Hemlock Middle School is excited to announce the continued implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and LiveSchool, two initiatives aimed at fostering a positive school environment and encouraging student growth. These programs not only support student academic and behavioral success, but also highlight the creativity and leadership of our student body while offering tangible, exciting rewards through our new PAWS Store.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
PBIS is a framework designed to create a positive, inclusive school climate by teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors. At Hemlock Middle School, PBIS helps students succeed by:
Encouraging a Culture of Positivity: PBIS promotes respect and collaboration between students and staff, reducing disciplinary issues and fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
Motivating Students Through Engagement: Students are rewarded for meeting clear expectations, ensuring they feel supported and recognized.
Supporting Social-Emotional Growth: By learning empathy, problem-solving, and responsibility, students are equipped for lifelong success.
To re-introduce PBIS, we collaborated with our Student Council, who are producing PBIS videos to demonstrate appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. These fun and engaging videos, which will feature our own students, help peers understand how to earn points through positive actions like helping others, cleaning up, or going above and beyond in class. A Google form was used to invite student participation, and the overwhelming response highlights the enthusiasm for this initiative. Students who were not chosen for the current project will be given priority for future opportunities. These videos will be utilized for years to come, with new productions created periodically to feature current students.
The PAWS Store: Where Points Pay Off
One of the most exciting components of our PBIS program is the re-opening of the PAWS Store, where students can redeem points earned through positive behaviors.
At the PAWS Store, students can use their accumulated points to purchase a wide range of prizes. Items in the store vary in point value, allowing students to save up for more unique or high-value rewards. Some of the exciting prizes include:
School supplies, games, and sensory/stress-relief items.
Wristbands and other fun accessories.
Reserved lunch table privileges or lunch with the principal.
Tickets to Spirit Hockey games.
The PAWS Store is a powerful motivator, connecting positive behaviors with meaningful rewards and giving students a sense of accomplishment and ownership in their success.
LiveSchool: Powering PBIS with Real-Time Feedback
To complement PBIS, we utilize LiveSchool, a platform that tracks positive behaviors, provides real-time feedback, and fosters collaboration between students, teachers, and parents.
LiveSchool enables us to:
Celebrate students’ successes with immediate rewards and feedback.
Equip teachers with tools to build positive classroom relationships.
Use data to identify trends, implement targeted interventions, and refine our approach.
Empowering Students Through Leadership
At Hemlock Middle School, we’re especially proud of how our students have stepped up to lead and support these initiatives. From starring in PBIS videos to modeling positive behaviors, they have embraced their roles as leaders and ambassadors for our school culture.
The combination of PBIS, LiveSchool, and the PAWS Store reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant, supportive, and engaging school environment. These initiatives empower our students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally while fostering a stronger sense of community among students, staff, and families.
For more information about PBIS, LiveSchool, or the PAWS Store, please contact Mr. Inabinet at 989-642-5253. Together, we are building a school where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to succeed.