Superintendent's Message

 
 
At Columbia School District, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and positive environment where all students can thrive. This year, we’ve been implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) across our schools. You might notice some changes, like posters showing expectations for shared spaces, PAWS tickets, and other tools to encourage and celebrate positive behavior. These are part of the efforts by our PBIS teams, who are working hard to ensure consistency and support for every student in all three buildings. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening in each of our schools:
 
Columbia Elementary School
At the elementary level, staff are focused on recognizing and reinforcing positive behavior through new acknowledgment systems. Teachers are working together to improve classroom management strategies to better meet students’ needs. Additionally, the school is preparing to roll out a Tier II support system, which will provide extra help for students who need it. A key highlight is how well students understand behavioral expectations and how often they are recognized for meeting them. This positive reinforcement is making a big difference!
 
Columbia Middle School
At the middle school, staff are focusing on developing meaningful connections with students and maintaining clear communication. Short, focused meetings help keep everyone on the same page, and teachers are regularly reintroducing and reinforcing school-wide expectations. The staff are noticing positive changes in student behavior, and new ways to celebrate both student and staff achievements are being developed to strengthen the school’s sense of community.
 
Columbia High School
At the high school, a new acknowledgment system has been introduced with input from both students and staff. This system is designed to ensure that students feel supported and appreciated when they meet expectations. Staff are also working on collecting and using behavioral data more effectively to guide decisions and provide clearer insights. Early results show that students are highly aware of expectations, and the collaboration between staff and students has been a key part of this success.
 
District-Wide Efforts
Across the district, we’re using data to improve and align our practices. We’ve identified ways to make data collection more consistent and accurate and are planning to introduce a district-wide data dashboard. This tool will give schools real-time information to help guide their decisions. Additionally, we’re refining our three-year implementation plan for MTSS and PBIS, with a focus on community involvement, professional development, and resources for new staff.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep building on the progress we’ve made. We’re grateful for the support of our families and community as we work together to ensure Columbia School District is a place where students and staff can thrive. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and stay tuned for more updates in the coming months!
 
Sincerely,

Todd Hilberg,
Superintendent