Mr. Justin Smith and Tommy Jones
When Mr. Justin Smith, MAMS Science teacher, gets an idea, he runs with it. Starting a Student Advisory Council at MAMS turned out to be one of his best yet.
Parents have the opportunity to express their input and opinions at an Advisory Council meeting, so why not let students have a similar forum to offer their suggestions? The idea was met with great excitement and two groups were formed: a 6th Grade Council and a 7th/8th Grade Council. Using PBIS as their springboard, the students share ideas for reward events and suggestions for rewards for the PBIS store. They are also the voice of the student body by providing input on ways to make improvements around the school.
The 7th/8th Grade Council is led by 8th grader, Tommy Jones. Mr. Smith lets him create the agenda and lead the meeting with very little assistance. Getting buy-in from the students has resulted in an 83% drop in office referrals for the students who are members of the Council groups! When the students were challenged to lead, there was a direct impact on their own behaviors.
Due to its success, the Student Advisory Council program was selected by the Shippensburg University Superintendent Study Council (SUSSC) as an Exemplary Program for 2022. Mr. Smith has been invited to present the program at a recognition luncheon at Shippensburg University.