The University of Missouri Center for Positive Behavior Support and Missouri Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support are proud to announce the 2020 recipients of the Dr. Mary Miller Richter School and District of Distinction Awards, in recognition of at least one school and one district that provide positive learning environments and achieve positive social, emotional and behavioral outcomes for students through the exemplary implementation of Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support. Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support is an evidence-based preventative, proactive framework that has been shown to improve academic and behavioral outcomes for students. This year’s recipients are:
- School of Distinction Award: Northgate Middle of North Kansas City Schools
- District of Distinction Award: North Kansas City Schools (tie)
- District of Distinction Award: Fulton 58 School District (tie)
June 10, 2020, Columbia, Missouri
The 2020 Dr. Mary Miller-Richter School of Distinction Award goes to Northgate Middle School in the North Kansas City School District. Northgate Middle is among the most diverse middle schools in Missouri, serving 685 students, 72% of whom qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Lunch. Northgate has developed innovative ways to teach prosocial behaviors to students, reinforce these behaviors, and intervene early with instructional, non-punitive strategies when students struggle to perform the expected behaviors. As a result, they have achieved a significant reduction in incidents resulting in behavioral referrals and student suspensions, improved adult and student relationships, and created a positive learning environment for students.
“The staff have work extremely hard to provide a positive climate that promotes focusing on student strengths and relationship building to continue to enhance the culture of Northgate Middle School.” Dr. Lisa Friesen, District Instructional/MTSS Coordinator and Dr. Janelle Porter, Director of Student Services, North Kansas City Schools
In addition to honoring one school each year, The University of Missouri Center for Positive Behavior Support and Missouri Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support typically honor one district with the Dr. Mary Miller Richter District of Distinction Award. Because of their strong applications, two districts are honored this year: North Kansas City Schools and Fulton 58 School District.
North Kansas City Schools is a diverse suburban school district serving over 21,000 students. In 2008, the district began a phased district-wide adoption of Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support. Since then, North Kansas City Schools have been recognized by Missouri Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support 82 times for their exemplary work with students.
“In particular, North KC Schools has been an exemplary model of the ideals, principles, and practices of positive behavior support. North KC Schools has demonstrated a firm commitment to improving the lives of students, the educators who teach them, and the community in which its schools reside through innovation, creativity, and a firm commitment to partnership,” Tom Petrizzo, Chief Executive Officer, Tri-County Mental Health Services.
Since beginning implementation of Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support, North Kansas City Schools have decreased the number of behavior incidents resulting in office referrals by 33.4%, despite a significant growth in student enrollment during the same time period. As a result, students miss less class time for disciplinary reasons. This may be one reason why the district outpaces other Missouri districts on the state accountability tests.
The second district honoree is the Fulton 58 School District. Fulton 58 is a rural district serving 2362 students in Fulton, Missouri. The first district school began implementing Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support in the 2006-2007 school year. By the 2011-2012 school year, all five district schools were implementing. These five schools have been recognized for exemplary implementation of Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support 37 times for an average of 7.4 times per school! Their hard work has paid off. Since the 2009-2010 school year, the district has decreased the number of behavior incidents resulting in an office referral by 58%! Fewer office referrals means fewer classroom disruptions and more time students spend in class!
“My high school freshman, who has experienced PBIS since kindergarten, informed me that appropriate behavior “is just expected of us” at the high school.” Amy L. Lowe, parent and former employee.
The Dr. Mary Miller Richter Awards are presented each year to honor one school and one district that exemplify the ideals, principles, and practices of positive behavior support. The award recipients demonstrate a firm commitment to improving the lives of students, the educators who teach them, and the community in which the school resides through innovation, creativity, and/or a firm commitment in staying the course despite barriers. Dr. Mary Miller Richter was the first director of Missouri Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support. She dedicated her life to improving outcomes and the in-school experiences of Missouri’s school children. She succumbed to cancer in June, 2014. She is greatly missed by all who knew her.