The Mineola Creative Content government meeting held on September 20, 2024, focused on the implementation and progress of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives within the school district. The meeting highlighted various strategies and programs aimed at enhancing student behavior and support systems.

The discussion began with an overview of the MTSS framework, which is structured into three tiers. Tier 1 practices are designed for all students and include school-wide initiatives. A new feature introduced this year is the "Brave Buck" system, which rewards students for demonstrating safe behavior. The theme for September is "acting safely," and students can earn a purple Brave Buck for this behavior, in addition to other colored bucks for different achievements.

The meeting also detailed the differentiated approach to the Brave Buck system, with specific rewards tailored for different grade levels. For instance, third graders receive a unique Brave Book, while fourth graders have a different version.

In terms of support, Tier 2 focuses on classroom strategies that teachers can implement immediately to assist students, while Tier 3 is dedicated to those needing additional support. Notably, data presented showed that 55% of third graders successfully exited Tier 3, and all fourth graders had moved out of Tier 3, indicating effective interventions.

New tools introduced this year include "strategy rings," which provide students with various self-help strategies they can use in the classroom. These resources are part of ongoing efforts to reinforce SEL practices and routines.

The meeting concluded with a recap of the successful Brave assemblies held in the first week of school, which emphasized the importance of the Brave values and the motivational aspect of earning Brave Bucks. The MTSS manual, a key resource for teachers, is revised annually based on feedback to ensure it remains effective and relevant.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment through structured behavioral support and continuous feedback mechanisms.