September 2012

Dear Salem Community,

Salem High School is starting a Positive Behavior Support In Schools (PBSIS) initiative. Our staff would like to recognize the positive behavior of our students.  I am writing to encourage your support of this program.  This program has allowed our PBSIS team to work collaboratively with the NJDOE to create our Rams Take Charge program that allows us to recognize and promote the positive behavior and contributions of our students to our school.  Our program was developed utilizing data trends, survey feedback, and input from school community members

Our PBSIS team members have planned and organized all aspects of our program in conjunction with New Jersey Department of Education liaisons and other schools already implementing PBSIS.  It is amazing to see how positive reinforcement influences the decisions students make, their willingness to lend a helping hand, or just to put in that extra effort.  While they are important, the success of this program is not wholly contingent on the students’ behavior or choices, rather on our entire school community teaching and reinforcing these expectations with students.  It is vitally important for us as the supporters of these students to take time to recognize those who are meeting the expectations and making appropriate choices with a Rams Take Charge approach at both home and school.

Throughout the school year we will have refresher videos, celebrations, and drawings so that the students stay excited about doing the program. During the “National Week of Respect,” we will have our inaugural kick-off event/pep rally where we will introduce this program to our entire school.

This program is larger than any one person, but it is necessary that everyone do their part to make it successful.  I am supremely confident that as community members you will support our children by recognizing their positive efforts and supporting the momentum that is building at Salem High School.  Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Dr. Gregory Dunham
Principal


Click HERE to download a printable version of this letter from Dr. Dunham