About 200 Garrett Elementary School students, many dressed in suits or skirts, filled the gymnasium for a winter formal.
“We did this because these students met their behavior goals for the month of November,” said Kelly Frederking, a physical education teacher and a member of the school’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Committee. “We had each student fill out a goal sheet for themselves. If they met that goal for November, they received an invitation to the dance.”
The school offers a monthly PBIS incentive program for students who follow Garrett’s Greyhound Ways – “We are cooperative, we are kind, we are respectful, we are responsible and we are safe.” The school put an emphasis on being cooperative. Students discovered a disc jockey at one end of the gym, spinning popular tunes, such as DJ Casper’s “Cha Cha Slide.” Mid-way through, they took time out to recharge with snacks and refreshments.
“One of the DJs is a parent of a fifth grader and a first grader at Garrett,” said Frederking. “He called Dr. Reiter and told her he would volunteer his time and equipment for the dance. The kids loved it and it was a great surprise for them. As a teacher, I enjoyed watching the kids have fun and moving. I also enjoyed it because the students earned it and worked hard to achieve their personal behavior goals.”