Summit Academy Community School for Alternative Learners – Lorain received a 2024-2025 Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) Bronze Recognition Award from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The ODEW presents bronze, silver and gold awards to schools and districts for their quality and fidelity of PBIS implementation.
“This award has been a huge reward for us. We have worked so hard to get our PBIS program up and running with consistency and excitement for all to participate in,” said Principal Jasmine Rengh.
Behavior Specialist Kim Wanosky, MA, LPCC-S expressed a similar sentiment, noting the accolade reflects a shared commitment.
“Our teachers do so many incredible things and have been putting forth a lot of effort into our PBIS program. It takes a team to achieve this, and I am glad that we have an incredible team that supports the programs we use and our students,” Wanosky said.
Wanosky said the school has seen improvements in student behavior and in meeting expectations with all its PBIS initiatives. Posters displayed throughout the building remind students of the school’s Full Value Contract as well as what is expected of them in hallways, restrooms, classrooms, in the lunchroom and at recess.
In addition, students earn points throughout the month that are applied to a tiered reward system. For example, for an ice cream party, all students work toward a basic reward of ice cream. As their points increase, they can earn extra toppings. The school has hosted luau parties, movie parties, walking field trips and movie afternoons to reward students for their positive behavior. This month, Summit Academy – Lorain students are working toward a holiday movie, hot chocolate bar and cookie-decorating station.
“Our staff and students are amazing, so I’m so excited that we are able to share in this award and can’t wait to see how our program continues to build and expand, and the improvements we continue to see across the board,” Wanosky said.
What’s next for the award-winning school? Principal Rengh summed it up.
“Receiving the reward sparked an incentive to go for the gold award next year,” she said.