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      School has been out since June 4 but nearly 90 elementary teachers and administrators returned this month for professional development workshops aimed at positive student behavior initiatives.

      “These are classroom management strategies teachers can use. This is what our staff has been asking for,” said Dr. Holly Christie, director of student support programs. 

      Three separate professional development sessions were conducted this month:

      June 12 – The PAX Good Behavior Game, developed by the PAXIS Institute of Tucson, Arizona. The game allows students to interact with their teacher to express what they want to see, hear, do and feel more or less of in the classroom. Thirty-two participants who attended the session completed training and were given game sets.

      June 14 – Darren Conley of Elyria, a member of the Ohio Department of Education’s Region II State Support Team, led a training session on Positive Behavior Intervention Supports at the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center. Thirty-five district teachers and administrators participated.

      June 17-18 – More than 20 district employees participated in Mindful 
Education for Teachers at Mind Body Align, 20 N. Mulberry St. The program description: “This workshop also covers current scientific research on mindfulness and the brain, emotion regulation, and compassion. Teachers will learn the benefits seen in children, a summary of research and neuroscience, a demonstration of lessons done with children, and a description of what our evidence-based in-school program looks like in the classroom.”

      Christie said the cost of all programs – including speakers, materials and $22 hourly stipends for participants – were paid by $25,000 in Ohio School Climate grants 

      “I think the feedback from these professional development opportunities was very good. Our people are excited to implement these strategies in their classrooms,” Christie said.