Marcellus Community Schools recognized by MiMTSS

“We are a gem, because we really prepare our kids even though we’re small.”

   Mindy Bohan, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at Marcellus Community Schools, can truthfully make that statement, because she’s got the data.

   The collection of data, utilization of data, implementation and impact of programs based on that data is an integral part of public school systems. While linking hard numbers and statistics to student behavior and achievement seems impersonal, the process actually helps produce proactive methods of fostering positive student behavior and classroom performance.

   Superintendent Dr. Michael Dunn recently received a congratulatory letter from Michigan’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports Technical Assistance Center commending the school district for its “ongoing efforts to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. (MTSS)”

   The district earned the MTSS Data Utilization award for collecting and using fidelity data in the area of behavior in the elementary, middle, and high schools, and Volinia Outcomes School. The district also achieved the MTSS Implementation and Impact award for Tier 1 Behavior in the elementary and middle schools.

   Perhaps difficult to translate into layman’s terms, MTSS is a framework schools use to make sure every student gets the right level of support academically, socially and emotionally.

   “Think of it as a way for schools to respond early when a child needs extra help,” Bohan says, “while also challenging students who are ready for more.

   “In terms of behavior, we are trying to have a common language for students, so they know the expectations of behavior both in the classroom and in the common areas around the schools.”

   Bohan offers the example from the Elementary School which uses CATS as the common language for expectations: Caring. Always do your best. Take responsibility. Show respect. The middle school uses ROAR and the high school GRIT.

   Bohan explains that the school looks at the data collected to see if there are certain areas of behavior or academics that need to be addressed. 

   Tier One of the systems includes set behavior expectations for all students and, academically, for what every child gets in the classroom. Tier Two would be re-teaching expectations or classroom material in small groups, if warranted; and Tier Three might include a specific plan for classroom achievement or behavior for an individual student or small group of students.

  Simply put, MTSS is a way for schools to respond early when a child needs extra help, while also challenging students who are ready for more.

   Yes, those students “ready for more” are rewarded for positive behavior and classroom achievement.

  “The high school students love candy as much as the little kids.”

   While the school regularly monitors student progress through classwork, observations, assessments, and behavior data, there is a role for parents in the process, too. Bohan explains that parents will be informed if their child receives Tier 2 or Tier 3 support. Parents are encouraged to be part of the decision-making process by asking questions and sharing insights about their child that can help staff tailor interventions. 

   MTSS is about prevention (catching struggles early), equity (giving each student what they need to succeed), and collaboration between school and home.

   “We want to grow,” Bohan says, “although being small is a positive because everybody knows everybody, including the students.

   “I feel that the relationships our staff has with the students is huge. They know the kids academically, but they also know them personally, so they can support them that way.”

   For those considering the district as a school of choice, why is Marcellus Schools #WorththeDrive?

   “When you look at the make-up of our students and where we should be performing by all statistical probabilities, we outperform where we should be. We’re preparing them well.”

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