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Liberty Elementary spotlights student partnerships and new 'flight ticket' behavior program
Summary
At the April 15 School City of Mishawaka board meeting, Liberty Elementary principal Mrs. Wells highlighted new partnerships with Mishawaka High School, a mentorship program that reduced office time for students, family engagement events drawing hundreds, and a positive-behavior system called 'flight tickets.'
Mrs. Wells, principal of Liberty Elementary, told the School City of Mishawaka Board of School Trustees that the school has deepened partnerships with Mishawaka High School and introduced new programs intended to boost student engagement and reduce disciplinary referrals. She said high-school students from the computer science honor society visited first-grade classes and that a mentorship program pairs seniors such as Will Mason with elementary students for weekly support.
"For these students, it has significantly decreased their time in the office and they have had a lot more confidence as they're in our building," Mrs. Wells said, describing the mentorships and how students sometimes "name drop" their high-school mentors with pride. She credited the visits with helping students feel more connected and supported.
Mrs. Wells also described a new positive-behavior support (PBS) system modeled on a 'flight ticket' concept: staff issue flight tickets when students follow directions, lend a hand, or do their best. Students deposit tickets for weekly and monthly drawings; winners receive small prizes and are publicly celebrated in the office. "We picked one of those names and they get to come to my office and we take their picture," she said, noting quarterly celebrations such as dance parties and other prizes.
The principal highlighted family engagement efforts that the school runs each quarter — including a VIP dance and a family fun night that drew about 500 attendees last year — and said the school piloted staff-member-of-the-month recognition in partnership with a local business. She also noted the role of the school's therapy dog, Bose, and a student-produced video created by Karen Landis and Jason Cloon that showcases daily student activities.
The presentation concluded with an invitation for questions; none were raised. Board members thanked Mrs. Wells and the Liberty staff for hosting that evening's meeting.
