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Dewey Middle School is making a point to recognize the positive behaviors of their students. Assistant Football Coach Scott Benne and the 8th grade class came up with “The DMS Way” - 8 traits they believe students should strive to exhibit. Benne says The DMS Way started after Christmas Break and the idea came from former head football coach Tyler Caid.

Middle School Prinipal Brent Massey approached Benne about the idea and they went forward with The DMS Way together. The plan was then implemented in their flex groups at DMS. Benne says when they were creating the list of characteristics, they were actually going through traits Dewey middle schoolers had expressed. It grew from there, Benne says.

The DMS Way consists of traits like accountability, friendliness, helpfulness, positivity, and respectfulness to name a few. Benne says the middle school is teaching kids skills to be better adults. That includes turning every negative situation into a positive one and building off of that energy.

DMS has implemented an award system Thursday with The DMS Way traits. Bailey Hughbanks, LJ Pinkston, Ana Parrett and Eli Cornelius have all be recognized for “Living the DMS Way." Those students were seen by their teachers as exhibiting those traits in the classroom and were awarded a green slip of paper to show appreciation for their character in the classroom.

Benne believes this program will grow because the kids are great kids that love positive reinforcement.

(Photo courtesy: Dewey Schools)