Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS)
by Michael Weaver
Washington School Introduces PBIS
PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) is a proactive, district-wide behavior support system that encompasses areas in classroom and non-classroom settings. Our goal is to help each child develop self-discipline. Home and school share the responsibility for developing good citizens. Parents, teachers, and students must work together to maintain a safe learning environment. The PBIS program is based upon our philosophy of recognizing the positive contributions of students.
PBIS means teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staffs take the responsibility to teach and reinforce positive behavior expectations to students. PBIS teaches students to know exactly what is expected of them. Students who take responsibility to behave positively will be recognized and rewarded in a variety of ways. Students also know exactly which consequences will result when they choose NOT to meet district-wide expectations. Pontiac CCSD #429’s purpose is to establish a positive district-wide environment using problem-solving to identify and implement effective practices. For more information on PBIS log on to www.pbis.org or the district web site p429.org
As the new 4th and 5th grade attendance center, there is need to prepare students both socially and academically for the Junior High School. Washington School will provide a natural transition to the Junior High by using a similar PBIS program. All students will be taught the big three district-wide student expectations and behavior will be reinforced when these expectations are demonstrated.
Big 3 Student Expectations:
-Be Respectful
-Be Responsible
-Be Safe
Staff members will present Washington Bucks to students who demonstrate the big three expectations. Washington Bucks can be placed into a common mailbox and random drawings will be conducted. Drawing winners will receive rewards ranging from free snacks to gift cards and free entry into sporting events. At the end of each quarter a large prize drawing will be held with all the Washington bucks from that quarter being included. At the end of each quarter all students who have not had an office referral will be eligible to participate in a school-wide celebration. The celebrations offered to students will be selected to entice student participation. A student may buy back ONE office referral per quarter for 10 Washington bucks by seeing the Principal during non-instructional times. This means if a student knows he/she has an office referral they want to buy back they must save 10 bucks instead of putting them in the mailbox to be drawn.
Sincerely,
Washington School PBIS Committee
