Johnstown Schools Expand Discipline Program to Warren Street

Pleasant Avenue Elementary's adoption of Conscious Discipline this year prompted Johnstown School District to expand the program to Warren Street Elementary for grades 2-4 this fall.

Conscious Discipline prioritizes emotional safety and connection to shape student behavior and learning. Superintendent Alicia D. Koster said the approach has strengthened relationships and created a more supportive environment at Pleasant Avenue.

Cory Cotter, Pleasant Avenue's principal this year and newly named Director of Elementary Education, will lead the Warren Street rollout. The program teaches empathy, respectful interactions, and emotional regulation.

At Pleasant Avenue, students greet Cotter each morning by choosing contact level: a no-contact "fish lips," a pinky handshake, or a hug. Most choose hugs.

Classrooms hold "Brain Smart Starts," morning meetings where students greet each other, do breathing or movement exercises, and commit to positive actions for the day. This approach helps students state what they will do instead of what they won't.

Cotter's office stocks resources to help dysregulated students identify their emotions, a skill that reduces disruptive behavior. Many challenging behaviors stem from frustration tied to unidentified emotions, Cotter said.

Warren Street staff trained on Conscious Discipline principles beginning in January. The district will educate families this summer so they can reinforce the concepts at home.