Superintendent's Message

We are excited to share an important update on an initiative that has been three years in the making! Beginning August 28th, all three of our schools (elementary, middle, and high school) began implementing PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) to ensure a positive, consistent, and supportive environment for all students. This districtwide approach to student behavior is designed to teach and promote safety, responsibility, and respect, while recognizing and rewarding positive actions.

 

Over the last several years, we have worked closely with Dr. Hoyt, an expert in PBIS, to ensure that our staff and schools are prepared for this shift. While it has not been easy, together we’ve created a framework that will help each student understand clear expectations, while giving teachers and staff the tools to encourage positive behavior in every classroom. By establishing clear expectations, using positive reinforcement, and providing support for students who need additional help, our goal is to reduce disruptive behavior, improve school climate, and create a more respectful, and engaging learning environment for everyone.

You may have already seen evidence of PBIS in action. From posters up across our campuses to "PAWS" tickets coming home with our elementary students, we are excited to see these positive changes take root. We hope that these small but significant steps are helping to reinforce the expectations and positive behaviors we are promoting in every building.

While we have made great strides, our work is not done yet. As the year progresses, our secondary schools continue to develop their positive recognition systems. Additionally, all our schools are also becoming more comfortable using our new SWIS (School-Wide Information System) software to track and support student behavior, which will help us make data-driven decisions to improve the overall school environment.

As parents, you play a key role in this process. We encourage you to talk with your student(s) about what PBIS looks like at their school and how they can contribute to a positive environment. Thank you for partnering with us on this exciting journey. We believe that by working together, we can create a school environment where every student feels valued and supported!