In Kentwood, Michigan, Challenger and Bowen elementary schools have started Project ReACT. This initiative aims to reduce racial disparities in school discipline referrals. The project began in the 2024-25 school year. It is a partnership with the University of Oregon and Michigan’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team. The main goal is to create a more equitable school climate, especially for Black students who have received a higher number of office discipline referrals in the past.
Each morning, students at Challenger and Bowen are greeted by their teachers in a way they choose, such as a high five, hug, or salute. This daily greeting is one of several strategies used in Project ReACT to build stronger connections between students and staff. Teachers say these greetings help set a positive tone and help students feel recognized.
Data from the 2024-25 school year show that at Challenger Elementary, Black students were 1.4 times more likely to receive at least one office discipline referral than other students. At Bowen, Black students were 1.9 times more likely to be referred. These figures led school leaders, including Challenger Principal Dwight Quinn and Bowen Principal Mary Campione, to look for targeted interventions for their students…