August 25, 2022 - Respect, responsibility, and best effort. That is what teachers and staff at Northview High School wanted students to learn as they embarked on a two-day Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Boot Camp. For one hour, students visited different classrooms and spaces throughout the school and learned about expectations. 

“We do this twice a year; in August when the students return and following the long holiday break in January,” said Katie Burris, a math teacher. Burris leads the camp and says it’s a chance for everyone in the building, including staff, to get on the same page.

“We go over how you enter the building and how you walk in the hallways. How you act in the cafeteria is how you act in public. All of the skills transfer into the real world,” said Burris. “You also get to interact with staff and students that you don’t get to see all the time.”

Students toured a total of seven areas within the school: cafeteria, gym, restroom, computer lab, restorative center, entrance, and the library.

“This is the first year that the library has been included in the bootcamp,” said Mary Schepker, media clerk. “I not only want to teach the students that they are supposed to be quiet, but I also want them to be able to look around, explore the library, make themselves at home, and jump into a cozy corner and read a book.” 

To help students remember all the information and services available to them, Schepker made a business card for the students to keep. It includes the library checkout rules, catalog link, telephone number, and names of the school librarians. 

“There are a lot of rules for students to learn, so I wanted to make it easier for them,” said Schepker. “Teachers can even sign up and have Mr. Sadler [Northview’s librarian] read aloud to their class. Students of all grade levels enjoy that. We’re all about fun in the library.”

When students visited the gym, they learned more about the different types of events that take place in the space and learned what it means to show respect. 

“We don’t talk about PE class during the boot camp,” said Tino Forneris, a PE teacher. “It’s all about the activities. In the gym we have dances, concerts, basketball games, award ceremonies, assemblies, plays, and performances. As audience members, students are responsible for showing up on time and cheering on the performers. When a student is on stage, that is their moment to shine.” 

When students were not touring the school, they participated in a craft. Every teacher and student decorated a handprint which will be turned into a Northview tree and displayed in the hallway. 

“Everybody’s handprints will be there,” said Burris. “It shows the diversity and it’s nice to see the unity.”