PBIS has announced its students of the month and staff member of the month recipients for the month of March.

Social studies teacher Rebecca Rickeard nominated healthcare teacher Julie McKenna because she has expanded the health science program. She has also encouraged many people to take a career in the medical field.

“Mrs. McKenna is just amazing,” Rickeard said. “She is one of the most important teachers in this school.”

Other staff member nominated include science teachers Staci Killingsworth, Jessica Tatum, and Amy Hinote, English teacher Juliana Wright, math teacher John Bowen, social studies teacher Aaron Buck, AV teacher Patt Coleman, Spanish teacher Laura Alldredge, drama teacher Lauren Kuykendall, computer specialist IIona Canada, attendance office secretary Brandy Hearing, guidance secretary Stacy Nichols, and head custodian Tri Ha.

Science teacher Kelly Rock nominated track and field athlete and senior Nikita Jones for helping out during the track season. While injured, he encouraged his teammates and continued to help the team as best he could.

“He has continued to show up to meets and support his teammates,” Rock said. ”He is very responsible.”

Other upperclassmen nominees were seniors Faith Henry, Rima Balhas, and Annabella Orndorff, and juniors Adeline Harper and Charles Clem.

Spanish teacher Madeline Rodriguez nominated sophomore Ella Griswold for being responsible with her work. She turns in work even when absent.

“Ella is very kind and understanding,” Rodriguez said. “She has taken under her wing students who need additional help.”

Other underclassmen nominees were sophomores Tori Poliak, Amelia Ellison, Zachary Bennett, Gabby Roach, and Madelyn Allen, and freshmen Mayson Groover and Pierce Jack.

Once a month Elise Heaton, 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, a PBIS coach, and other faculty and staff, voted on the PBIS staff and students of the month. 

“The PBIS program at Starr’s Mill helps us focus on the three core values that we want all of our students and staff to exhibit on a daily basis: respect, accountability, and responsibility,” assistant principal Elise Heaton. “So with PBIS and focusing on these three things we can celebrate the positive things going on in our building instead of the negative things, which will hopefully encourage others to show those positive values as well.”