Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/129419
Jackman Middle School students in "dance-off" during lunchtime. Marty Clark oversees lunchtime detention at Jackman Middle School. P Pushing the positive in Elk Grove During lunchtime at Jackman Middle School, students suddenly migrate into a large circle in the quad. No, it's not a sign of an impending fight. It means a "Dance Off " competition is about to take place. Students congregate to watch contestants; the loudest applause determines the winner. Creating a fun, positive environment where students want to be at school is the goal of teachers and Principal Paul Burke. It's part of the school's Positive Intervention and Support Program, put into place to improve the school's discipline problem. It's working quite well. Five years ago, it was a different story. "The tardy bell would ring, and 100 kids would stay Mike Phillips out wandering the quad," recalls history teacher Mike Phillips. "You'd write a tardy or a detention slip and send them to the office, and nothing would happen. It was frustrating. Morale was lagging." Students cannot learn if they are not in school. May 2013 www.cta.org 21