ROSEBORO — For its efforts toward promoting positive behavior, Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School received a big honor.
The North Carolina Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Initiative (PBIS) recently recognized RSMS as a Green Ribbon School for the 2015-2016 academic year. Criteria set by the N.C. Department of Instruction (DPI) was set.
Principal Shajuana Sellers is proud of the accomplishment based on the implementation of the program. Expectations of behavior are divided into four categories: respect, safety, motivation and self-control.
“We model and expect the behaviors from these areas in each of different places in school,” Sellers said.
Sellers added that there’s an emphasis on schoolwide systems of support that include proactive strategies for defining, teaching and supporting student behaviors to create a positive school environments.
“It is positive behavior support for all students within the school implemented in areas including the classroom and non-classroom settings, such as hallways, buses and restrooms,” she said.
At the beginning of the school year, teachers use videos and show suitable behavior during a period known as Leopard Time. Students are also awarded for going beyond the expectations for positive behaviors.
The school in the Sampson County district was one of two recognized as Green Ribbon School. Union High School was also honored for implementing strategies to help students manage behaviors.
Schools throughout North Carolina are required to have a PBIS program. According to the DPI, the mission of the program is provide leadership, professional development, resources and on-going support. After schools are honored as Green Ribbon Schools, they’re eligible for PBIS Model and PBIS Exemplar recognition, which are based on improving requirements.
During a previous meeting for the Sampson County Schools Board of Education, Sellers made a presentation about improvements at the schools. One of the goals is to decrease discipline referrals by 20 percent during the 2016-2017 school year.