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Gloversville Middle School reports attendance gains, PBIS activities and fewer serious referrals
Summary
Principal Cody Hedwell told the board the middle school is up about a full percentage point in attendance for the year (about 200 fewer absences), is at 90.5% with a 95% goal, and PBIS initiatives coincide with a drop in 'causing bodily harm' referrals from 48 to 19 compared with the prior year.
Gloversville Middle School Principal Cody Hedwell briefed the board on two main commitments for the building: improving scholar social interactions and increasing academic performance. Hedwell said changes this year — including a full-time dean, a hall monitor and expanded PBIS work — are intended to reduce chronic referrals and support students’ social-emotional development.
Hedwell and assistant principal Heiser reported an estimated 200 fewer absences than the prior year, bringing current attendance to about 90.5% with a stated goal of 95%. Heiser described PBIS activities such as a Thanksgiving parade and a "positive referrals" program that recognizes students for good behavior and encourages family engagement.
Administrators highlighted a notable decline in the most serious category of disciplinary referrals: "One of the numbers I'd say, that I would highlight is the, causing bodily harm. Last year, that number at this point in time was 48. At the present, it's 19," Hedwell said. Staff acknowledged that some smaller-category referrals have increased, which they attributed to having greater capacity to identify and record those incidents rather than to a worsening climate.
The principals said the changes are early but indicate a cultural shift; they asked the board to continue support for PBIS and targeted academic interventions. No policy votes were taken on these programs at the meeting.
