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Bethel Elementary outlines house system, PBIS and project-based learning to boost student engagement
Summary
Bethel Elementary presented its 'house' system, PBIS incentives, clubs (mock trial, 4‑H) and project-based learning (zoo investment, Pizza Cafe) as strategies to increase belonging and attendance; students and teachers credited hands-on activities and community partnerships for improved engagement.
Bethel Elementary Principal Siobhan O'Brien presented the school's strategy for increasing student engagement and reducing absenteeism, describing a house system and PBIS incentives that create a sense of belonging and reward positive behavior. "Our house system is actually from the Ron Clark Academy," O'Brien said, adding that students spin a wheel to join a house and participate in assemblies and celebrations.
Teachers and students described specific practices that support academics and social-emotional learning. Assistant Principal Sean Davis summarized the PBIS point system and a school-run "Ron Clark store" where students redeem points for events such as glow parties and snowball fights. Library media specialist Catherine Blair described an elementary mock trial program that had students research police reports, prepare witness statements and stage a courtroom exercise to reinforce reading comprehension and text-evidence skills. "It helped find, like, evidence in a text that could help you," a student told the board.
Staff highlighted partnerships that extend learning beyond the classroom: 4‑H and high school career-technical programs have brought animals and culinary experiences to Bethel, and project-based learning examples included a zoo-investment simulation and a Pizza Cafe math-to-career collaboration with Clover High School. Districts plans to expand student-led pathways and said many activities are run by students and supported by teachers and community volunteers.
Board members and the superintendent praised the presentation and the students for their work. The school emphasized that its initiatives are part of a broader effort to encourage daily attendance and to connect classroom learning with real-world applications; the district presentation said incentives and community-donated prizes were part of those efforts. The board thanked Bethel staff and students and invited continued updates as programs develop.
