P.A.W.S.

While our school mascot is the panther, our positive behavior support acronym is P.A.W.S.  - 
Positive Attitudes Worth Sharing.  It is a kind of "caught you being good", with a focus on doing random kind things for others when the opportunity arrises.  Stucents receive a small paw print sticker, which they can then come to the office to share their kind act with a staff member and receive a pencil as well. 
It is amazing to see Middle School aged kids respond. 
Whenever I tell anyone I work in a Middle School they smile, I share that we have the kind of school community and culture in which kids routinely hold the door open for anyone, say good morning when greeted and pick up papers and dropped things.   How a many places can say that!

Advisory November 5 - Back-to-School after hurricane Sandy

Well we will meet after a week off of school to regroup after Hurricane Sandy.  It is important as the children come back to school to meet in smaller, more intimate groups to talk about our experiences. Children need to share, question, respond to others and know that their school was used as a shelter to help people in the community.
To read more about our local community's experiences - check out
http://hellertown.patch.com/articles/middle-school-shelter-to-stay-open-until-sunday
http://hellertown.patch.com/articles/middle-school-shelter-closing

Even the local football game on Saturday was free admission! Go Panthers!