Message from Assistant Principal Mr. Ward: 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well! Even though I primarly deal with dicipline as the AP, we do have a system to positively encourage kids as well.  I am writing to share some important information about our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program and the vital role it plays in creating a positive and supportive school environment for our students.

At N.M.S., we believe that fostering a climate of respect, responsibility, and encouragement is essential for every student’s success. PBIS is an evidence-based approach that focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors, which ultimately helps to create a safe and productive learning environment. We prioritize a positive to negative ratio of at least 4:1 — meaning that we strive to offer our students four positive reinforcements for every corrective action taken. This approach allows us to guide our students in a way that supports their emotional, social, and academic growth while ensuring that they feel recognized and valued for their good behavior.

As part of this initiative, our students earn a Tiger Stripe card for demonstrating key traits that are foundational to our school culture. These traits—Service, Thoughtfulness, Respect, Integrity, Positivity, and Excellence—were chosen by all of our stakeholders, including parents, students, and teachers, when we first implemented the PBIS program five years ago. The Tiger Stripe represents these core values, and we are proud to see our students consistently exemplifying them in their daily actions.

We believe that these values not only help our students grow as individuals, but also set a standard of excellence in our school community. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic fields, or in the hallways, students who show Service, Thoughtfulness, Respect, Integrity, Positivity, and Excellence are acknowledged and celebrated for their efforts. This positive reinforcement empowers our students to continue developing these essential skills, which will serve them both academically and in their future endeavors.

The support we receive from you, our parents, is key to the success of this program. We encourage you to talk to your child about the importance of these traits and the positive behaviors they can exhibit each day. Together, we can continue to build a school culture that supports our students' growth and success in all areas.  

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support as we work together to help our students thrive.

Warm regards,
Ryan Ward
Assistant Principal
N.M.S. 

Please feel free to reach out anytime with questions or concerns involving your child. I can be reached at   ryan.ward@nwsc.k12.in.us or my ext.3104.