By: Andreale Mitchell
R-E- S- P- E- C-T Whas does it really mean to Derby High School? The Raider Respect program was created by Derby High School’s leadership team. This program was created in attempts to “ support and encourage” behavior , says Gabrielle Delgado, PBIS coach at Derby High School. The school’s leadership team has now been in the works for the past 2 years, and other buildings in the district use a PBIS program, which is short for ( positive behavioral intervention and supports) . When Mrs .Olson became the principal for Derby High School, it was one of her visions, when Olson was the principal at Irving School she used this program as well. There was recognition that something needed to be done to support students significantly for behavioral, social, and emotional needs.
“ Everyone has unique and individualized needs,” said Delgado”,. The Raider Respect program is created to recognize behaviors such as communication and being able to express what is needed. Having this system helps with teaching, how to adhere to expected behaviors , supporting those who are doing what they should be and providing support to students who are struggling. It helps assist the students who have different needs to still be able to meet the expectations, to be able to be successful within their school career.
The Raider Respect program is to level a playing field so everyone has what they need to achieve. The agenda behind it is to shift the way students view what is expected of them, and it is to help with strategies that can build better relationships between students and teachers. Since the program interacts with the discipline system it is hoped that there will be opportunities for equitable support and consequences. It is to help the culture and climate and help students feel safe and comfortable during the school day.
It does not solely focus on just the ‘good’ or ‘bad’ kids it includes everyone and expects the same behaviors from both sides while helping teachers and peers learn the acceptable practices that you will need in order to be successful in derby high school.
Raider Respect is a program that rewards and brings attention to the good behaviors shown in Derby High School, and corrects the unacceptable behavior by going the extra mile for the student to understand what is actually to be accepted. Both the students and teachers needed a system where they would be able to be on the same page. The students should be recognized for their positive aspects toward the school and the teachers needed a way to be able to give them the recognition they deserved for it. A student who wished to remain anonymous says “ it isn’t fair that when one person does something it’s a different punishment from what another would get”. Raider Respect sets an expectation of what can happen when you are in situations where something happened that shouldn’t have. It clears the air and makes it known so we don’t have as many conflicts between students and teachers about what they feel is fair and what is not. Derby High School is a very well rounded school with many gifted students. Raider Respect enforces the proper expectations that will continue to help the school and staff strive for excellence.
The Raider Press 