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McFarland leaders expand behavior tracking and student-recognition programs; Renaissance ABC cards, behavior report card planned
Summary
McFarland Middle School described new behavior-reporting tools, an ABC (academics, belonging, character) recognition program adapted from Jostens Renaissance, and a proposed behavior report card to align conduct with extracurricular eligibility.
McFarland Middle School officials described several culture and student-engagement initiatives they say have improved belonging and recognition, and detailed a behavior-report card system intended to link conduct to extracurricular eligibility.
Assistant principal and lead staff described an ABC card program adapted from Jostens Renaissance to recognize academics, belonging and character. The school reported a rise in students reaching the program’s highest tier — from six students in one quarter to 39 in the latest quarter — and said the program rewards students at bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels.
Principal Carlos Gonzales and staff also described plans for a behavior report card that would track disciplinary indicators (described by staff as “red, yellow and green behaviors”) and could be used in athletic-eligibility decisions. “If you have a lot of red behaviors, we're not sure we want you representing us,” Superintendent Perez relayed from the high-school model; district staff said Skyward will allow tracking of behavior flags tied to participation in extracurriculars.
School leaders described practical steps taken to improve student safety and flow in the building — more bathroom supervision, hallway lane markings, and possible privacy slats at bathroom entrances — and student-led Mustang Leaders for Change input used to shape those decisions.
Staff credited student leadership and incentives with shifting school climate and increasing staff morale through staff recognition, themed staff dress days, popcorn Fridays and other small rewards. Culture work included 621 instructional walkthroughs, PLC alignment and reinforcement strategies used in advisory and STAT time to encourage participation in targeted interventions.
Administrators said the behavior report card will include items such as chronic tardiness, absences, referrals and suspensions; they said the model would be tested locally and could affect who represents the school at extracurricular events if behavioral thresholds are not met. The board was told students and staff are engaged in designing the program and that younger cohorts would be included in implementation plans.
