Jewett School aims for 10% reduction in office referrals with new behavior plan

The Committee on Student Conduct meeting held on March 16, 2025, by the Manchester School District in New Hampshire focused on the implementation and progress of a school-wide behavior plan at Jewett School. The meeting began with introductions from the staff involved in the Multi-Tiered System of Support for Behavior (MTSSB) team, led by special education teacher Kate Schafer.

Schafer outlined the goals set for the current school year, aiming for a 10% reduction in office referrals, targeting a decrease from 75 to 67 referrals. The discussion highlighted that many referrals last year occurred in common areas such as bathrooms and hallways, prompting the need for clear behavioral expectations. The team developed a set of guidelines centered around being safe, respectful, and responsible, which were communicated through posters and lesson plans for teachers to implement.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the positive acknowledgment system introduced to encourage good behavior among students. The "Tiger Paws" initiative allows classes to earn recognition for following the established rules, with rewards leading to school-wide celebrations. The excitement surrounding this program has fostered a sense of community and accountability among students.

The meeting also addressed the importance of consistency among staff in managing behavior. The team emphasized the need for a unified approach to distributing "Tiger Bucks," which students can earn for positive behavior and use for various rewards, including special experiences with staff members. This initiative aims to ensure fairness and clarity in how students are recognized for their efforts.

Data presented during the meeting showed a significant decrease in office referrals, with only 17 recorded at the same point this year compared to 58 the previous year. This improvement was attributed to the staff's commitment to the behavior plan and the students' engagement with the expectations set forth.

Looking ahead, the team plans to continue refining their tiered intervention strategies, including check-in/check-out programs for students needing additional support. They also aim to enhance their data analysis capabilities through a new dashboard that will help identify students requiring further assistance.

The meeting concluded with a sense of pride in the progress made and a commitment to ongoing collaboration among staff to maintain and improve the positive behavioral environment at Jewett School. The MTSSB team expressed gratitude for the support from parents and the community, recognizing that their involvement is crucial to the success of the behavior plan.