CAMDEN — Preble Shawnee Board of Education members learned more about two different programs in the district during its Thursday, Oct. 14, regular meeting.

Nikki Davidson and Letta South presented information regarding the House System which has been established at Preble Shawnee Middle School.

According to school officials, Davidson and South presented the idea to Middle School Principal Kyle Morton over summer break and worked to create it this school year.

“The House System promotes a sense of belonging, mentoring, intrinsic motivation for students, academic and behavioral changes,” a school news item noted.

According to the presentation, the House System’s creates a culture of belonging and a “school-wide community.” The change it creates leads to a reduction in office referrals, the presentation noted.

Students utilize an app and are awarded points, which can be seen on a scoreboard in the common area in front of the school office. Scores are updated in real-time so students can compete to increase their group’s scores.

The second presentation shared information about the school’s HOPE Squad led by Madelynn Roell and Ami Stevenson.

HOPE Squad is a peer-to-peer mentoring program. made up of of student leaders who are trained to assist other students with all types of mental health issues. HOPE stands for Hold On, Persuade, and Empower.

“Squad members are trained in how to counsel and respond to someone who might be suicidal, dealing with outside issues at home, work or somewhere else outside of school and who are looking for support,” a district news item noted.

Roell and Stevenson work as trainers for the students and are resources for the HOPE Squad when students reach out for help.

In other business, the board approved several employment changes and supplemental contracts.

Also discussed briefly was plans for the display of the bells of West Elkton, Gratis, Preble Shawnee High School and Camden School. According to school officials, a petition was received from West Elkton to place the West Elkton Bell back in park in West Elkton. A current proposal is to repair the bells and create garden with them displayed in front of Preble Shawnee school since the bells are owned by the Preble Shawnee School District. An additional display inside the school is proposed to commemorate the history of each school.