VICKSBURG, Miss. — Vicksburg Intermediate School has been named a Tier 1 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Model Site for the 2024–2025 academic year, a distinction recognizing its commitment to student behavior support and academic culture.
The designation was awarded by REACH MS, a division of The University of Southern Mississippi’s State Personnel Development Grant program, following an in-depth School-wide Evaluation Tool (SET) assessment conducted March 27.
Dr. Kasey Boyd, a behavior specialist with REACH MS, announced the recognition in a message to VIS Principal Lakesha Batty and Assistant Principal Dr. Tantaneshia Weekley. “You all have done a great job building your PBIS systems and procedures and decreasing student discipline,” Boyd said in the email. “Congratulations on achieving PBIS Tier 1 Model Site status!”
The school earned a 98.2% implementation average on the evaluation, scoring 100% in six of seven key PBIS feature areas. The report cited effective teaching of behavior expectations, a robust reward system for students and staff, clearly defined consequences for infractions, and consistent schoolwide leadership.
Students at VIS are regularly rewarded through LiveSchool points, merit-based incentives, and monthly PBIS parties for demonstrating respectful, responsible, and safe behavior. Staff are recognized through weekly treats, shout-outs, and “Staff of the Month” awards.
The designation includes a $500 incentive, a PBIS Model Site banner, and lapel pins for all staff members. The school will also be highlighted on the REACH MS website as a model for other institutions across Mississippi.
In order to maintain the Model Site status, VIS will continue submitting discipline referral data every nine weeks and participate in ongoing PBIS reviews.
“This recognition reflects the hard work and shared vision of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Batty. “We’re proud to be a model for positive school culture.”
VIS joins a select group of schools across Mississippi recognized for excellence in PBIS implementation, reinforcing its mission to support student success through consistency, encouragement, and accountability.