January got off to a very fast and exciting start here at Wiscasset Elementary School. Classrooms and hallways are starting to buzz with the sounds of more students who are able to safely return to school in person for four days each week. The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports team (PBIS) here at school has worked hand in hand with our staff and students to make our learning environment for everyone as safe, productive and enjoyable as can be.

This month began with a well-earned school-wide PBIS celebration for all who worked hard, played hard and learned so much throughout November and December. This PBIS celebration was a building and design challenge for all students pre-K through grade 5 who were tasked with design and creation of structures that would reach for the sky and still support weight. Each student was given the materials for building a structure, including toothpicks and clay, as well as time to design and test their structure.

Students were challenged to build the structure, and then place a card with penny weights on top to demonstrate that it was a successful design. Some students began at home over the holidays, while others worked on a selected day in the classroom during the month. Some students used tools to measure heights that were reached, while other students used visual comparisons. Students cheered with excitement as their peers reached new levels. An occasional student was so enthralled with the activity, they did not even notice what others were doing. Some students took the challenge to heart and worked for days on their own to develop a more lofty and successful structure.

All in all, the reward celebration was enjoyable for those in class and learning remotely. Students are looking forward to more of these school-wide celebratory activities as they meet the school expectations of being safe, responsible and respectful. Upcoming celebrations include a pajama day and time to decorate your own mask. These celebrations are a welcome reward for reaching goals set and making the best of our school community every day, but especially during this unprecedented year at WES.