Gerald Elementary School has been nominated for the Dr. Mary Richter award given to honor Mary Richter, Ph.D., the founding director of the Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS) initiative. The nomination was for the 2025-26 school year.

Principal Brad Royle says this is the first year for GES to be nominated for the award. The school earned the Tier 3 Positive Behavioral Interventions and  Supports (PBIS) program. “In simple terms, this means our school has created a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment where students know what is expected of them and are recognized for making good choices,” he said.

According to Royle, PBIS focuses on teaching and encouraging positive behavior just like teachers teach reading and math skills. Students learn clear expectations for behavior throughout the school, and staff work together to consistently reinforce those expectations. School earning Tier 3 recognition demonstrate strong implementation of these practices, use data to make decisions, and provide support for students who need additional help.

“This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and families. By working together to build a positive school culture, Gerald Elementary continues to create an environment where all students can learn, grow and succeed,” Royle concludes. 

Unfortunately, Gerald Elementary School was not the winner this year, at least according to the awards committee. It was an honor for this little school to even be nominated.

If you ask anyone in Gerald most would agree that Gerald Elementary is a winner in so many other ways. When the town’s assets are discussed in community groups, the school usually ranks at the top of the list. Strong community support and a dedicated staff and faculty keeps GES a winner.

There’s always next year.