Case Study: Thoreau Middle School reduces referrals and improves schoolwide behavior with Kickboard

How one New Mexico School Reduced Referrals by Implementing Kickboard

Thoreau Middle School in Thoreau, New Mexico, led by Principal Heather Gutierrez, struggled with inconsistent behavior management and negative teacher‑student interactions because it had no PBIS structure. Gutierrez selected Kickboard and its PBIS platform plus professional services to give the school a consistent system, improve staff buy‑in, and reward positive student behavior.

Kickboard worked with Thoreau Middle School to roll out schoolwide tracking, a Hawk Bucks incentive program, a teacher flowchart for responses, and coach‑led strategic planning and training; staff began using Kickboard data for coaching, equity checks, and principal‑student conferences. As a result of Kickboard’s implementation, referrals dropped 23% within five months, fights were eliminated, and the school adopted a sustained, data‑driven positive culture.

Thoreau Middle School