeks. In response, Clarkston introduced leadership assemblies, spotlighting students who achieved specific point thresholds. The innovative use of a randomizer to select students for engaging games injected an element of surprise and intrinsic motivation into the system. The boost in student behavior after implementing these assemblies was remarkable. These elements work together to create a comprehensive behavior system that fosters a positive and respectful atmosphere conducive to learning in elementary schools.

The Role of the Behavior Committee: A Collaborative Approach

Sarah emphasizes that Clarkston's success is a collective effort. The Behavior Committee, consisting of teachers, administrators, and the school counselor, played a crucial role in brainstorming and strategizing a holistic approach to behavior management tailored to different grade levels. The importance of her behavior committee helped shape their school-wide behavior goals into tangible achievements for all students. Additionally, LiveSchool enables her behavior team to analyze school behavior norms and adjust their program as necessary.

A Return to the Roots

What makes this transformation even more impactful is Sarah's personal connection to Clarkston. Having started her journey as a teacher at the school, her return as principal brings a unique perspective. She understands the community, empathizes with the teachers, and seeks to create an environment that nurtures not only academic success but also emotional well-being. Sarah is seeing a positive impact on her school and community through this strategy. 

Facing the Challenges of the Modern Student

In a poignant reflection, Sarah acknowledges the challenges today's students face—social pressures, the ubiquity of technology, and heightened academic expectations. In response, Clarkston Elementary is not just an educational institution; it's a haven that amplifies the importance of doing the right thing, instilling in students the values of respect, responsibility, and hard work. Implementing LiveSchool has allowed Sarah and her staff to teach the whole child life skills. 

A Billboard Message for Every Principal

Sarah leaves a thought-provoking message for every principal on a hypothetical billboard: "Be the positive and show the positive." In a world filled with external noise and challenges, she advocates for principals to become beacons of positivity, guiding their schools toward an environment where every success, no matter how small, is celebrated. Sarah is truly a born leader who recognizes the importance of positive reinforcement. 

Rewriting the Script

The story of Clarkston Elementary School is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to positive change. As LiveSchool and the dedicated team at Clarkston continue to reshape the narrative, one behavior point at a time, the school stands as a shining example of what's possible when a community comes together to rewrite the script for the benefit of its students.

Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.

In the heart of Tyler, Texas, a remarkable transformation is unfolding at Clarkston Elementary School in Tyler ISD. Principal Sarah Cureton, a dynamic leader, shares the inspiring story of how she and her team overhauled their school's behavior system, fostering a positive and rewarding environment for students through implementing PBIS.

Sarah delves into their challenges with the existing system, the evolution towards a more streamlined solution, and their ultimate success through innovation and collaboration.

Embracing the Positive Reinforcement Journey

Upon assuming the principal role at Clarkston, Sarah recognized the need for a change in their behavior system. Cougar Cash, the existing system, had its merits, but it proved to be time-consuming and challenging to manage. Teachers and staff were cutting and printing cash every nine weeks, and students needed help in handling physical cash, leading to swaps, losses, and potential misuse. 

Seeking a sustainable and efficient alternative, Sarah and her team discovered LiveSchool, a comprehensive platform that acknowledged positive behaviors and documented unwanted behaviors without deducting points.

From Cash to Points

LiveSchool became the new currency at Clarkston, replacing Cougar Cash. Students earned points for positive actions, and every three weeks, the Cougar Cart, their school store, opened its doors. Here, students exchanged their hard-earned LiveSchool points for various prizes, creating a tangible and exciting reward system. The digital tracking system made it easier for students to keep up with their points, eliminating the challenges associated with physical currency.

Liveschool offers a daily platform for students and parents to assess behavioral standards, featuring a distinctive system that empowers Sarah to engage with parents instantly.

Behavior Parties and Unleashing Creativity

To enhance the fun and engagement, Clarkston introduced behavior parties every nine weeks, celebrating excellent conduct with glow-in-the-dark dance parties and upcoming ice skating events. This initiative not only recognized good behavior but celebrated it in style, reinforcing the idea that positive actions were valued and appreciated by teachers and staff. Students have to meet certain exceptional criteria to qualify for these parties, ensuring that students always have a reward to work towards. 

The Social Twist: Leadership Assemblies and Randomized Fun

However, challenges arose as students strategized to earn just enough points for desired prizes. Students would be on top of their students until they qualified for the party every nine weeks. In response, Clarkston introduced leadership assemblies, spotlighting students who achieved specific point thresholds. The innovative use of a randomizer to select students for engaging games injected an element of surprise and intrinsic motivation into the system. The boost in student behavior after implementing these assemblies was remarkable. These elements work together to create a comprehensive behavior system that fosters a positive and respectful atmosphere conducive to learning in elementary schools.

The Role of the Behavior Committee: A Collaborative Approach

Sarah emphasizes that Clarkston's success is a collective effort. The Behavior Committee, consisting of teachers, administrators, and the school counselor, played a crucial role in brainstorming and strategizing a holistic approach to behavior management tailored to different grade levels. The importance of her behavior committee helped shape their school-wide behavior goals into tangible achievements for all students. Additionally, LiveSchool enables her behavior team to analyze school behavior norms and adjust their program as necessary.

A Return to the Roots

What makes this transformation even more impactful is Sarah's personal connection to Clarkston. Having started her journey as a teacher at the school, her return as principal brings a unique perspective. She understands the community, empathizes with the teachers, and seeks to create an environment that nurtures not only academic success but also emotional well-being. Sarah is seeing a positive impact on her school and community through this strategy. 

Facing the Challenges of the Modern Student

In a poignant reflection, Sarah acknowledges the challenges today's students face—social pressures, the ubiquity of technology, and heightened academic expectations. In response, Clarkston Elementary is not just an educational institution; it's a haven that amplifies the importance of doing the right thing, instilling in students the values of respect, responsibility, and hard work. Implementing LiveSchool has allowed Sarah and her staff to teach the whole child life skills. 

A Billboard Message for Every Principal

Sarah leaves a thought-provoking message for every principal on a hypothetical billboard: "Be the positive and show the positive." In a world filled with external noise and challenges, she advocates for principals to become beacons of positivity, guiding their schools toward an environment where every success, no matter how small, is celebrated. Sarah is truly a born leader who recognizes the importance of positive reinforcement. 

Rewriting the Script

The story of Clarkston Elementary School is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to positive change. As LiveSchool and the dedicated team at Clarkston continue to reshape the narrative, one behavior point at a time, the school stands as a shining example of what's possible when a community comes together to rewrite the script for the benefit of its students.

Learn more about the author, 
Mary Quinn Wood
 
Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.

In the heart of Tyler, Texas, a remarkable transformation is unfolding at Clarkston Elementary School in Tyler ISD. Principal Sarah Cureton, a dynamic leader, shares the inspiring story of how she and her team overhauled their school's behavior system, fostering a positive and rewarding environment for students through implementing PBIS.

Sarah delves into their challenges with the existing system, the evolution towards a more streamlined solution, and their ultimate success through innovation and collaboration.

Embracing the Positive Reinforcement Journey

Upon assuming the principal role at Clarkston, Sarah recognized the need for a change in their behavior system. Cougar Cash, the existing system, had its merits, but it proved to be time-consuming and challenging to manage. Teachers and staff were cutting and printing cash every nine weeks, and students needed help in handling physical cash, leading to swaps, losses, and potential misuse. 

Seeking a sustainable and efficient alternative, Sarah and her team discovered LiveSchool, a comprehensive platform that acknowledged positive behaviors and documented unwanted behaviors without deducting points.

From Cash to Points

LiveSchool became the new currency at Clarkston, replacing Cougar Cash. Students earned points for positive actions, and every three weeks, the Cougar Cart, their school store, opened its doors. Here, students exchanged their hard-earned LiveSchool points for various prizes, creating a tangible and exciting reward system. The digital tracking system made it easier for students to keep up with their points, eliminating the challenges associated with physical currency.

Liveschool offers a daily platform for students and parents to assess behavioral standards, featuring a distinctive system that empowers Sarah to engage with parents instantly.

Behavior Parties and Unleashing Creativity

To enhance the fun and engagement, Clarkston introduced behavior parties every nine weeks, celebrating excellent conduct with glow-in-the-dark dance parties and upcoming ice skating events. This initiative not only recognized good behavior but celebrated it in style, reinforcing the idea that positive actions were valued and appreciated by teachers and staff. Students have to meet certain exceptional criteria to qualify for these parties, ensuring that students always have a reward to work towards. 

The Social Twist: Leadership Assemblies and Randomized Fun

However, challenges arose as students strategized to earn just enough points for desired prizes. Students would be on top of their students until they qualified for the party every nine weeks. In response, Clarkston introduced leadership assemblies, spotlighting students who achieved specific point thresholds. The innovative use of a randomizer to select students for engaging games injected an element of surprise and intrinsic motivation into the system. The boost in student behavior after implementing these assemblies was remarkable. These elements work together to create a comprehensive behavior system that fosters a positive and respectful atmosphere conducive to learning in elementary schools.

The Role of the Behavior Committee: A Collaborative Approach

Sarah emphasizes that Clarkston's success is a collective effort. The Behavior Committee, consisting of teachers, administrators, and the school counselor, played a crucial role in brainstorming and strategizing a holistic approach to behavior management tailored to different grade levels. The importance of her behavior committee helped shape their school-wide behavior goals into tangible achievements for all students. Additionally, LiveSchool enables her behavior team to analyze school behavior norms and adjust their program as necessary.

A Return to the Roots

What makes this transformation even more impactful is Sarah's personal connection to Clarkston. Having started her journey as a teacher at the school, her return as principal brings a unique perspective. She understands the community, empathizes with the teachers, and seeks to create an environment that nurtures not only academic success but also emotional well-being. Sarah is seeing a positive impact on her school and community through this strategy. 

Facing the Challenges of the Modern Student

In a poignant reflection, Sarah acknowledges the challenges today's students face—social pressures, the ubiquity of technology, and heightened academic expectations. In response, Clarkston Elementary is not just an educational institution; it's a haven that amplifies the importance of doing the right thing, instilling in students the values of respect, responsibility, and hard work. Implementing LiveSchool has allowed Sarah and her staff to teach the whole child life skills. 

A Billboard Message for Every Principal

Sarah leaves a thought-provoking message for every principal on a hypothetical billboard: "Be the positive and show the positive." In a world filled with external noise and challenges, she advocates for principals to become beacons of positivity, guiding their schools toward an environment where every success, no matter how small, is celebrated. Sarah is truly a born leader who recognizes the importance of positive reinforcement. 

Rewriting the Script

The story of Clarkston Elementary School is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to positive change. As LiveSchool and the dedicated team at Clarkston continue to reshape the narrative, one behavior point at a time, the school stands as a shining example of what's possible when a community comes together to rewrite the script for the benefit of its students.

Learn more about the author, 
Mary Quinn Wood
 

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