Birchett Named District Teacher of the Year, Social Emotional Learning Strategies Presented to School Board

By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor

Before hearing about Dade County Schools’ approach to social-emotional learning, the Dade County Board of Education heard several updates and reports at its October 23rd meeting. Notably, Natalie Birchett (special education teacher at Dade Middle School), was named District Teacher of the Year.

Superintendent Josh Ingle reported that Citizens Bank and Trust made a donation to David Howard’s construction class at Dade County High School, and Trenton Pressing made a donation to Mike Beeler’s mechatronics class (also at DCHS), particularly for the Greenpower racing team. Both the DCHS and DMS Greenpower racing teams placed third in their divisions this October.

Ingle also noted the DCHS softball team’s advancement to the state’s elite eight. (Check the sports section for a recap).

Both Davis Elementary School and Dade Elementary School are holding their fall festival fundraisers on November 4th, with Davis going from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Dade’s starting at 2 p.m.

Ingle then recognized the four teachers of the year: Katie Brown (Davis), Jennifer Wood (DES), Natalie Birchett (DMS), David Howard (DCHS). He explained that through a rigorous process of classroom observation and interviews, one teacher of the year is selected to represent the school district. Of the interviews, he said, “That’s when they really pour their heart out and explain why they chose education. All of them said it’s a calling. All four of them are outstanding educators.”

The four teachers of the year were given SPLOST vouchers to use for any enhancements to their classrooms, and Birchett was named Dade County District Teacher of the Year.

Tinena Bice (school counselor) then presented about the school system’s social-emotional learning strategies which involve PBIS (Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports), GNETS (the Georgia Network for Educational Therapeutic Support Classrooms), mindset training, Navigate 360 (a character development and social-emotional wellness program), Dade County Character System, Dade County school counselors and social worker, and mental health partner Bridge Health.

Through the PBIS system, teachers award points to students for positive behavior. Brent Cooper (DCHS principal) reported that high school students can earn up to 16 points each week that they can spend in classroom stores or school stores. Each quarter, the school hosts a large event that students can attend if they have enough points. Likewise, each semester features an exciting trip (this semester’s will be to Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park). Cooper said, “It helps us set high expectations for them.”

Michelle Beeler (DMS principal) explained that the middle school’s PBIS focuses on three Rs: Ready, Responsible, Respectable. Examples of awards include a water slide day, a Kona Ice truck, or teachers participating in entertaining activities.At Davis, PBIS centers around SOAR (Safe, Organized, Accountable, Respectful), said Charity Barton (Davis principal). Students can use points to pick awards from a toy box. There are also weekly and monthly incentives. The system is school-wide, extending beyond just classroom behavior. Barton said, “No matter where [students] are at in the building, the custodian can give you points.”

Melissa Valtierra (DES principal) said that DES uses the acronym STAR: Strive to do your best, Take responsibility, Always be safe, Respect people and property. The school has weekly and monthly rewards. October’s activity was a pep rally with the high school. Valtierra said, “If students have not earned those reports, we reteach the lesson to them and try to encourage them to do their best.”

Bice explained that the PBIS teams review the data to see how many students have discipline referrals and work to meet those students’ needs.

Susan Reyes (director of special programs) discussed GNETS, which serves students who are eligible for special education and who need a high level of support. She reported that DES has seven GNETS students, DMS has four, and DCHS has four.

Reyes explained mindset de-escalation and safety management which centers around dealing with crises and de-escalating responses to situations.

Bice explained that Navigate 360 offers lessons for students to address specific behaviors.

The Dade County Character System features a “Character Word of the Month” which students and teachers are recognized for exemplifying. The words are discussed in the classrooms. Also, the Optimist Club recognizes students through its Character Award.

Bice reported that the school counselors work individually and in group sessions. Thus far this school year, the counselors have individually seen 182 DCHS students, 105 DMS students, 40 Davis students, and 168 DES students.

Bice reported that the district social worker, Kristin Barrett, builds “collaborative relationships between the school community, students, and their families.” Barrett looks at needs assessments, provides economic aid, offers crisis intervention, works with truancy teams, and makes home visits.

Lastly, Bridge Health is the school system’s partner to provide in-depth counseling and therapy. 98 students are currently being seen by Bridge Health.

Jayne Griffin (At-Large) said, “Those needs have to be met before we can talk about academic achievement, and y’all are doing such a comprehensive job, so thank you.”

Reyes and Greg Millikin from Teleflex then reported that the company is working with students with disabilities to teach transferable skills. The mutually-beneficial program pays these students to complete simple work for Teleflex in their classroom. Millikin explained that the students follow work instructions and go through quality checks and approvals just like Teleflex employees. The company also gave the students a tour so they could see the workplace in action.

The board approved new ADA compliant handrails for the DCHS gymnasium, costing $36,738, along with a replacement oven for Davis and the standard fuel purchases. Ingle noted that the flooring and turf on the top floor of the DCHS gym are complete.

The personnel report is as follows:

• Resignations: Jimmy Gallman, Syd Morrison 
• Hire Substitute Teachers: Kayla Drew, Courtney Hudson, Lesley Vaughn, Lydia Lingerfelt, Ronnie Cartwright, Amy Cardinale, Tammy Crane, Carla Kesler, Charlotte Cuticchia, Kara Steele, Hannah Richmond, Kali Helton, Lisa Eash, Brianna West, Jaiden Gibson
• SNP Worker: Christy Whitaker