Welcome back! I hope your seat is still warm, because today, we’re gonna be uncovering the cold shoulders of truth! That’s right, we’re gonna be covering the most difficult topic of them all:

Socializing…

Now, before you run for your blankets and cover your face with your hands, let me make myself clear: This is gonna be about how to make such a task easier; and not meant to add complexity and difficulties to the already stressful task of talking. I would like to start us off with what is kicking us to today’s topic, that being a recent letter I’ve been bestowed. It reads:

First, let’s give a big clap to this individual for speaking out about the issue no one else will. The bravery and tenacity to bring up such a topic is far more than what I have to do! With such a wonderful question, it’s going to be a challenge to come up with an equally wonderful answer, but I think I know how to help.

One of the ways MICC recognizes students who demonstrate respect, responsibility, and resilience is through the Participant of the Month award. At the end of the year, all nominations are tallied, and the participant with the most is named Participant of the Year. This year's honoree is Camille W., a junior in the College Program, who said, "I was surprised being named the Participant of the Year." The award ceremony took place during Winter Formal, an annual event hosted by MICC's Social Program to celebrate everyone at MICC. Camille's award was presented by the 2021 winner, Dinah H., who shared a heartfelt speech about Camille's accomplishments.
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Camille's journey to becoming Participant of the Year was not easy. She faced several challenges, including personal medical issues, interpersonal conflicts among her peers, and classmates' transitions. Despite these challenges, Camille remained focused, positive, and collected, demonstrating exceptional resilience and adaptation to change. She exemplifies the core values of respect, responsibility, and resilience. Camille believes she was chosen to win because of her resilience and responsibility as a student.

Camille's work at Walgreens practicum demonstrated a great attitude, work ethic, and flexible mindset. She took the initiative to accommodate herself and still went over the top, earning recognition from staff for her resilience. Staff also commended Camille's responsibility, as she has not received any unexcused absences or tardies.

The Participant of the Year recognition system was developed by MICC's PBIS Committee, which was created in 2021. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a framework for organizing strategies to enhance academic and social outcomes using databased decision making. The committee is made up of staff from across the organization, including Trista Willis (College Program Advisor), Megan Moriarty (Program Office Coordinator), Camille Prestrud (Social Program Manager), Casey Rawlings (College Program Advisor), Casey Conaway (Careers Program Instructor), Maddie Ayres (HR Generalist), Lauren Gunhus (College Program Lead Apartment Instructor), Sara Westman (Social Program Electives Instructor), David Marcis (Community Program Specialist), Catherine MacLaughlin (Community Program Wellness & ILS Supervisor), and Chrissy Cleveland (Assessment and Accountability Program Manager). They have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of all participants at MICC and recently graduated from Minnesota PBIS’s cohort 17 training.

​MICC focuses on the expectations and actions necessary for a healthy, independent, integrated life, rather than focusing on deficits or behaviors. Participants and staff are provided with clear guidelines to promote a positive environment which includes living the “3 R Expectations”. We are...

​The PBIS Committee has put in place a long list of program-wide events and engagement opportunities over the past two years, including marketing of the three Rs across campus, developed the Participant of the Month recognition system, planned and guided a Harry Potter themed week, supported staff engagement events, and worked to enhance working culture amongst staff, among other accomplishments.
 
The success of PBIS at MICC is a testament to the importance of providing participants with a positive and supportive environment to learn and grow. The PBIS Committee's dedication to implementing best practices and enhancing the participant experience at MICC is truly commendable.
 
Congratulations to both Camille and the PBIS Committee on their achievements!