Another day, another tie. They don’t last long for East Side Elementary Principal Frank Frontino. That’s because students can earn the chance to cut his tie, among other rewards through the School-wide Positive Behavior Support Program.
At the end of February, both West and East Side Elementary Schools in Johnstown were awarded statewide banner status for their programs.
“This was the whole school, everyone. And that’s what it takes to make a school work and that’s the teachers first, every staff member, every parent, all the students. It takes all of us working together,” said East Side Principal Frank Frontino.
When kids are caught doing something good, they earn tickets, which they can redeem to play board games with teachers, get their faces or nails painted, or eat lunch outside.
Karin Penrose helped start the program at East Side eight years ago. She said it’s amazing to finally be recognized.
“It’s wonderful. We’ve been waiting a long time. Everyone in this building has worked hard from the top to the bottom. So we’re very proud,” said Karin Penrose, a Kindergarten teacher.
East Side Elementary hopes to develop the program more, expanding one-on-one behavior check-ins for students who may need extra help. Teachers said discipline problems at the school have dropped because of the program, but they said the best part is forming connections with the students.
“I feel like I have the best job because I am able to see positive, happy students all day.” said Kim Moore, the assistant principal at East Side Elementary. “I see the kindness of the teachers, I see the kindness of anyone that’s willing to give their time to the students. It’s a really positive environment.”
East Side Elementary School officials will be awarded a banner at a ceremony in May. They plan to hang it in the lobby so everyone can see what they’ve accomplished.