Winning Combinations: Operational Status and Positive Climate at Clements Middle
Brief Biography
Middle School Principal - Joy S. Scavella, Ed. S.
Mrs. Joy S. (Warren) Scavella was born and raised in Hancock County, GA . She comes from a family of
many educators to include both parents and grandparents. Learning the importance of education at
an early age, she graduated from Hancock Central High School and matriculated at Georgia College
and State University. As the only sibling of four to follow in her parents’ and grandparents’ footsteps,
she earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Middle Grades Education(1998), a
Master’s degree in Educational Leadership (2000) and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership
(2002) all from Georgia College & State University.
Mrs. Scavella believes that all students can achieve academic success with the right guidance and
support in an environment that embraces a high level of safety and high academic expectations. She
affirms that the key ingredient to success is instilling the habit of reading. Instilling the love for reading
in students is important because words, spoken and written, are the building blocks of life. It is
fundamental to function in today's society, helps to develop the mind, the imagination and creativity.
Since 1998, Mrs. Scavella has served children and youth in the middle and elementary setting. She
taught Science, English, and Reading in the middle school setting in Washington County, GA at
T. J. Elder Middle School and all subjects at the elementary level in Bibb County, GA at Burdell-Hunt
Magnet School. She went on to serve as an assistant principal at Hunt Elementary School in Fort
Valley, Peach County, GA for five years and served as the principal of Fort Valley Middle School in Fort
Valley Peach County, GA for two years. Mrs. Scavella has served as the principal of Clements Middle School with the Newton County School System (NCSS) since August 2010 to present.
Her goal is to meet the individual needs of students and maximize their academic and social potential
by utilizing all stakeholders and technological resources with a holistic approach to produce high-school
ready, college and career focused, productive citizens. Her motto is “Excellence without Excuses” as she
believes that ALL students can achieve high levels of academic success!
Highest Degree of Presenter(s)
Joy S. Scavella, Specialist in Educational Leadership and Administration (GA College & State University)
Alonzo Yelling, Masters in Middle Grades Education (Mercer University)
Presentation Abstract
Clements Middle School, located in Newton County, Covington, GA, implemented PBIS for the first time in August 2012. After the school’s first year of implementation, Clements reached Operational status, which is the highest level of achievement in regards to PBIS. Implementation of PBIS during the 2012-2013 school year, transformed the climate at Clements Middle into a positive one that also played a major role in increasing student achievement and academic success. In the spring of 2013, student state testing data showed a significant increase in all content areas. During the second year of implementation, 2013-2014, Clements Middle School maintained Operational status. This was not an easy task, however, through the hard work and commitment of the PBIS School-based Team, District Coach, and the concerted efforts of all Clements Middle School Staff, we were able to accomplish this again for a second time. After the second year of implementation, Clements Middle School still continued to show progress and maintain a positive school climate. PBIS has definitely made a difference in the overall climate and academic success of students and staff at Clements Middle School.
Recommended Citation
Scavella, Joy and Yelling, Alonzo, "Winning Combinations: Operational Status and Positive Climate at Clements Middle" (2014). Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Support Conference. 32.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gapbs/2014/2014/32
Winning Combinations: Operational Status and Positive Climate at Clements Middle
Student Center-Lucerne
Clements Middle School, located in Newton County, Covington, GA, implemented PBIS for the first time in August 2012. After the school’s first year of implementation, Clements reached Operational status, which is the highest level of achievement in regards to PBIS. Implementation of PBIS during the 2012-2013 school year, transformed the climate at Clements Middle into a positive one that also played a major role in increasing student achievement and academic success. In the spring of 2013, student state testing data showed a significant increase in all content areas. During the second year of implementation, 2013-2014, Clements Middle School maintained Operational status. This was not an easy task, however, through the hard work and commitment of the PBIS School-based Team, District Coach, and the concerted efforts of all Clements Middle School Staff, we were able to accomplish this again for a second time. After the second year of implementation, Clements Middle School still continued to show progress and maintain a positive school climate. PBIS has definitely made a difference in the overall climate and academic success of students and staff at Clements Middle School.
