Staff Spotlight: Roxane Pond

Staff Spotlight: Roxane Pond, Wide Hollow STEAM Elementary

Roxane Pond embodies the values that make Wide Hollow STEAM Elementary a place where all students are given the tools to succeed.

Guiding Students with Compassion and Consistency at Wide Hollow STEAM Elementary

At Wide Hollow STEAM Elementary, where curiosity and creativity shape young minds, one of the most impactful figures behind the scenes is Roxane Pond, the school's dedicated Tier 2 Behavior Interventionist. With a calm presence and a deep commitment to student well-being, Roxane plays a vital role in helping children thrive not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well.

Supporting Positive Behavior with Check-In and Check-Out Systems

One of Roxane’s core strategies for student success involves the implementation of the Check-In/Check-Out behavior tracking system. Designed to provide consistent, daily support to students who benefit from additional structure, this system offers a proactive way to reinforce positive behavior and promote accountability.

Each morning, specific students “check-in” with Roxane, reviewing their behavior goals and starting the day with encouragement and clarity. Throughout the day, classroom teachers track behavior based on pre-set criteria. At the end of the day, these students “check-out” with Roxane to reflect on their progress, celebrate achievements, and set intentions for the next day.

What sets this system apart is its emphasis on positive reinforcement. Students who meet their goals consistently earn rewards—ranging from small prizes to special privileges—and more importantly, they receive genuine praise and recognition from Roxane and their teachers. This daily cycle builds confidence, reinforces expectations, and nurtures a sense of accomplishment in students who may struggle with self-regulation.

A Skilled De-Escalator in Times of Crisis

In moments when emotions run high, Roxane is often the calm in the storm. Her training and natural ability to de-escalate challenging behaviors allow her to quickly connect with students in distress and help them regain control. Whether it’s through calming breathing techniques, sensory tools, or simply providing a safe and quiet space to regroup, Roxane meets students where they are emotionally, guiding them back to a place of calm and focus.

Colleagues often note her ability to turn a potentially disruptive situation into a learning opportunity. Roxane emphasizes teaching students how to manage their feelings and make better choices in the future—an approach that aligns with the school’s STEAM philosophy of problem-solving and growth.

A Consistent, Caring Adult in Kids’ Lives

More than anything, Roxane Pond is a positive and consistent adult presence in the lives of students who need it most. For many children, particularly those facing adversity at home or struggling with self-esteem, her support becomes a cornerstone of their day. She listens without judgment, advocates fiercely, and celebrates every step forward, no matter how small.

Students know that no matter what happened yesterday, Roxane will greet them with a smile today. Her office is more than a workspace—it’s a refuge, a classroom, and a launching pad for students to return to their classrooms feeling heard, supported, and ready to learn.

Building a Better School Community

Through her work, Roxane Pond embodies the values that make Wide Hollow STEAM Elementary a place where all students are given the tools to succeed. Her impact is felt not only by the students she works with directly but also by the broader school community, which benefits from her leadership, collaboration, and tireless advocacy for student well-being.

Whether she’s tracking behavior, celebrating a student’s progress, or helping a child calm down and re-focus, Roxane is doing more than managing behavior—she’s building trust, fostering growth, and helping shape the next generation of resilient learners.