Discover how PBIS transformed Taylor Middle School, fostering positivity, inclusivity, and success.
With all of this going on, Taylor Middle School understandably also had trouble with faculty and staff staying motivated. Many teachers' attitudes were very negative because the school climate and culture were so bad. Managing student behavior was viewed as a battle that just couldn’t be won.
When Laci Lockwood, the Principal of Taylor Middle, joined the school six years ago, she had a daunting task. She needed to find a way to turn the school around, make it safe again, and help the teachers realize that positive change was achievable. She wanted her students to be better, and she knew that they could be.
When Laci Lockwood decided to give PBIS a try in her school at the suggestion of a mentor, she knew she had to find the strongest people in her building to lead the charge. She needed teachers who really wanted to make a change and were willing to stay the course. It wouldn’t be an easy or quick process, and Laci knew she needed to be selective about who she chose to be part of the committee. She needed teachers who were willing to be vulnerable and willing to communicate openly and honestly with one another about the problems facing the school.
Laci ultimately found a nice cross-section of teachers and administrators who were willing to form a PBIS committee. The team of six worked tirelessly through the summer - from May until August - with no additional compensation, to get the new program up and running. They knew how important this was to the future of Taylor Middle. They wanted people to feel it was safe to send their kids to school.
They spent a lot of time developing their core values:
These are the types of good behavior they wanted to reward students for, and these core values remain the focus today.
But everyone knew that deciding their core values was just a first step. They had to make sure they could get the students and teachers on board. They needed the teachers to bring a positive attitude into school, and fully embrace the PBIS program if they had any hope of influencing the students and making school-wide change.
The Platinum Club was one of the first initiatives started as part of the PBIS program. It recognizes the top 15 positive point winners for the seventh and the eighth grades each week.
Students are called down to the office for recognition, and teachers are emailed the list of students so they can also make a big deal of the accomplishment. The list of students is also furnished to the teachers via email, enabling them to acknowledge the outstanding achievement. Weekly winners get a star similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and their picture is hung in the atrium. They also get an envelope of coupons for things like “free pencil” or “skip to the front of the lunch line” - things that cost nothing extra to the school, but are a big deal to the students. In addition, students are recognized in the weekly digital newsletter that is sent out.
The Platinum Club is noteworthy for its inclusivity. Rather than being exclusive, it welcomes all students, including those with special needs and English language learners. With new students continually joining, the club fosters a diverse and welcoming environment. Everyone has an equal opportunity to become part of the club.
The demographics of Taylor Middle include everyone from high-income to very low-income families. Laci Lockwood and her staff’s number one goal is for students not to feel there is any difference between them. They are all part of the school community and they are all viewed as equals, no matter what their background is.
Taylor Middle makes it a point to celebrate positive behavior and reward students on the days before extended breaks especially. They feel this helps attendance rates on those days and makes students who might otherwise go home to a less-than-ideal environment over break, feel appreciated and valued for as long as possible.
With the PBIS system in place, Taylor Middle’s view of negative behaviors has changed. They are no longer seen as “bad,” but rather as areas for improvement and where kids need help. Teachers and administrators then work with those students to help them turn things around and address what might be bothering them. The office is no longer seen as just a place where discipline happens, but as a safe place where students can go for help, when they are upset, or when they just need a little break.
One of the reasons the PBIS program has remained a success is that Laci and the administrators at Lovington Municipal School District are very intentional about who they hire.
From very early on in the interview process, Laci is looking to see what kinds of experiences candidates have had in their careers. She wants to know how they think they can contribute and make a difference in the school. And once they are hired, teachers are expected to immerse themselves in the PBIS culture fully.
Five full years after Taylor Middle School implemented PBIS, they are now a National Showcase School for Capturing Kids' Hearts. PBIS is at the core of everything they do and is fully embedded in Taylor Middle School’s culture. There are still original members of the PBIS committee that serve on the committee today. Teachers hold other teachers responsible, but even more importantly, kids hold the teachers responsible.
This year alone, Tyler Middle School has:
From the time school starts until the time school ends, LiveSchool is up and running. Laci Lockwood believes the tool has transformed the lives of her staff and students, helping to balance intrinsic motivation with extrinsic motivation. According to Laci Lockwood, the tool has had a transformative impact on both her staff and students, facilitating a harmonious integration of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Six years ago, Laci had minimal positive behavior to report in her school.
But today? She has so much positive data to report that she no longer even bothers reporting the negative.
And guess what? The positive data is a lot more fun!
Hear more from Laci about Taylor Middle's experience with LiveSchool here.
With all of this going on, Taylor Middle School understandably also had trouble with faculty and staff staying motivated. Many teachers' attitudes were very negative because the school climate and culture were so bad. Managing student behavior was viewed as a battle that just couldn’t be won.
When Laci Lockwood, the Principal of Taylor Middle, joined the school six years ago, she had a daunting task. She needed to find a way to turn the school around, make it safe again, and help the teachers realize that positive change was achievable. She wanted her students to be better, and she knew that they could be.
When Laci Lockwood decided to give PBIS a try in her school at the suggestion of a mentor, she knew she had to find the strongest people in her building to lead the charge. She needed teachers who really wanted to make a change and were willing to stay the course. It wouldn’t be an easy or quick process, and Laci knew she needed to be selective about who she chose to be part of the committee. She needed teachers who were willing to be vulnerable and willing to communicate openly and honestly with one another about the problems facing the school.
Laci ultimately found a nice cross-section of teachers and administrators who were willing to form a PBIS committee. The team of six worked tirelessly through the summer - from May until August - with no additional compensation, to get the new program up and running. They knew how important this was to the future of Taylor Middle. They wanted people to feel it was safe to send their kids to school.
They spent a lot of time developing their core values:
These are the types of good behavior they wanted to reward students for, and these core values remain the focus today.
But everyone knew that deciding their core values was just a first step. They had to make sure they could get the students and teachers on board. They needed the teachers to bring a positive attitude into school, and fully embrace the PBIS program if they had any hope of influencing the students and making school-wide change.
The Platinum Club was one of the first initiatives started as part of the PBIS program. It recognizes the top 15 positive point winners for the seventh and the eighth grades each week.
Students are called down to the office for recognition, and teachers are emailed the list of students so they can also make a big deal of the accomplishment. The list of students is also furnished to the teachers via email, enabling them to acknowledge the outstanding achievement. Weekly winners get a star similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and their picture is hung in the atrium. They also get an envelope of coupons for things like “free pencil” or “skip to the front of the lunch line” - things that cost nothing extra to the school, but are a big deal to the students. In addition, students are recognized in the weekly digital newsletter that is sent out.
The Platinum Club is noteworthy for its inclusivity. Rather than being exclusive, it welcomes all students, including those with special needs and English language learners. With new students continually joining, the club fosters a diverse and welcoming environment. Everyone has an equal opportunity to become part of the club.
The demographics of Taylor Middle include everyone from high-income to very low-income families. Laci Lockwood and her staff’s number one goal is for students not to feel there is any difference between them. They are all part of the school community and they are all viewed as equals, no matter what their background is.
Taylor Middle makes it a point to celebrate positive behavior and reward students on the days before extended breaks especially. They feel this helps attendance rates on those days and makes students who might otherwise go home to a less-than-ideal environment over break, feel appreciated and valued for as long as possible.
With the PBIS system in place, Taylor Middle’s view of negative behaviors has changed. They are no longer seen as “bad,” but rather as areas for improvement and where kids need help. Teachers and administrators then work with those students to help them turn things around and address what might be bothering them. The office is no longer seen as just a place where discipline happens, but as a safe place where students can go for help, when they are upset, or when they just need a little break.
One of the reasons the PBIS program has remained a success is that Laci and the administrators at Lovington Municipal School District are very intentional about who they hire.
From very early on in the interview process, Laci is looking to see what kinds of experiences candidates have had in their careers. She wants to know how they think they can contribute and make a difference in the school. And once they are hired, teachers are expected to immerse themselves in the PBIS culture fully.
Five full years after Taylor Middle School implemented PBIS, they are now a National Showcase School for Capturing Kids' Hearts. PBIS is at the core of everything they do and is fully embedded in Taylor Middle School’s culture. There are still original members of the PBIS committee that serve on the committee today. Teachers hold other teachers responsible, but even more importantly, kids hold the teachers responsible.
This year alone, Tyler Middle School has:
From the time school starts until the time school ends, LiveSchool is up and running. Laci Lockwood believes the tool has transformed the lives of her staff and students, helping to balance intrinsic motivation with extrinsic motivation. According to Laci Lockwood, the tool has had a transformative impact on both her staff and students, facilitating a harmonious integration of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Six years ago, Laci had minimal positive behavior to report in her school.
But today? She has so much positive data to report that she no longer even bothers reporting the negative.
And guess what? The positive data is a lot more fun!
Hear more from Laci about Taylor Middle's experience with LiveSchool here.
With all of this going on, Taylor Middle School understandably also had trouble with faculty and staff staying motivated. Many teachers' attitudes were very negative because the school climate and culture were so bad. Managing student behavior was viewed as a battle that just couldn’t be won.
When Laci Lockwood, the Principal of Taylor Middle, joined the school six years ago, she had a daunting task. She needed to find a way to turn the school around, make it safe again, and help the teachers realize that positive change was achievable. She wanted her students to be better, and she knew that they could be.
When Laci Lockwood decided to give PBIS a try in her school at the suggestion of a mentor, she knew she had to find the strongest people in her building to lead the charge. She needed teachers who really wanted to make a change and were willing to stay the course. It wouldn’t be an easy or quick process, and Laci knew she needed to be selective about who she chose to be part of the committee. She needed teachers who were willing to be vulnerable and willing to communicate openly and honestly with one another about the problems facing the school.
Laci ultimately found a nice cross-section of teachers and administrators who were willing to form a PBIS committee. The team of six worked tirelessly through the summer - from May until August - with no additional compensation, to get the new program up and running. They knew how important this was to the future of Taylor Middle. They wanted people to feel it was safe to send their kids to school.
They spent a lot of time developing their core values:
These are the types of good behavior they wanted to reward students for, and these core values remain the focus today.
But everyone knew that deciding their core values was just a first step. They had to make sure they could get the students and teachers on board. They needed the teachers to bring a positive attitude into school, and fully embrace the PBIS program if they had any hope of influencing the students and making school-wide change.
The Platinum Club was one of the first initiatives started as part of the PBIS program. It recognizes the top 15 positive point winners for the seventh and the eighth grades each week.
Students are called down to the office for recognition, and teachers are emailed the list of students so they can also make a big deal of the accomplishment. The list of students is also furnished to the teachers via email, enabling them to acknowledge the outstanding achievement. Weekly winners get a star similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and their picture is hung in the atrium. They also get an envelope of coupons for things like “free pencil” or “skip to the front of the lunch line” - things that cost nothing extra to the school, but are a big deal to the students. In addition, students are recognized in the weekly digital newsletter that is sent out.
The Platinum Club is noteworthy for its inclusivity. Rather than being exclusive, it welcomes all students, including those with special needs and English language learners. With new students continually joining, the club fosters a diverse and welcoming environment. Everyone has an equal opportunity to become part of the club.
The demographics of Taylor Middle include everyone from high-income to very low-income families. Laci Lockwood and her staff’s number one goal is for students not to feel there is any difference between them. They are all part of the school community and they are all viewed as equals, no matter what their background is.
Taylor Middle makes it a point to celebrate positive behavior and reward students on the days before extended breaks especially. They feel this helps attendance rates on those days and makes students who might otherwise go home to a less-than-ideal environment over break, feel appreciated and valued for as long as possible.
With the PBIS system in place, Taylor Middle’s view of negative behaviors has changed. They are no longer seen as “bad,” but rather as areas for improvement and where kids need help. Teachers and administrators then work with those students to help them turn things around and address what might be bothering them. The office is no longer seen as just a place where discipline happens, but as a safe place where students can go for help, when they are upset, or when they just need a little break.
One of the reasons the PBIS program has remained a success is that Laci and the administrators at Lovington Municipal School District are very intentional about who they hire.
From very early on in the interview process, Laci is looking to see what kinds of experiences candidates have had in their careers. She wants to know how they think they can contribute and make a difference in the school. And once they are hired, teachers are expected to immerse themselves in the PBIS culture fully.
Five full years after Taylor Middle School implemented PBIS, they are now a National Showcase School for Capturing Kids' Hearts. PBIS is at the core of everything they do and is fully embedded in Taylor Middle School’s culture. There are still original members of the PBIS committee that serve on the committee today. Teachers hold other teachers responsible, but even more importantly, kids hold the teachers responsible.
This year alone, Tyler Middle School has:
From the time school starts until the time school ends, LiveSchool is up and running. Laci Lockwood believes the tool has transformed the lives of her staff and students, helping to balance intrinsic motivation with extrinsic motivation. According to Laci Lockwood, the tool has had a transformative impact on both her staff and students, facilitating a harmonious integration of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Six years ago, Laci had minimal positive behavior to report in her school.
But today? She has so much positive data to report that she no longer even bothers reporting the negative.
And guess what? The positive data is a lot more fun!
Hear more from Laci about Taylor Middle's experience with LiveSchool here.
With all of this going on, Taylor Middle School understandably also had trouble with faculty and staff staying motivated. Many teachers' attitudes were very negative because the school climate and culture were so bad. Managing student behavior was viewed as a battle that just couldn’t be won.
When Laci Lockwood, the Principal of Taylor Middle, joined the school six years ago, she had a daunting task. She needed to find a way to turn the school around, make it safe again, and help the teachers realize that positive change was achievable. She wanted her students to be better, and she knew that they could be.
When Laci Lockwood decided to give PBIS a try in her school at the suggestion of a mentor, she knew she had to find the strongest people in her building to lead the charge. She needed teachers who really wanted to make a change and were willing to stay the course. It wouldn’t be an easy or quick process, and Laci knew she needed to be selective about who she chose to be part of the committee. She needed teachers who were willing to be vulnerable and willing to communicate openly and honestly with one another about the problems facing the school.
Laci ultimately found a nice cross-section of teachers and administrators who were willing to form a PBIS committee. The team of six worked tirelessly through the summer - from May until August - with no additional compensation, to get the new program up and running. They knew how important this was to the future of Taylor Middle. They wanted people to feel it was safe to send their kids to school.
They spent a lot of time developing their core values:
These are the types of good behavior they wanted to reward students for, and these core values remain the focus today.
But everyone knew that deciding their core values was just a first step. They had to make sure they could get the students and teachers on board. They needed the teachers to bring a positive attitude into school, and fully embrace the PBIS program if they had any hope of influencing the students and making school-wide change.
The Platinum Club was one of the first initiatives started as part of the PBIS program. It recognizes the top 15 positive point winners for the seventh and the eighth grades each week.
Students are called down to the office for recognition, and teachers are emailed the list of students so they can also make a big deal of the accomplishment. The list of students is also furnished to the teachers via email, enabling them to acknowledge the outstanding achievement. Weekly winners get a star similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and their picture is hung in the atrium. They also get an envelope of coupons for things like “free pencil” or “skip to the front of the lunch line” - things that cost nothing extra to the school, but are a big deal to the students. In addition, students are recognized in the weekly digital newsletter that is sent out.
The Platinum Club is noteworthy for its inclusivity. Rather than being exclusive, it welcomes all students, including those with special needs and English language learners. With new students continually joining, the club fosters a diverse and welcoming environment. Everyone has an equal opportunity to become part of the club.
The demographics of Taylor Middle include everyone from high-income to very low-income families. Laci Lockwood and her staff’s number one goal is for students not to feel there is any difference between them. They are all part of the school community and they are all viewed as equals, no matter what their background is.
Taylor Middle makes it a point to celebrate positive behavior and reward students on the days before extended breaks especially. They feel this helps attendance rates on those days and makes students who might otherwise go home to a less-than-ideal environment over break, feel appreciated and valued for as long as possible.
With the PBIS system in place, Taylor Middle’s view of negative behaviors has changed. They are no longer seen as “bad,” but rather as areas for improvement and where kids need help. Teachers and administrators then work with those students to help them turn things around and address what might be bothering them. The office is no longer seen as just a place where discipline happens, but as a safe place where students can go for help, when they are upset, or when they just need a little break.
One of the reasons the PBIS program has remained a success is that Laci and the administrators at Lovington Municipal School District are very intentional about who they hire.
From very early on in the interview process, Laci is looking to see what kinds of experiences candidates have had in their careers. She wants to know how they think they can contribute and make a difference in the school. And once they are hired, teachers are expected to immerse themselves in the PBIS culture fully.
Five full years after Taylor Middle School implemented PBIS, they are now a National Showcase School for Capturing Kids' Hearts. PBIS is at the core of everything they do and is fully embedded in Taylor Middle School’s culture. There are still original members of the PBIS committee that serve on the committee today. Teachers hold other teachers responsible, but even more importantly, kids hold the teachers responsible.
This year alone, Tyler Middle School has:
From the time school starts until the time school ends, LiveSchool is up and running. Laci Lockwood believes the tool has transformed the lives of her staff and students, helping to balance intrinsic motivation with extrinsic motivation. According to Laci Lockwood, the tool has had a transformative impact on both her staff and students, facilitating a harmonious integration of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Six years ago, Laci had minimal positive behavior to report in her school.
But today? She has so much positive data to report that she no longer even bothers reporting the negative.
And guess what? The positive data is a lot more fun!
Hear more from Laci about Taylor Middle's experience with LiveSchool here.
Becky Thal currently works as an edtech consultant in the field of marketing. Previous roles have included 5th grade math/science teacher and advertising executive. Becky is active in many online communities, as well as her local community. She is always open to collaborating on new projects! In her spare time, Becky enjoys trips to the beach, trying new restaurants, and attending her kids’ various sports games and events. She lives with her husband, three children, and Labradoodle, in New Jersey.
People were afraid to send their kids to Taylor Middle School in Lovington, New Mexico - the behavior was that bad. It was the only middle school in the district, but it was also identified as one of the worst schools in the community. There was heavy drug use, kids threatening teachers, and a slew of other problems.
With all of this going on, Taylor Middle School understandably also had trouble with faculty and staff staying motivated. Many teachers' attitudes were very negative because the school climate and culture were so bad. Managing student behavior was viewed as a battle that just couldn’t be won.
When Laci Lockwood, the Principal of Taylor Middle, joined the school six years ago, she had a daunting task. She needed to find a way to turn the school around, make it safe again, and help the teachers realize that positive change was achievable. She wanted her students to be better, and she knew that they could be.
When Laci Lockwood decided to give PBIS a try in her school at the suggestion of a mentor, she knew she had to find the strongest people in her building to lead the charge. She needed teachers who really wanted to make a change and were willing to stay the course. It wouldn’t be an easy or quick process, and Laci knew she needed to be selective about who she chose to be part of the committee. She needed teachers who were willing to be vulnerable and willing to communicate openly and honestly with one another about the problems facing the school.
Laci ultimately found a nice cross-section of teachers and administrators who were willing to form a PBIS committee. The team of six worked tirelessly through the summer - from May until August - with no additional compensation, to get the new program up and running. They knew how important this was to the future of Taylor Middle. They wanted people to feel it was safe to send their kids to school.
They spent a lot of time developing their core values:
These are the types of good behavior they wanted to reward students for, and these core values remain the focus today.
But everyone knew that deciding their core values was just a first step. They had to make sure they could get the students and teachers on board. They needed the teachers to bring a positive attitude into school, and fully embrace the PBIS program if they had any hope of influencing the students and making school-wide change.
The Platinum Club was one of the first initiatives started as part of the PBIS program. It recognizes the top 15 positive point winners for the seventh and the eighth grades each week.
Students are called down to the office for recognition, and teachers are emailed the list of students so they can also make a big deal of the accomplishment. The list of students is also furnished to the teachers via email, enabling them to acknowledge the outstanding achievement. Weekly winners get a star similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and their picture is hung in the atrium. They also get an envelope of coupons for things like “free pencil” or “skip to the front of the lunch line” - things that cost nothing extra to the school, but are a big deal to the students. In addition, students are recognized in the weekly digital newsletter that is sent out.
The Platinum Club is noteworthy for its inclusivity. Rather than being exclusive, it welcomes all students, including those with special needs and English language learners. With new students continually joining, the club fosters a diverse and welcoming environment. Everyone has an equal opportunity to become part of the club.
The demographics of Taylor Middle include everyone from high-income to very low-income families. Laci Lockwood and her staff’s number one goal is for students not to feel there is any difference between them. They are all part of the school community and they are all viewed as equals, no matter what their background is.
Taylor Middle makes it a point to celebrate positive behavior and reward students on the days before extended breaks especially. They feel this helps attendance rates on those days and makes students who might otherwise go home to a less-than-ideal environment over break, feel appreciated and valued for as long as possible.
With the PBIS system in place, Taylor Middle’s view of negative behaviors has changed. They are no longer seen as “bad,” but rather as areas for improvement and where kids need help. Teachers and administrators then work with those students to help them turn things around and address what might be bothering them. The office is no longer seen as just a place where discipline happens, but as a safe place where students can go for help, when they are upset, or when they just need a little break.
One of the reasons the PBIS program has remained a success is that Laci and the administrators at Lovington Municipal School District are very intentional about who they hire.
From very early on in the interview process, Laci is looking to see what kinds of experiences candidates have had in their careers. She wants to know how they think they can contribute and make a difference in the school. And once they are hired, teachers are expected to immerse themselves in the PBIS culture fully.
Five full years after Taylor Middle School implemented PBIS, they are now a National Showcase School for Capturing Kids' Hearts. PBIS is at the core of everything they do and is fully embedded in Taylor Middle School’s culture. There are still original members of the PBIS committee that serve on the committee today. Teachers hold other teachers responsible, but even more importantly, kids hold the teachers responsible.
This year alone, Tyler Middle School has:
From the time school starts until the time school ends, LiveSchool is up and running. Laci Lockwood believes the tool has transformed the lives of her staff and students, helping to balance intrinsic motivation with extrinsic motivation. According to Laci Lockwood, the tool has had a transformative impact on both her staff and students, facilitating a harmonious integration of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Six years ago, Laci had minimal positive behavior to report in her school.
But today? She has so much positive data to report that she no longer even bothers reporting the negative.
And guess what? The positive data is a lot more fun!
Hear more from Laci about Taylor Middle's experience with LiveSchool here.
People were afraid to send their kids to Taylor Middle School in Lovington, New Mexico - the behavior was that bad. It was the only middle school in the district, but it was also identified as one of the worst schools in the community. There was heavy drug use, kids threatening teachers, and a slew of other problems.
With all of this going on, Taylor Middle School understandably also had trouble with faculty and staff staying motivated. Many teachers' attitudes were very negative because the school climate and culture were so bad. Managing student behavior was viewed as a battle that just couldn’t be won.
When Laci Lockwood, the Principal of Taylor Middle, joined the school six years ago, she had a daunting task. She needed to find a way to turn the school around, make it safe again, and help the teachers realize that positive change was achievable. She wanted her students to be better, and she knew that they could be.
When Laci Lockwood decided to give PBIS a try in her school at the suggestion of a mentor, she knew she had to find the strongest people in her building to lead the charge. She needed teachers who really wanted to make a change and were willing to stay the course. It wouldn’t be an easy or quick process, and Laci knew she needed to be selective about who she chose to be part of the committee. She needed teachers who were willing to be vulnerable and willing to communicate openly and honestly with one another about the problems facing the school.
Laci ultimately found a nice cross-section of teachers and administrators who were willing to form a PBIS committee. The team of six worked tirelessly through the summer - from May until August - with no additional compensation, to get the new program up and running. They knew how important this was to the future of Taylor Middle. They wanted people to feel it was safe to send their kids to school.
They spent a lot of time developing their core values:
These are the types of good behavior they wanted to reward students for, and these core values remain the focus today.
But everyone knew that deciding their core values was just a first step. They had to make sure they could get the students and teachers on board. They needed the teachers to bring a positive attitude into school, and fully embrace the PBIS program if they had any hope of influencing the students and making school-wide change.
The Platinum Club was one of the first initiatives started as part of the PBIS program. It recognizes the top 15 positive point winners for the seventh and the eighth grades each week.
Students are called down to the office for recognition, and teachers are emailed the list of students so they can also make a big deal of the accomplishment. The list of students is also furnished to the teachers via email, enabling them to acknowledge the outstanding achievement. Weekly winners get a star similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and their picture is hung in the atrium. They also get an envelope of coupons for things like “free pencil” or “skip to the front of the lunch line” - things that cost nothing extra to the school, but are a big deal to the students. In addition, students are recognized in the weekly digital newsletter that is sent out.
The Platinum Club is noteworthy for its inclusivity. Rather than being exclusive, it welcomes all students, including those with special needs and English language learners. With new students continually joining, the club fosters a diverse and welcoming environment. Everyone has an equal opportunity to become part of the club.
The demographics of Taylor Middle include everyone from high-income to very low-income families. Laci Lockwood and her staff’s number one goal is for students not to feel there is any difference between them. They are all part of the school community and they are all viewed as equals, no matter what their background is.
Taylor Middle makes it a point to celebrate positive behavior and reward students on the days before extended breaks especially. They feel this helps attendance rates on those days and makes students who might otherwise go home to a less-than-ideal environment over break, feel appreciated and valued for as long as possible.
With the PBIS system in place, Taylor Middle’s view of negative behaviors has changed. They are no longer seen as “bad,” but rather as areas for improvement and where kids need help. Teachers and administrators then work with those students to help them turn things around and address what might be bothering them. The office is no longer seen as just a place where discipline happens, but as a safe place where students can go for help, when they are upset, or when they just need a little break.
One of the reasons the PBIS program has remained a success is that Laci and the administrators at Lovington Municipal School District are very intentional about who they hire.
From very early on in the interview process, Laci is looking to see what kinds of experiences candidates have had in their careers. She wants to know how they think they can contribute and make a difference in the school. And once they are hired, teachers are expected to immerse themselves in the PBIS culture fully.
Five full years after Taylor Middle School implemented PBIS, they are now a National Showcase School for Capturing Kids' Hearts. PBIS is at the core of everything they do and is fully embedded in Taylor Middle School’s culture. There are still original members of the PBIS committee that serve on the committee today. Teachers hold other teachers responsible, but even more importantly, kids hold the teachers responsible.
This year alone, Tyler Middle School has:
From the time school starts until the time school ends, LiveSchool is up and running. Laci Lockwood believes the tool has transformed the lives of her staff and students, helping to balance intrinsic motivation with extrinsic motivation. According to Laci Lockwood, the tool has had a transformative impact on both her staff and students, facilitating a harmonious integration of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Six years ago, Laci had minimal positive behavior to report in her school.
But today? She has so much positive data to report that she no longer even bothers reporting the negative.
And guess what? The positive data is a lot more fun!
Hear more from Laci about Taylor Middle's experience with LiveSchool here.
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