Penn Powers

What is Schoolwide PBIS?

• Proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create positive school environments.
• Instead of using a piecemeal approach of individual behavioral management plans, a continuum of positive behavior interventions and support for all students within a school is implemented in areas including the classroom and non-classroom settings (such as hallways, buses, and restrooms).
• Positive behavior interventions and support is an application of a behaviorally-based systems approach to enhance the capacity of schools, families, and communities to design effective environments that improve the link between research-validated practices and the environments in which teaching and learning occurs.
• Attention is focused on creating and sustaining primary / core (school-wide), secondary/ supplemental (classroom), and tertiary / intensive (individual) systems of support that improve lifestyle results (personal, health, social, family, work, recreation) for all children and youth by making targeted behaviors less effective, efficient, and relevant, and desired behavior more functional.

What are the benefits of PBIS?

• Development of a leadership team in your building that focuses attention on social emotional needs of students and improvement of climate and culture of the building.
• Focuses attention and resources on prevention of problem behaviors.
• Prioritizes resources and staff development to increase all staff skills in dealing with problem behaviors.
• Supports the use of a common language across staff, students, families and the community.
• Teaches staff to implement a system for data based decision making.
• Decreases discipline referrals and thus decreases administrative time devoted to problem behavior.
• Increases instructional time and student achievement.
• Fosters a calm, safe environment and improves the climate and culture of the building.
• Can increase both student and staff attendance.

District staff are responsible for providing proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create positive school environments for all students, identifying those students who need additional supports, and implementing interventions based upon student need. If you feel that your child needs additional supports in the area of behavior, please contact your child's teacher, guidance counselor, and/or principal. Together we will work with you to ensure that your child is successful.

1.  I know Myself 

• I understand my feelings, thoughts, and values.
• I take responsibility for my choices and actions.
• I am in charge of me.

2. I Manage Myself 

• I manage my emotions, time, and energy.
• I set goals and work towards them with focus.
• I do the important things first, even when it’s hard.

3. I Make Wise Choices 

• I think about consequences before I act. 
• I make choices that are healthy, kind, and fair. 
• I set goals and take care of my body, mind, and heart. 

4. I Respect Others 

• I show empathy and kindness. 
• I listen to others and try to understand how they feel. 
• I appreciate differences and include others. 

5. I Work Well With Others 

• I solve problems in a way that works for everyone. 
• I am a team player and value everyone’s ideas. 
• I communicate clearly and respectfully. 

Please refer to our weekly Smore newsletter for continued updates of PBIS efforts in our school.