Discipline referrals at Huston Middle School down 35%; students treated to fun day

Charles A. Huston Middle School students taped their assistant principal to a wall last week, but no one got in trouble.

In fact, it was quite the opposite — students were treated to a fun day Friday because disciplinary referrals at the school have decreased 35% from last school year, said Krista Pisano, assistant principal.

A disciplinary referral, she said, is anything a student does where a punishment is recorded, such as a detention or suspension.

“Our (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) system is way more consistent and smooth this year,” Pisano said. “All of our kids know our expectations and can recite them.”

This school year, students earned 10,000 “HMS Proud” tickets by demonstrating characteristics of being prepared, respectful, taking ownership, understanding and determination.

“They support each other,” Pisano said. “Teachers have been voicing that the consistency and communication is a lot smoother this year. That helps the teachers be able to teach more.”

The day included an ice cream bar, games, movie and crafts. Some activities were coordinated by students in the Northern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center’s Aspiring Educators program hosted at Burrell High School.

Perhaps what got the most attention from students Friday was the ability to tape Pisano to a wall, which put a stop to her antics. Dressed as an elf the past few weeks, she has climbed on the school’s roof, hid in hallways and was “arrested” by School Resource Officer Rob Acquaviva.

“The elf is really meant to bring extra joy to our middle school,” Pisano said. “We want our students to want to come to school every day and enjoy their time here.”

An Instagram page, @hms_bsd, garnered a following of the elf’s mischievous behavior.

“We have also used them as reminders of our schoolwide expectations and a silly way to reinforce some of the ways the elf is not following our schoolwide expectations,” Pisano said.