The world of education is full of acronyms, but there is one that is standing out as a priority and highlight of our school year so far. PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and is all about setting expeditions and providing resources to support student behavior. It is an evidence-based framework for preventing problem behaviors, reinforcing positive behaviors, and supporting social, emotional and behavioral needs for all students.
What does that look like at GFW? This year, it means a new set of rules and guidelines on how to “Do the Right Thing” in all parts of the building and making sure students are recognized and celebrated for going above and beyond. Through activities like monthly celebrations where we will recognize Students of the Month at the middle school, we are creating a supportive school community that celebrates each other. Each celebration will feature help from High School NHS students leading games and activities and the band students kicking up the energy with music.
There will also be reward days that have hour-long activities to participate in on-site activities as long as students are keeping up with work and meeting behavioral and academic expectations. We will also continue the tradition of Mini-Course Day later in the year with a variety of activities for students to choose from that allow students to connect with each other, do something they enjoy, or learn a new skill.
Teachers have spent time in class going over expectations and ways to live the values of SOARS which is Spirit, Optimistic, Accountable, Respectful, and Safe. Mrs. Rebecca Busse is the PBIS Lead this year and is supporting a variety of activities and the installation of new posters that outline the expectations in the building. She says that she is passionate about establishing a sense of community and respect in the school by setting expectations for behavior that students understand and can put into action every day.
“The purpose of PBIS at GFW is to instill in our staff and students a sense of community---one where there is a code of expectations in which you see people doing the right thing, committing to excellence and showing people you care,” said Mrs. Busse. “My hope for our students at GFW is to help them see their full potential in an environment they can fully learn, feel safe, wanted and respected and leave our schools with traits they can pass on to others they encounter.”
It is our hope that by setting a strong foundation for being a member of the school community, we are adding to the academic preparation of our students and preparing them to be active and engaged citizens and grow into future world-class leaders. We will continue to celebrate and highlight our students throughout the year and provide training to staff to grow this program in the coming years.