At Portage North Middle School, our goal is to provide support to our students to insure maximum academic, social-emotional and behavioral growth.

The Michigan State Board of Education Positive Behavior Support Policy (adopted September 12, 2006) states that: An effective behavior support system is a proactive, positive, skill-building approach for the teaching and learning of successful student behavior. Positive behavior support systems ensure effective strategies that promote pro-social behavior and respectful learning environments.

It also states that: A positive behavior support policy incorporates the demonstration and teaching [and RE-teaching] of positive, proactive social behaviors throughout the school environment. A positive behavior support system is a data-based effort that concentrates on adjusting the system that supports the student. Such a system is implemented by collaborative, school-based TEAMS using person-centered planning. School-wide expectations for behavior are clearly stated, widely promoted, and frequently referenced. Both individual and school-wide learning and behavior problems are assessed comprehensively. Functional assessment of learning and behavior challenges is linked to an intervention that focuses on skill-building.

This policy provides direction for how we support students at Portage North Middle School, and provides the foundation for, “The Jr. Huskie Way: Respect, Responsibility, and [positive] Relationships. The following staff members have been assigned to support these needs:

GUIDANCE OFFICE

Jessie Bierlein, School Counselor – jbierlein@portageps.org
Alysia Lehmann, School Counselor- alehmann@portageps.org
     Secretary for Counseling – Deb Shemberger (269) 323-5777

Services include, but are not limited to: Student academic and emotional “counseling,” academic placement, referral to outside agencies when appropriate, ELPA, 504 oversight, testing oversight, coordination of support programs.

SOUTH COMPLEX

Jim Moiles, Positive Behavior Intervention Support Coordinator – jmoiles@portageps.org
Harold Swift,Student Assistance Coord. – hswift@portageps.org

Itinerant Staff who support the Behavior and Counseling Offices:

Molly Hamman, PPS Behavior Specialist – mhamman@portageps.org
Nancy Jaskiw, PPS School Psychologist – njaskiw@portageps.org
     Secretary for South Complex – Pam Newhouse (269) 323-5763

Services include, but are not limited to: Meeting student behavioral needs, providing opportunities for conflict resolution and re-teaching student behavior expectations, providing behavior consequences when appropriate, creating student behavior plans, providing transitional support for new students, providing opportunities for social skill development through individual and group meetings, as well as providing oversight for Title I student evaluation, services, and support (parent/student), and support administrative and counseling offices as needed.