The Lehighton Education and Athletic Foundation recently donated $1,500 to help bolster the success of a middle school program aimed at rewarding positive behaviors.

According to Middle School Assistant Principal Tiffany Strausberger, the Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program is designed to foster a positive learning environment while encouraging students to demonstrate good character traits and adhere to schoolwide expectations.

Students participated in lessons on acceptable behavior during the first two weeks of school. The initiative also features visible reminders in school spaces, with teachers and staff recognizing students who meet behavioral standards through the use of “PRIDE Bucks.”

Strausberger said the LEAF donation will be used to help stock the Tribe Pride store, where students can use their positive behavior points to purchase items they desire.

“The store is stocked based upon their interests and input,” Strausberger said.

Additionally, the funds will support schoolwide celebrations held at the end of each marking period, as well as character-education programs. One such initiative under consideration is a laser light show designed to enhance students’ understanding of good character traits in an engaging and entertaining format.

Strausberger noted the importance of recognizing positive behavior.

“It creates a positive and safer learning environment due to the consistent and clear expectations,” she said. “It is found to reduce discipline referrals, which increases student engagement, improves their social-emotional skills, and creates better relationships between the students and staff.”

The SWPBIS team also highlighted the program’s broader benefits.

“Oftentimes, the ones that are always doing the right thing can feel invisible,” Strausberger said. “This gives an opportunity for them to shine more and be proud of their behavior. Kids that struggle with peers or decision-making also enjoy the positive feedback, which can become contagious and help them make better decisions and share positivity with others.”

Students can monitor their progress through an online portal, which displays points awarded and the reasons behind them. The transparency, school officials said, allows them to understand the impact of their actions and fosters motivation to maintain good behavior.

“The kids really enjoy the downtime and change of routine during schoolwide celebrations,” Strausberger said. “It’s important that they have fun together and see their hard work pay off.”

The middle school team has requested support from families and the community to keep the program thriving. Donations of cash, school supplies, books and gift cards are welcome to help sustain the rewards system and celebrations. “Any contribution, big or small, will make a significant impact,” the SWPBIS team wrote in its letter to families.

As the SWPBIS program continues to evolve, the school hopes to build on its initial successes and make a lasting difference in students’ academic and personal lives. “We are seeing that the kids enjoy the recognition,” Strausberger said. “It’s about creating an environment where every student feels valued and motivated to succeed.”