The term Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) applies evidence-based programs, practices and strategies for all students with the purpose of maintaining a positive school culture, safe environment, and increase academic performance. PBIS is aligned to our Focus Plan work on developing the "whole child." Research indicates that when a school environment is positive and predictable, as we would expect students feel safer and build/maintain positive relationships with each other and with adults. The PBIS framework builds on our existing strengths and complements and organizes current strategies and programming. Schools are incorporating their current virtues and character traits into their school wide expectations.
It should be noted, Whitefish Bay School District Staff are in the beginning stages of training. In the Spring of 2014, a PBIS Team from each school in the District as well as the WFB Recreation Department engaged in initial training and continued during the 2014-2015 school year. School teams and staff will continue to receive training during the next school year while at the same time beginning to incorporate components into their buildings. Please see the links to the right to receive a brief overview of unique beginning stages in each building.
Richards School
While students’ academic performance is a high priority at Richards School, we equally prioritize the social-emotional needs of our students and positive school climate. We believe that “Every student will experience a caring, inclusive learning environment that supports the development of the whole child with balanced attention to physical, social, emotional and intellectual well-being” as the Whitefish Bay Focus Plan goal states.
Richards School Staff will continue to be receiving PBIS training throughout this school year and the PBIS behavior expectations will be taught little by little to our students. Consistent expectations for student has been shown to have a positive impact on student relationships and achievement. This positive approach teaches children how to be kind, responsible, respectful, and safe at Richards school. The PBIS system has 4 components:
A guide of expectations to facilitate a positive school climate (i.e., how to be respectful and kind, safe, and responsible).
School wide lessons plans and videos used to teach student behavioral expectations
Rewards and individual acknowledgement of positive behaviors
Office documentation of both minor and major negative behaviors
We will continue to call our expectations the “Richards Way!” The New Richards Way consists of three main expectations that create a positive school climate.
Be Safe
Be Responsible
Be Respectful and Kind
Cumberland School
PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports, or as we call it here at Cumberland “Positive Behavior in School.” The intent of PBIS at Cumberland School is to create a positive school culture so all students experience “…a caring, inclusive learning environment that supports the development of the whole child with balanced attention to physical, social, emotional, and intellectual well-being.” (WFB Focus Plan Supportive Environment and Whole Child Development goal.) We know a strong PBIS system has been shown to help students feel safe, to build strong relationships with each other and adults and to increase achievement. The entire staff at Cumberland will continue to participate in PBIS training throughout the year.
We are excited about PBIS and we are already seeing Cougar Pride! Our overall guiding expectations are:
Be Safe
Be Responsible
Be Respectful
Middle School
School Wide Positive Behavior Support is not just another initiative. It is a lifelong change in how schools build and enhance a positive school climate as well as plan consistent responses for behaviors.
Please click on the Middle School Handbook link and go to page 10 for additional information.
Whitefish Bay High School enjoys an exceptionally positive school climate where students embrace Duke Pride! PBIS is a proactive approach to encouraging positive behaviors among our students and staff in the interest of enhancing what is already great about Whitefish Bay High School. This year, through our RRIP It! Initiatives, we place Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, and Perseverance as the foundation cornerstones of our school community. These guiding themes are intended to encourage positive behaviors to support academic success, interpersonal relationships, and emotional well-being. As the year unfolds, student and staff input will inform how to best implement PBIS so that it is tailor-made to the specific areas of need at Whitefish Bay High School.