Photos by David Prenatt Westfield elementary students will celebrate “Grinch Day” today.

WESTFIELD — The Whos in Westfield Central School liked Christmas a lot, but the grinch, who lived near the gymnasium, did not.

No, it’s not a typo. The halls of WACS elementary school have been transforming into Whoville as the students strive to collect Paw Points to fulfill for their PBIS quota. The reward this year is “Grinch Day,” complete with “grinchy” activities, “grinchy” treats, and, of course, “The Grinch”movie.

“Grinch Day” is taking place today. Just like Christmas, the preparation was half of the fun. Doorways have been transformed into various Whoville buildings; Grinch faces are everywhere; quotes from Dr. Suess adorn the walls; and the Care and Share board, which measures student food donations by each class, has turned “grinchy” green.

PBIS, which stands for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, is a program aimed at improving student behavior. PBIS strategies focus on an affirming approach toward discipline and behavior modification. The program is used as an alternative to discipline.

WACS elementary principal Dr. Mary Rockey is a great believer in positive reinforcement. “We might see a kid who is not doing what they’re supposed to be doing, but it’s so easy to turn it around,” she said. “In general, it’s about the environment: really good kids, really great faculty, and we work as a unit to help solve things before they become real problems.”

In the program, students receive “Paw Points” for doing little things that benefit others, said Rockey. To take part in “Grinch Day,”each class had to earn 200 Paw Prints.

“Anything above and beyond everyday actions will earn the students points. It could be as simple as picking a piece of paper off the floor without being told or holding a door for someone,” Rockey said.

For the past two years, the school held a “Polar Express” day as a reward for their PBIS activities. “We decided to change things up this year,” Rockey said. And so, the Grinch was chosen for this year.

In the morning, students will take part in “Grinchy activities,” eat green cookies and drink “Grinch punch,” Rockey said. In the afternoon, the students will assemble to watch the 2000 Grinch movie starring Jim Carrey. For those whose parents who find that version a little rough, the classic animated Grinch movie will also be available.

Both students and faculty prepare for the day. The school office, the nurse’s room, the library as well as each classroom have suddenly become scenes from the movie, such as the Mayor’s building, Whoville Hospital, the Post Office, and the Town Square.

“All of the teachers and students have been working really hard,” Rockey said. “Everyone is very excited about it.”