Skyland Elementary School
The Power of Four
Tuscaloosa City Schools
Principal: Mrs. Keonta Melton
Superintendent: Dr. Michael Daria
The Power of Four at Skyland Elementary was implemented to strengthen student character, improve school culture, and establish a consistent, schoolwide framework for positive behavior and leadership. The program represented the school’s four houses, Determination, Accountability, Respect, and Optimism and was developed in response to discipline trends and staff input. It addressed the need for increased student ownership, consistent expectations, and a positive learning environment that supported both behavior and academic success. The Power of Four served 100% of students and staff, with every individual assigned to a house to promote identity, belonging, and continuity. Monthly cross-grade house meetings fostered mentorship, leadership development, and positive peer relationships. The framework was embedded into daily classroom practices and reinforced through schoolwide expectations and celebrations to ensure consistency. Students played an active role as house leaders, facilitating meetings, modeling expectations, and encouraging peer accountability. A schoolwide ticket system recognized positive behavior, with data tracked monthly to celebrate individuals and houses demonstrating strong character. Program effectiveness was measured through both quantitative and qualitative data. Discipline data reflected a reduction in behavior incidents, while the state report card showed the highest academic performance in school history. Feedback from staff and students indicated increased engagement, clearer expectations, and a stronger sense of community. The Power of Four program created a unified culture where students demonstrated accountability, leadership, and pride in their school.
