This year, Portage North Middle School has seen what administrators are calling one of the largest shifts in school culture in recent memory.
And the data is proof.
The middle school has seen a 45% decrease in office referrals for behavioral issues this year compared to previous school years. Administrators give credit to a new initiative implemented this year: The Reflection Zone and the person inside.
“This has been one of the best beginnings of a school year at NMS,” Assistant Principal Craig Medd said.
The Reflection Zone is a dedicated space in the middle school where students can take a moment to reset, reflect, and reengage — whether they’re struggling with minor behavior issues or just need a break to manage their emotions.
The zone, which has been used 358 times already this year, serves as an alternative to traditional office referrals, instead offering students a chance to learn from their actions before more punitive measures are taken.
“The drop in referrals reflects the effectiveness of the space in helping students manage their behavior more constructively and reducing classroom disruptions,” Medd said.
But it isn’t just simply a room with four walls that NMS administrators say is helping their students. In September, the school hired Mr. Matthews, a student interventionist, to be the first face students see when they enter the Reflection Zone.
When students are referred to the Zone by their teacher, Matthews uses a variety of tools to both support and hold them accountable. Depending on the situation, students may complete a Restorative Thinking Reflection or write an apology letter to those affected by their behavior. Some students continue working while in the Zone while others may simply need a trusted adult to talk to.
Educators know that how students show up in the classroom is often a reflection of issues at home or with friends. Many problems that students face – and that directly affect their behavior inside the classroom – are not even school related, Matthews said.
“You might find that a student has the same behavior issues everyday around the same time because they’re hungry,” he said. “Being hungry makes it difficult to focus in class.”
Other times, students may be struggling because of issues at home or within their friendships. Before the Reflection Zone, students were referred to the office where Medd and others struggled to give them the dedicated time and space they needed to reflect on the issues behind the behavior and learn from their actions.
Students missed out on learning in the classroom and had limited opportunity to build the skills they need to improve their behavior. Students also were less motivated to do better next time because the consequences were already issued.
“Writing an apology letter to your teacher and reflecting on your actions can be a lot more powerful for a student than a lunch detention,” Matthews said.
A representative from Gryphon Place also spends time in the Zone making outside resources and support available to students in need.
For NMS students, Matthews is an administrator, counselor and mentor, all in one, Medd said.
"Matthew’s experience, calm demeanor, and genuine care for students have been game-changers,” Medd said. “He’s created an environment in the Reflection Zone where students feel safe to reflect but also know they’ll be held accountable for their choices. His work has been instrumental in setting the tone for what this space is all about.
“The Reflection Zone is more than just a room—it’s a reflection (pun intended) of what North stands for: growth, accountability, and support,” Medd said. “It’s the result of our shared commitment to making this school the best it can be, for every student and every staff member who walks through these doors.”