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Mulberry Elementary showcases student art, credits mentorship and PBIS for attendance gains
Summary
Mulberry Elementary presented student artwork, a schoolwide Chihuly‑inspired sculpture and described PBIS tier‑2 programs that school leaders say helped reduce absenteeism from about 15.6% to 5.6% in the first two quarters of the year.
Mulberry Elementary highlighted student artwork and reported substantial gains in state assessment proficiency and school attendance at the Milford Exempted Village School District board meeting on Jan. 16.
Principal Sarah Grubb said the school’s performance index score rose from 75.7 in 2020 to 98.8 last year and that the share of students rated advanced or accelerated grew from about 25% in 2020 to roughly 60% in 2024. “This growth is a true testament to the tireless efforts by our teachers and staff,” Grubb said.
The presentation included a permanent hallway sculpture made from more than 1,000 recycled plastic bottles that staff and students assembled to mimic blown‑glass forms inspired by artist Dale Chihuly. Director of Fine Arts and Extracurricular Activities Josh Kaufman introduced the student artists and invited them forward for recognition.
Jessica Early, the school’s teacher on assignment for PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports), described two tier‑2 programs she credited with improving student engagement. Eating with All Stars pairs students with mentors for a monthly special lunch; Early said the program currently has 19 students paired with mentors and that teachers report improved classroom behavior and student engagement. “We currently have 19 students actively involved in this program,” Early said.
Early also outlined the school’s Check and Connect program, which pairs students weekly with caring staff and increases family engagement and targeted incentives. She reported the absentee rate for the first two quarters of this school year fell to 5.6% from 15.6% in the first two quarters of 2023–24. “This is evident, showing how our program’s effectiveness is reengaging students and supporting families,” she said.
Board members asked about program design and staffing. Grubb said staff identify candidates through regular data meetings and teacher recommendations, and families may request additional support. A board member noted community interest and compared the program to longer‑running mentor initiatives at other districts.
The school asked the public to view the artwork in the building and said a second collective art installation is planned later this year.
Ending: Board members thanked the students, staff and mentors for the presentation and recognized the Mulberry teams’ role in the school’s reported academic and attendance gains.
