“At Brocton Elementary School, we believe that creating a positive, supportive learning environment is essential to helping every child thrive,” said Brocton Elementary Principal Molly Dehlinger. “Having a school-wide program in which all staff are trained, utilize, and remain consistent in applying evidence-based practices to teach positive choices is of extreme value to our school community. When positive choices and behaviors increase, valuable learning time in the classroom also increases, allowing us to dedicate more time and energy toward achieving our district’s broader goals.”

The PAX Good Behavior Game is an evidence-based classroom strategy that helps students build self-regulation, focus, and cooperative behavior. By teaching children to manage their attention, emotions, and actions in a positive and supportive way, the PAX approach lays a strong foundation for lifelong success both inside and outside the classroom by creating more peaceful, productive, healthy, and happy environments.

“Our ultimate mission is to help students reach their fullest potential — socially, emotionally, and academically,” Dehlinger added. “The PAX Good Behavior Game has become a cornerstone in this mission, providing a solid foundation for teaching the lifelong skills that contribute to success both inside and outside the classroom.”

Brocton Elementary’s integration of PAX Good Behavior Game with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) ensures students experience consistent expectations and positive reinforcement throughout the school day. While PBIS provides a schoolwide framework for defining and rewarding positive behavior, PAX equips teachers with classroom-level strategies that promote focus, calm, and cooperation.

A poster describing the PAX effort.

“This year, we are also deepening our work in Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports, ensuring that students who need additional time and practice to develop healthy skills receive the targeted interventions they deserve,” said Dehlinger. “PAX aligns seamlessly with these goals, reinforcing positive behaviors and supporting growth for every learner.”

This initiative is the result of ongoing collaboration among educators, administrators, and district leaders who share a common goal: ensuring that every student feels supported, seen, and capable of success.

“We are especially grateful for the dedication of Prevention Works CYPEP Coordinator, whose commitment to our vision and hands-on support have been invaluable throughout the implementation process,” Dehlinger said. “She has worked side-by-side with our staff and administration to ensure that PAX practices are woven meaningfully into our daily routines.”

Dehlinger’s comments reflect the strong partnership between Brocton Central School and Prevention Works, a community-based organization dedicated to promoting healthy behaviors and positive environments for youth across Chautauqua County. Through this collaboration, Brocton has successfully integrated PAX strategies into classrooms, enhancing both learning and student engagement.

“As a proud Brocton Central School alumna, it has been both an honor and an incredibly rewarding experience to work closely with the staff and administration at my alma mater,” said Jennifer Pacos, Prevention Works CYPEP Coordinator. “Seeing the PAX Good Behavior Game in action has been truly inspiring when implemented with fidelity, its positive influence on students and the school climate is undeniable.”

To measure the impact of the program, Pacos collected and analyzed data over the past year and the results were clear.

“Over the past year, I have collected and analyzed data that clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of PAX,” Pacos explained. “The results have been remarkable. When comparing data from before implementation to after PAX was introduced, we found that classroom behavior incidents and office referrals were reduced by nearly half.”

These outcomes underscore the importance of teamwork and shared commitment between Brocton Central and Prevention Works. Regular communication, collaborative planning, and consistent follow-through have all played key roles in sustaining progress and ensuring long-term success.

“Through regular meetings, open communication, and shared planning, we have created a collaborative approach to nurturing positive behavior and emotional wellness across the entire school community,” Pacos added. “Without the dedication and support of everyone involved, the program could not have reached the level of success we see today. Together, we are making a lasting impact not just on academic growth, but on the well-being and future success of every Brocton student.”

District Superintendent Jason Delcamp praised the positive impact of the initiative, noting the alignment between structured support and student growth. “Through initiatives like the PAX Good Behavior Game, we see firsthand how intentional strategies promote focus, engagement, and respect, helping students thrive both academically and socially,” Delcamp said. “The harmonica signal is a simple yet powerful tool that centers attention and reinforces consistency and calm in the classroom. This partnership truly exemplifies how collaboration can strengthen the whole child while nurturing a positive school culture.”

This shared commitment to positivity and consistency has already transformed the atmosphere at Brocton Elementary, creating a safer, more joyful, and more respectful learning environment for all students.

“The results speak for themselves through the use of PAX, our school has become a safer, more respectful, and more joyful place for all students to learn and grow each day,” Dehlinger said. “We are proud of this progress and excited to continue building on it using PAX.”

Brocton Central School and Prevention Works plan to continue building on this momentum by expanding and continuing PAX implementation this school year to foster peaceful, productive, healthy, and happy student centered environments.

Due to multiple funding partnerships with New York Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, Chautauqua Tapestry, Erie-2 Chautauqua-Cattaragus BOCES, expansion of the PAX Good Behavior Game continues to grow to other school districts in Chautauqua County. If you are interested in more information about the PAX Good Behavior Game, an Evidenced-Based Prevention Program that helps improve self-regulation, co-regulation, mental emotional behaviors and substance use reduction reach out to Prevention Works, Inc. at 716-664-3608 or www.preventionworks.us

Prevention Works is a community-based nonprofit organization that has been providing evidence-based prevention and youth development programs across Chautauqua County since 1974. The organization focuses on substance use prevention, social-emotional learning, and intervention services that empower youth to make healthy choices and succeed in all areas of life.

For more information, visit www.preventionworks.us or follow Prevention Works on social media.