Dear Families,
Our Coyote PAWS PBIS efforts are in full swing! As a reminder, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a research-based framework designed to promote positive behavior and create a safe, supportive school community. The heart of PBIS lies in establishing clear behavioral expectations, acknowledging students for their positive actions and holding them accountable when they do not follow expectations.
Setting Expectations: During week 1, teachers taught our students about expectations in various settings around the school (assemblies, playground, bathrooms, gallery, lunch area, etc) as well as their classrooms using the Coyote PAWS Expectations Matrix. This matrix outlines expectations to ensure a shared understanding among students, staff, and other adults.
Consequences: During week 2, we introduced the LCM Elementary Discipline Guide 23-24. We focused on teaching students about consequences- both positive and negative. Teachers and students brainstormed examples of positive consequences they experience when they follow directions. Separately, they listed negative consequences for not following expectations. They emphasized that negative actions can have consequences not only for the individual but also those around them.
Accountability: We are now starting to log incidents that are level 2 and above in our student information system. This provides data to help us improve. Our PBIS committee can analyze behavior patterns in order to address them.
Communication to Families: School and home communication is crucial to support and address the behavior and move forward. Teachers will use a template email to notify you of Level 2 incidents involving your child. Why a template? This honors our teachers’ valuable planning and personal time. This also prioritizes giving families the information in a timely manner. Teachers will let you know the details of the situation. We know there are many precipitating events that lead to incidents of unexpected or inappropriate behavior. We handle each aspect of each situation separately, and are unable to share specific consequences for students other than your own.
How you can Help: It would be helpful if you respond to the receipt of this email with what consequences or follow up you are implementing at home.
This is all in an effort to support positive student behavior across the board. We appreciate all of your additional follow-up and conversations at home with your students and families.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Michelle Walker, The Cove PBIS Team, and The Cove Staff
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