The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
September 11, 2008
The Illini West Board of Education heard about the progress of new programs being implemented at Illini West High School this year to improve student success and school climate.
Joyce Gronewold, the new school psychologist, reported on the implementation of PBIS or Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. PBIS is a school wide program that encourages and rewards positive student behavior.
The faculty and administration have been brainstorming various ways to reward students for following school rules and showing respect to fellow students and staff.
The process of implementing PBIS takes several years in order to have all staff trained and support systems in place.
Many Illinois schools have had success using this system to promote positive social/emotional behavior and increased student achievement. Mr. Driskell reported on the success of the new freshman mentoring program.
National Honor Society members are working with small groups of freshman to help them acclimate to their new life at Illini West.
Guidance counselor, Ann Logan, gave a detailed report of the PSAE data to help the board better understand where we need to provide additional assistance to help students not only score better on state tests but how to better prepare them for the work force or college.
Other business included hiring Debra Wilson as a clerical secretary.
The board also approved purchasing Simplified Online Communication System which will develop a user friendly website for the district.
Teachers will be able to email assignments and announcements to S.O.C.S. which will then upload them to the website.
It is the hopes of the board that parents and friends will be better able to get the information they need from the website for improved communication with the Illini West staff.
The next regular board meeting will be October 8th at 7:00 p.m.