This past Thursday, Pastor and Local Superintendent, Father Gregory Hite, was on hand to assist Mrs. Rastorfer in awarding September “Spartans of the Month” their certificates for displaying the virtue of cooperation.
This current school year, principal, Mrs. Ashley Rastorfer, and staff introduced the PBS (Positive Behavior Support) program. PBS is an approach to creating a safe and productive learning environment where teachers can teach and all students can learn. At its heart, PBS calls on schools to teach students about behavior, just as they would teach about any other subject—like reading or math. PBS recognizes that students can meet behavior expectations only if they know the expectations.
A hallmark of a school using PBS is that everyone knows what’s appropriate behavior. Throughout the school day—in class, at lunch, and on the bus—students understand what’s expected of them.
This year’s theme at St. Peter’s Elementary School is “Be a Spartan” and it sets expectations for behavior in the classroom, in the hallway, in the cafeteria, on the playground, in the bathroom, and for Mass. Students are rewarded with “Spartan Bucks” for following expectations and they have opportunities to purchase items from the “Spartan Store” using the “Spartan Bucks” they have earned.
Mrs. Rastorfer’s initiative this year is to combine the PBS “Be a Spartan” with the long-standing Student of the Month virtue program. Students nominated for what is now designated “Spartan of the Month” will have the group photo displayed on St. Peter’s School social media and they will receive a special “Spartan prize” and “Spartan certificate”. Additionally, all “Spartans of the Month” will be recognized again at the end-of-year awards assembly.
Go Spartans!