n All three schools were honored as positive behavior model schools by REACH MS.

By Lena Mitchell

Daily Journal Corinth Bureau

GLEN - Students were the driving force behind and the beneficiaries of a program that made Alcorn County the first Positive Behavior Support model school district in the state.

The achievement was celebrated during a special assembly on the Alcorn Central campus Thursday, where the elementary, middle and high schools each earned REACH MS model school honors.

"This is the only school district in Mississippi with three Positive Behavior Support schools - an elementary, a middle and a high school," said REACH district coordinator Selina Merrell.

Alcorn Central elementary and middle schools received their first Realizing Excellence for All Children in Mississippi grants in 2006, with the high school getting on board in 2007.

Since then faculty and administrators have incorporated the clearly defined expectations, rules, consequences and incentives of the program to instill positive behavior and attitudes in the students.

"I came to the school mid-year after the REACH team had begun, and they encouraged me to join with them in promoting the program," said elementary principal Joe Horton. "It took a strong level of commitment, but it was important to them and they worked hard."

The schools' mascot, the Golden Bears, sparked the "Show your PAWS" phrase, which is a shorthand reminder to students of the positive behaviors they're to uphold: "Positive; Always respectful; Will be responsible; Safe.

Teachers and administrators will share their training and experience in the program with other schools in the district, said Superintendent Stacy Suggs.

Contact Lena Mitchell at (662) 287-9822 or lena.mitchell@djournal.com.