Avon Grove Middle School students outline PBIS program, report large early-year redemptions for 'Grove Bucks'

At the Oct. 23 Avon Grove School District legislative meeting, students from Avon Grove Middle School detailed the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program, explaining the three building expectations — Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe — and how those expectations are reinforced through lessons, rewards and a student-run Grove Store.

The students told the board that, during the 2024–25 school year, students redeemed close to 110,000 Grove Bucks, with about 63% of redemptions used at the Grove Store and roughly 27% used for outdoor-lunch passes, hot-cocoa passes and small teacher-run shops. Presenters said more than 22,000 Grove Bucks had been redeemed in the first month and a half of the current school year.

Principal Janice Lear introduced the presentation and said the program is the “cornerstone of our school culture,” and it is taught through lessons across building areas so students learn expected and unexpected behaviors. Seventh-grade student Enya Mitchell said, “At the middle school, our program is centered around the three: Be respectful, be responsible, and be safe. By doing this, it creates a positive learning environment, which allows all students to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.”

Students described how Grove Bucks are awarded by staff for observed positive behavior, how students can spend their earnings at the Grove Store (open during lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and how some Grove Bucks are pooled into raffles for larger prizes or experiences. Student presenters listed typical store items (snacks, small fidget toys) and experiences (soccer games, kickball, viewing parties and teacher-hosted events). Student Charlie Clark said some raffle prizes have included a Bluetooth speaker and tickets to the school play.

During board questions, students explained that the number of Grove Bucks redeemed increased in 2025–26 because the program was better understood by students at the start of this year. Board members asked about pricing and prize values; presenters said smaller Squishmallows generally cost the equivalent of roughly 50–70 Grove Bucks, while larger ones ranged higher. Students also described learning experiences for those who work in the Grove Store — inventory decisions, pricing, teamwork and running a small retail operation.

Board members praised the students for their presentation and public speaking. The board did not take formal action on the presentation; the item served as an informational update to the district.