In 2015 and then again this Spring, MEF has supported the PBIS initiative in our schools. Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports is a school wide system for teaching, recognizing and reinforcing positive student behaviors, both academic and social. The biggest advantages result when all schools in the district apply these research based strategies so that students are supported and guided in similar ways. PBIS is actually more of an approach than a program in that it changes the ways in which the adults interact with students. Focusing on the positive changes in the nature of classroom and school cultures, creates a more enriching and inspiring environment.

You may be skeptical or even think that it seems “wrong” to reward behaviors that  students are supposed to be doing in the first place.  But–this focus recognizes those who do MAKE A CHOICE each and every day to be prepared, on time, respectful, participatory, etc.  Further, by modeling it encourage those not there yet to adopt similar habits. Rather than waiting for misbehavior to occur, faculty are supported to teach behavioral expectations and rewarding students for following. This approach establishes a climate in which appropriate behavior is the norm.

When asked about the adaptation of the program in our middle school, Dr. Phyllis Amori replied, “We have had great success here at MMS with PBIS (based on recent climate survey and numbers of referrals) and remain very grateful to the MEF for its generous support of this and other initiatives.”

After seeing great success in our Middle School this year, MEF provided the funding for a school wide field trip to the Bardavon to see Doktor Kaboom’s show. The show has been described as “A series of increasingly spectacular, and often successful, demonstrations of the physical sciences, with a focus on the scientific method. Doktor Kaboom utilizes the physics of space exploration to demonstrate clearly that SCIENCE IS FOR EVERYONE, not just the people who are already good at it. He also focuses on the message that science is not hard, it just takes effort.” The reports are in and the kids had a blast!!

MEF is proud to be able to support character development in our schools!!

For More information about PBIS, please see the website: www.pbis.org/school

The Millbrook Central School District is currently in the application process to become an International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme School.  The International Baccalaureate Program www.ibo.org was established in 1968 by teachers at the International School of Geneva, Switzerland, as an effort to accomplish the following goals:

• to provide students with a balanced education;
• to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility;
• to promote international understanding

A true International Baccalaureate School creates and fosters a learning environment that totally supports the philosophy and goals of the IB programme.  All teachers in an International Baccalaureate Programme school need to be trained in the IB philosophy and in their content area since this training is an essential element for effective implementation of the IB programme.

The International Baccalaureate Programme offers a continuum of international education.  The programme encourages both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal development.  There are courses in all content areas. Courses are designed at two different levels:  higher level (HL) and standard level (SL).  HL and SL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills at higher level.

There is also a component of the International Baccalaureate Programme called the Career-Related Programme.  Courses in this component provide the theoretical underpinning and academic rigor of the programme, as well as providing a venue for exploration of practical and real-world approaches to learning.  The Career-Related component of help students to develop skills and competencies required for lifelong learning.

As of May 2015, there are 2,795 International Baccalaureate Schools in 143 different countries worldwide.  There are 91 International Baccalaureate Schools in New York State.

One of the goals of the Millbrook Central School District is a commitment to continuous school improvement.  Becoming an International Baccalaureate Programme School District will help us attain this goal.

The Millbrook Educational Foundation has partnered with the Millbrook CSD since the District began exploring the IB Programme.  They have provided grant funding to support application fees, teacher training fees, and other associated fees during the exploration and application process of the International Baccalaureate Programme.  With the support of the MEF, the Millbrook Central School District can forward its mission for continuous school improvement.