PBIS News
Click here to see the Bees of the Month from November 2011 through April 2012.
-- Ms. Pagano & the PBIS Team!
What is PBIS?
Positive Behavior Intervention Support is a school-wide initiative to maximize academic achievement and behavioral competence. The PBIS team, with input from the staff, has created school-wide expectations and supports for helping all students achieve important social and learning goals. We know that when good behavior and good teaching come together, our students will excel in their learning.
We also believe that it is unfair to hold students accountable for behavior that isn’t clearly taught. As part of the PBIS program, we have established three guiding principles for the behavior we expect in all areas of our school. We explicitly teach those expectations to the students and reward them frequently with positive notes and rewards for their great behavior. The expectations are taught through themes, read-alouds and activities throughout the year.
How Does PBIS Work?
At PS 295 the staff collectively decided that we would focus our expectations for behavior on being respectful, responsible and safe. The expectations for all student behavior are clear throughout our building and playground areas, cafeteria, gymnasium, and classrooms.
Our school rules will specifically address negative behaviors by providing a clear overview of what being responsible, respectful and safe means throughout our school building. Our ultimate goal is for all students to enjoy a safer school environment and have more time for instruction. We will apply consistent consequences and positive reinforcement for all kids.
By detailing every expected behavior and teaching kids in a positive way, we will provide a consistent, common language for everyone in our building, including students, teachers, paraprofessionals, front office staff and school aides. When students are seen being respectful, responsible or safe, they can receive a bee card.
How is PBIS Represented in the Classroom?
Each monthly theme has a read-aloud and activity attached to it. This work is displayed in classrooms or outside bulletin boards. Lessons from a supplemental program called Second Steps support PBIS and have some wonderful activities that go along with it.
What Does Positive Reinforcement Look Like?
Each day teachers will be on the look out for students who are being respectful, responsible or safe. When this happens students can receive a bee card. The bee cards are held and can be redeemed during each grade’s shopping time. Our “Bee Store” on wheels goes right outside each classroom so students can shop for their rewards and not too much instructional time will be lost. This fun-filled event happens each day and is lead by “Ms. Bee.”
What Do Consequences Look Like?
When a student continues to struggle following the rules, an action report is filled out by a teacher and sent to administration for a signature. Teachers will check the expected behavior that was not followed, write a brief explanation and check off a consequence. Consequences can include the action report itself, loss of recess, phone call home; missed work sent home for homework, written letters of apology, time out in another classroom or time out in the classroom.
This year we are asking for parental support in helping their children fill in the reflection part of the action report. Our goal is for students' behavior to be recorded and discussed at home so the children can begin thinking of better ways to deal with situations.
If a student receives 5 action reports, a letter will be sent home by the administration, following a discussion with either Mrs. Marco or Mrs. Pagano. If a student receives 10 action reports, they will be suspended.
What Happens During Lunch and Specials?
During our one hour lunch, the students are supervised by an adult assigned to each grade. These adults will give out checks daily for the class that was the most respectful, responsible and safe. Lunch expectations have been taught early in September. At the end of each month the class that has the most checks is chosen to have an extra recess or movie period in the gym during inclement weather.
During specials, teachers will also give checks to the classes that were the most respectful, responsible and safe. At the end of each month the class that has the most checks will receive a “Bee of the Month” trophy to be announced during our monthly assemblies and given by our own “School Bee,” Ms. Alejandro. The class can display this trophy and their certificate in their classrooms until the following month’s assembly so it can be given to the next class.
What is the PBIS Club?
Some students may continue to struggle to follow the expectations of the school despite conversations, action reports and consequences. This year we are forming The PBIS Club which will be held once a week for students who would have been in the Big Sib Program. The club will focus on peace games and other cooperative learning experiences. The club will be beginning soon and our fantastic guidance counselor, Heather Stoelting will be running it.
We are excited to be beginning our 4th year of implementing PBIS! It is definitely a work in progress but we continue to be encouraged by the results and look forward to continuing on the journey with our amazing, hard working staff and your support!
| PBIS Club | ||||
| Lisa Pagano | Assistant Principal | lpagano3@schools.nyc.gov | ||
| Christine Ellrodt | 4th gr. TR/Math Coach | CEllrodt@schools.nyc.gov | ||
| Susan Weseen | Librarian | Weseen@verizon.net | ||
| Heather Stoelting | Guidance Counselor | Stoeltingfamily@aol.com | ||