Handley Elementary School
PAWS Assemblies
Roanoke City Schools
Principal: Ms. Tena Musick
Superintendent: Mr. Greg Foster
The Handley Middle School PAWS Assemblies initiative was created to encourage student ownership in attendance, discipline, academic achievement, and foundational wellness as well as to address underachievement, misbehavior, chronic absenteeism, and miscommunication among students. The program promoted accountability and improvement by empowering students to track progress and set personal goals. Through transparent data on school performance, students could connect their actions to outcomes, fostering a sense of responsibility. The program reinforced the PAWS values—Prompt and Prepared, Act Responsibly, Work Together, Show Respect—through monthly assemblies. These gatherings celebrated achievements and addressed areas for growth, creating a positive feedback loop which motivated students to improve academically and behaviorally. The student-centered approach encouraged engagement and accountability, contributing to a positive school culture. The assemblies emphasized the “Word of the Month” for students to reflect on and take action to exhibit emotions not yet learned or applied in the school environment. Students were encouraged to use this word in everyday scenarios throughout the month to better understand the emotional value of appropriate communication aligned with the PAWS values. The program’s emphasis on celebrating growth, promoting positive behavior, and fostering engagement not only improved quantitative metrics but also enhanced the overall perception of the school among students and parents. The evidence underscored the program’s effectiveness as a transformative initiative that supported student success and well-being.
