Oakham Center students show PBIS rewards, writing program and nature’s classroom trip
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Summary
Elementary students from Oakham Center School presented the PAWS PBIS program, a timed creative writing activity using the "We Will Write" website, and recounted a nature's classroom trip to the coast.
Students and staff from Oakham Center School presented three student projects and programs to the Quabbin Regional School District School Committee on Jan. 12, highlighting positive behavior systems, a classroom writing tool, and a recent outdoor classroom trip.
Principal Tricia Worthington introduced students and teachers. Third‑grade students described their PBIS program, called PAWS: classes earn paw points (10 points to fill a class card) for behaviors such as respect, kindness and responsibility; when a class fills a card they choose a reward such as extra recess or a no‑homework pass. Individual paw cards also exist and are cashed in for rewards including lunch with an invited adult or sitting at a teacher’s desk. Worthington and teachers said PAWS is promoted during monthly assemblies and through an interactive bulletin board activity focused on kindness.
Two students, Timothy Meterville and Liam, demonstrated a timed, collaborative digital writing platform the school uses called We Will Write. Teacher remarks and student examples showed the platform displays picture prompts, gives writers 2–3 minute bursts to write, and uses anonymous peer voting to surface examples for class discussion that teachers then use as teaching opportunities. Students said the site increased engagement with creative writing and allowed quick revision into longer pieces after printed copies are provided.
Students also summarized an outdoor classroom trip (reported dates May 27–30) where Oakham and Hardwick students stayed in cabins near both forest and beach, learned ecosystem and stewardship lessons (beach, salt marsh, frog pond, forest), participated in hands‑on classes such as sandcastles, forestry and water bottle rockets, and completed daily responsibilities like table service and “oral reports” on food waste reduction. Committee members praised the presentations and asked questions about student reflections and activities.
Presenters included principal Tricia Worthington; teachers Maddie Parker, Cassie Bennett and Karen Miller; and students Kaylee, George, Timothy Meterville and Liam.
