PBIS has announced Student of the Month and Staff Member of the Month recipients for the month of September.

Spanish teacher Amber Boyd recognized freshman Adelae Barkley because she embodies all the attributes of an exemplary Starr’s Mill Student. She is respectful to her teachers and peers and responsible with her school work.  

“Adelae really embodies all of the PBIS values that we have. She’s respectful, accountable, responsible,” Boyd said. “She takes her work seriously and she cares about the students in the class. She is a person of integrity and these days that is very important to be and have.” 

Other underclassmen receiving nominations included freshmen Emily Purcer, Chris Peckett, Cora Harris, and Mark Panait.

English teacher and speech and debate coach Terence Fitzgerald recognized senior Isabella McDonald because she has been supportive and Inspirational in his 5th period speech class.

“Isabella is a terrific student in speech class. Having a positive environment is key to student success, and I feel like she brings it,” Fitzgerald said.  “Isabella is just a great person motivating others to do good speeches.”

Other upperclassmen receiving nominations included seniors Rylie Hamilton, Garrett Jones, and  juniors Cheyenne Mitchell, Peyton Jones, Anthony Devarez, Camilo Velez, and Katelyn Griffin.

Student of the Month winners receive a t-shirt and earn a place on the Wall of Stars in the 800 hallway.

Athletic secretary Stacy Nichols recognized front office secretaries Leslie Frey and Dana Clevenger for being resourceful in finding substitute teachers in a short time span since the pandemic hit.

“They have had an increase in responsibilities ever since the pandemic with teachers being out sick or taking care of ill family members often having to be out sometimes at the last minute,” Nichols said. 

Other teachers receiving nominations for the month of September included athletic secretary Stacy Nichols, math teacher Derek Abrams, paraprofessional Macie Comeau, and guidance counselor Connie Patterson.

Once a month Andrea Freeman, the assistant principal in charge of PBIS, sends out a link for staff members to nominate students and teachers on their good behavior. The PBIS committee, composed of Freeman, PBIS coach Adriah Williamson, and other faculty and staff, vote on the PBIS staff and students of the month. 

“[PBIS] a system and a framework that rewards students for positive behavior,” Freeman said. “Research tells us that when we work in an environment that rewards positive behavior, rather than focusing on the consequences from negative behavior, then students and staff will internalize those behaviors better and more effectively.”