DeMello Elementary school officials are rewarding good student behavior with 30-minute celebrations throughout the year. This past week, students celebrated with game-show-themed activities, including a cup stack and balancing act.

The “Minute to Win It” Fun Zone is one of four activity sessions planned for the year, and a continued integration of the school’s Positive Behavior and Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program into student academics.

The PBIS program began at DeMello about six years ago, said Principal Cathy Maccini. It is designed to recognize students’ positive behavior — such as listening to instruction and avoiding physical contact — instead of only focusing on negative behavior.

“We don’t expect everyone to be perfect,” Maccini said. “Everyone is still learning.”

Teachers log both good and bad behavior, Maccini explained. She said the data is valuable in addressing what students are doing well, and what teachers might need to reinforce in the classroom.

“We look at our data and see what we need to address at each grade level,” Maccini said.

The Fun Zone is not the only way the school recognizes students for their good behavior. Students are also awarded certificates and have their photos featured on a bulletin board in the school lobby on a rotating basis, Maccini said.