Warrior Ridge Elementary was recognized as a Mary Miller Richter School of Distinction Award nominee.The nomination comes from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the University of Missouri Center for Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support.The school was recognized for its dedication to the program.Missouri Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support helps schools create and maintain the needed social, cultural and behavioral support to create positive learning environments for all students.Elementary schools in the Warren County School District joined the program about 12 years ago.As program members, teachers learn proven strategies to help students in ways that go beyond academics, said Bobbie Russell, principal of Warrior Ridge Elementary.“Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support improves the culture of your school because you’re utilizing evidence-based practices that support your students,” Russell said.More schools are stepping in to help kids in their classrooms. This program lays the groundwork for helping them succeed on behavioral, social and emotional levels, Russell said.There are three tiers to the program. The first tier applies to all students. Warrior Ridge Elementary focuses on the schoolwide expectation for everyone to be safe, respectful and responsible, They call it “the big three.” They earn WOW money to spend in the WOW store.Tier 2 offers students some one-on-one connection time with a staff member. Students check in and out with the staff member while also working to improve their social and problem solving skills. Tier 3 is designed to support students who need the most help managing their behavior.Russell has been with the school district for 25 years. For the past 12, she has been at Warrior Ridge. By now, she has seen many students advance through grade school and benefiting from Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support techniques.“We have them for six years. You do see growth,” she said.She added that Warrior Ridge students and staff are honored to be recognized.Program leaders complimented Warrior Ridge for their continued loyalty to the program with continuously high survey scores, classroom practices, continuous refresher trainings for existing staff members and monthly staff meetings.The Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support Leadership Team stated, “Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support has improved the interaction between staff, students and parents, therefore improving school climate.”Warren County R-III School District logo