Renovo Elementary/Middle School Celebrates Success with Fishing-themed PBIS Event
By Autumn Gavlock
FARWELL – Friday, April 26, was far from an ordinary day at Renovo Elementary/Middle School as students gathered for a day of festivities to commemorate their achievements in positive behavior. The occasion was a school-wide celebration of the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support) program, which promotes a culture of respect, kindness, and cooperation among students.
PBIS is implemented across the Keystone Central School District (KCSD), but each school has the ability to customize it to suit its unique environment and student body. At Renovo Elementary/Middle, PBIS is not just about improving behavior; it’s an opportunity for students to earn rewards and participate in monthly celebrations.
The program incentivizes positive actions through initiatives like punch cards, which students can exchange for rewards at the school store. A wonderful way to keep the students involved and accountable for their choices.
The monthly celebrations are eagerly anticipated by students and are organized around different themes. This month’s event, themed around fishing, was orchestrated by fourth-grade teachers Mrs. Schultz and Mrs. Bottorff. Raising great excitement and curiosity from students.
The celebrations began with students rotating through various fishing-themed stations. Local Renovo Elementary and Bucktail High School alumni Mitch Gavlock led a Fly Tying presentation, demonstrating the art of tying Mayflies used for trout fishing in local streams. Mrs. Bottorf shared that the idea for this station was inspired by Gavlock’s past interest in fly tying.
It was shared with The Record during an interview with fourth grade teacher Mrs. Bottorf, that when planning the event around fishing she recalled a young man that many years prior in her teaching career, who had shown a great interest in the art of fly tying and had done a classroom presentation on it.
The young man being that of Mitch Gavlock who she now 20 years later had contacted and presented him with the opportunity for this demonstration and he so gratefully agreed.
Another station offered to students was a fly fishing casting demonstration and interactive activity given by Bucktail High school science teacher and Environmental Club director Josh Day along with Bucktail High school Environmental Club members; Ethan Kalafut, Teagan Stone, Talan Ditty, Kelsie Wagner and Seniors Johnny Green and Daniel Gavlock. Many of which plan to pursue environmental related college majors and professional careers.
The High school volunteers and Mr. Day demonstrated to students the proper technique when casting a fly rod followed by the opportunity to give it a try themselves. The event received support from the community, with the Fish and Boat Commission providing fly rods and equipment. A special thanks is given to Amidea Daniel of the Fish and Boat Commission for her assistance in the facilitating the exchange.
Following the demonstration stations students were also offered a fishing themed snack and movie in the library, a fish pond PE game in the gymnasium and in the art room coloring pages of rainbow trout for the students to color and design. Making for a fun fishing-filled event from start to finish. The students and staff at Renovo Elementary/Middle School are excited and looking forward to what’s in store for their next PBIS event.
