Monessen hears about behavior programs
MONESSEN – Monessen School Board Tuesday got an overview of a new elementary school program designed to encourage positive behavior.
Elementary Assistant Principal Gina Naccarato said the PUPS program was started this school year. PUPS stands for Proud, United, Polite and Safe.
Naccarato said teachers are given 16 tickets, four tickets for each trait, and they are instructed to give the tickets to students who demonstrate those traits. The district received a grant for the program through Westmoreland County Intermediate Unit, which helped develop the concept and provided program training for the administration and teachers.
She said students who receive tickets have a chance to win prizes, including a sundae party. When a student wins a prize, the teacher also receives a reward. “It’s working very well at the elementary center,” Naccarato said.
Six PUPS program students of the month were recognized for September: Derrick Dixon, kindergarten; Joselyn Morales, first grade; Koa Rettger, second grade; Noelle Bradshaw, third grade; Makenzie Smith, fourth grade; and Ava Petruska, fifth grade.
Elementary Principal Bethann Natali said the six students will attend a luncheon Oct. 31 for Heroes Day, where the guests will include a state trooper, representatives from each branch of the military and other community heroes.
Vice President Roberta Bergstedt said the district is looking into a grant through Communities That Care in Monessen for the Positive Action Program to promote positive behavior at the middle school. The district is hoping to offer classes two times per week to middle school students.
She said the program will deal with six different units including self-concept, positive actions for your body and mind, managing yourself responsibly, treating others the way you want to be treated, telling yourself the truth and improving yourself continually.
High/Middle School Principal Eric Manko reported the high school and middle school will be conducting a Pennsylvania Youth Survey through the Communities That Care Program.
Anonymous information from students in grades eight through 12 will be compiled into a detailed report that will help to determine risk factors for district students.
He said the data is used to help the district receive grants like the Positive Action Program.
In other business, the board unanimously voted to hire Kyle Dobay as the technology education teacher at a salary of $38,479 and Rachael Geer as an elementary special education teacher at a salary of $38,479.