September 2014

Dear New Merhartbury Parents/Guardians,

Schools are successful when they help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. It is
important that we have a safe environment that is supportive and conducive for growth. As a K-12
school district setting clear social and behavioral expectations for all of our students and directly
teaching our students about these expectations, it is our goal that we work together to create a positive
atmosphere for that is optimal for learning.
Our plan is based on PBISPositive Behavior Interventions and Supports. Our staff kicked off this
program in September 2014 and will be reintroducing the system to all New Merharbury Mavericks
during the first week of school.
The PBIS System has four components:
Behavioral expectations
Character education lesson plans to teach students the behavioral expectations
An acknowledgement/reinforcement system
Behavioral infraction notice
Teaching Appropriate Behavior
Through PBIS, students are taught school-wide expectations and have opportunities to practice them.
Staff members teach what behaviors are expected in the hallways, cafeteria, bathroom, playground,
classroom, bus, before school, after school, and at assemblies.
At the New Merhartbury Public Schools we have three school-wide behavioral expectations:
- Respect for self
- Respect for others
- Respect for school
Acknowledgment/ Reinforcement System
Another component of the PBIS system is the use of consistent positive rewards to celebrate students
success. Students who are caught following the behavioral expectations are reinforced with
Maverick Bucks. Students can use their bucks to purchase items from the school store or earn
privileges.
Other rewards include:
Celebrations for students who do not receive behavioral office referrals
Random rewards for students to spend Maverick bucks on items like snacks, school supplies,
extra gym time.
School Store to spend Maverick bucks on novelty items
The Golden Plunger award for the floor with the cleanest bathroom
The Golden Spatula award for the class with best cafeteria behavior
The Golden Broom award for the cleanest classroom

 Students who demonstrate positive behaviors that go above and beyond the school expectations
can be nominated by teachers for student of the month. This award will be announced monthly,
and a picture of the recipients will be posted in the school lobby. The students of the month will
be honored at a special breakfast twice a year.
Behavioral Infraction Notice/Think Tank
While our PBIS approach emphasizes appropriate behaviors, some students may still violate school
rules, but our goal is to teach our students how positive behaviors ensure a school environment that is
safe, fun, free from distraction, and how to be academically successful.
We are looking forward to a fantastic school year! Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
The New Merhartbury Administrative Team
Brandon Lafell, Principal
Tom Brady, Assistant Principal
Marshawn Lynch, Assistant Principal