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Ohio Department of Education recognizes Struthers City Schools for positive behavior initiatives

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

October 19, 2023 5:53 PM

Each week, Struthers Elementary students can turn in their “Wildcat Win” tokens received for demonstrating positive behaviors, in exchange for new books from the building’s book vending machine. Elementary principal Dennis Hynes congratulates recent winner fourth grader Aryanna Gonzalez who got a new Minions book. Struthers City Schools

Struthers City Schools’ students are all about the Wildcat Way, according to school administrators like Sarah Herrholtz.

She explained the Wildcat Way is about promoting positive school culture, all part of the Ohio Department of Education’s Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Systems (PBIS).

“Our main goal for incorporating the Wildcat Way into everything we do, is to encourage students to strive to be the best version of themselves at all times,” said Herrholtz, the student achievement director at Struthers City Schools and lead coordinator of its PBIS programming. “Our culture is grounded in PBIS values, and it is the heart of our school system. It makes our district a special place to learn and work, and gives us a unique advantage.”

What is PBIS?

The PBIS model has a three-tiered framework of practices and systems which create a positive environment and offer the support students need to succeed both in behavior and academic achievements.

Students are recognized by their teachers for being responsible and creating a positive school environment.

They give out “Wildcat Win” tokens each week which can be exchanged for gifts like new books from the building’s book vending machine or school gear.

Struthers elementary, middle and high schools were given the Bronze Recognition Award by the state for all around implementation of these PBIS values.

“Our PBIS team has been wonderful at identifying opportunities to encourage and implement the Wildcat Way, including our Big-Cat-Little-Cat Mentorship Program, in which our older students get involved with leading enrichment activities for our younger students,” says Herrholtz. “Whether it’s through our once-a-month ‘Wildcat Wednesday’ special themed programming, or our participation in campaigns such as the recent Stay in the Game Attendance Awareness initiative, we are always looking for ways to provide a positive environment for our students.”

Learn more about the research behind PBIS on the Ohio Department of Education website.