On Thursday, January 16th, Lansing Intermediate School and Lansing Middle School had the honor of hosting a Building Intervention Support Team (BIST) Site Visit as part of the BIST Leadership Conference. Lansing Middle School began utilizing the BIST model in 2013, and this marks the fourth time their building has been selected for a site visit. Lansing Intermediate School implemented BIST three years ago, and this was their first time being selected for a site visit. The selection to host the site visits highlights the exceptional implementation of the BIST model within Lansing USD469.
Representatives from the BIST Leadership Conference toured both Lansing Intermediate School and Lansing Middle School to observe firsthand how our staff utilizes the BIST strategies to create supportive and structured learning environments. Participants toured both schools to see classrooms in action and speak to teachers and staff who have seen the positive impact firsthand. At Lansing Intermediate School, fifth-grade student Luke Robichaux talked to the group about how the BIST model has helped him. At Lansing Middle School, a panel of six students spoke to the group, sharing the progress they have made because of the BIST model.
"Being chosen as a site visit school for the BIST Leadership Conference is an honor and a tribute to the hard work that our staff has put in with BIST and behavior, overall," said Principal Brooks Jenkins. "Behavior is foundational to learning, and our staff invests heavily in the BIST model for staff consistency and predictability for students. We thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to showcase our building and connect with leaders from other districts through the site visit."
Following the visit, Lansing Intermediate School principal Martin Altieri shared feedback from the administrators who attended the visit to his school: "The administrators who toured our building were very complimentary of the friendliness of our staff and students. One remarked how happy our students looked—that is a huge validation of the hard work and passion you bring to LIS every day. Sometimes, when you are in an environment almost daily, you take for granted things that outsiders do not. I appreciate all the grit, determination, and willingness to try new things that have gone into our BIST implementation over the last three years."
BIST, which stands for Behavior Intervention Support Team, is a comprehensive program designed to help educators create environments where students can succeed both academically and socially. The model focuses on teaching students accountability, responsibility, and self-regulation while maintaining a safe and inclusive school climate. Through BIST, students are supported in learning how to make positive choices and develop essential life skills.
Lansing USD 469 has embraced the BIST model district-wide for grades K-8, underscoring our commitment to the Whole Child Approach to Learning. By empowering educators with tools and strategies to address behavioral challenges effectively, BIST helps ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive setting.
