BLACKROCK BEES 

       PBIS General Information

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports) is a nationally recognized program that supports positive student behavior through the use of preventative, proactive strategies in a systemic way.    Instead of using a patchwork of individual behavioral management plans, a continuum of positive behavior support for all students within a school is implemented in areas including the classroom and non-classroom settings (such as hallways, restrooms). Positive behavior 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 (school-wide), secondary (classroom), and tertiary (individual) systems of support that improve lifestyle results (personal, health, social, family, work, recreation) for all children and youth by making problem behavior less effective, efficient, and relevant, and desired behavior more functional (http://http://www.pbis.org/schoolwide.htm).  Blackrock Elementary School is PROUD to be in its third year of program implementation.  Our Team, who is responsible for all aspects of the program, includes teachers, administrators, and parents as its decision making body.

The Blackrock Bee Fundamentals are to: BE READY, BE SAFE, BE RESPONSIBLE, and BE RESPECTFUL!

The link between families and positive behavioral interventions and supports is an important one. When families are meaningfully involved in educational activities their children do better in schools. Families play an important part in their child's education and social development. The presence of parents in schools not only provides additional academic supports but also creates community and cultural connections. In many schools, family participation in the school-wide positive behavior support process is growing. Family members are part of state, district, and school planning teams and participate in school-wide activities in a variety of ways. Family members participate in the assessment and problem solving process to create individualized positive behavior support plans for their children (http://www.pbis.org/families.htm).

What does this mean for my child?

What this means is that your child is being supported by members of the school community on a regular basis for expected societal interactions and accountability.  Students who strive to do their best and follow the school rules in all areas of the school are often rewarded with our famous "BEE BUCKS."  Bee Bucks then are entered into weekly drawings with classroom teachers, special subject area teachers, and even with the school nurse.  Students who win the drawings have the option of picking from a variety of rewards, from lunch with their teacher, to extra gym or art.  In addition, these students' names are announced over the intercom system on "Un-BEE-lieveable" Fridays and posted in the foyer.  Furthermore, each trimester, students who have received NO PBIS REFERRALS and have NO MISSING CLASS WORK OR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS (per their classroom teacher) are treated to a trimester reward with their classmates.  This could be a movie or a special event.  This primary school-based and necessary part of the PBIS program is MEANT AS A REWARD FOR POSITIVE BEHAVIOR AND NOT AS A PUNISHMENT FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND.  Students who do not attend these trimester awards are asked to remain in class to finish any incomplete work.  It is not an additional consequence, but often becomes an incentive for students to do better during the next trimester.

On the other hand, we also know that children will go through stages where they test limits, seek attention in the wrong way, or are looking for a quick and easy way to fit in with their peers.  In some cases, WHEN CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES HAVE FAILED, students may be referred to the Behavior Specialist and/or Principal using the Blackrock PBIS Referral Form.  A new PBIS extension effective February 2008, is that during arrival and dismissal, students may also receive a "demerit slip" for not following hallway rules.  Demerits are not office referrals, but warnings, and do not have immediate consequence or the need to be signed by a parent.  Three demerits will equal one office referral that will have a consequence and parental notification.  All behavior is investigated FULLY and CONFIDENTIALLY until a consequence has been established.  In most cases, consequences include either written apologies for the behavior or loss of a privilege.  As already stated, multiple office referrals and incomplete work do result in a loss of the trimester reward, but all student inquiries are handled on a case by case basis.  Additionally, each PBIS form is sent home for a parent/guardian signature just as confirmation that you received the form.  The form can be used to write notes back to teachers or to request a phone call/conference.  It is expected that each form is returned promptly the following day.  The goal of our PBIS program is to assist in teaching "doing the right thing."  Students always have the opportunity to change, mature, and grow into the lifelong learner we want them to be.

What is the ULTIMATE BEE?

The Ultimate Bee is a teacher nominated process where classroom teachers can nominate up to two (2) students per month who have demonstrated "above and beyond" compliance with the school rules and commitment to the PBIS fundamentals.  Teachers may also nominate (and are encouraged to nominate) students who have demonstrated improvement in citizenship over the course of time.  The names of these nominees are then forwarded to the Principal for a special luncheon at the end of each month that includes games and treats.  Nominees are notified by hand delivered special letter.  Students can be nominated for this honor more than once a year.

Still have questions?

Give us a call! 822-9450