Five PYLUSD schools recognized for exemplary positive behavioral programs for students

Five Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) campuses have been distinguished by the California PBIS Coalition for excellence in implementing a robust Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Rose Drive Elementary School has earned the platinum implementation award, Fairmont and Mabel Paine elementary schools have earned the gold award, and Melrose and Woodsboro elementary schools have earned the silver award.

The California PBIS Coalition oversees a statewide effort to implement a recognition system to acknowledge schools for implementing PBIS with fidelity to the national framework. According to their respective levels of implementation, schools are given the opportunity to apply to be recognized as Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. Impressively, for the 2021-2022 school year, only 503 schools across the state were designated as silver, 430 as gold, and 282 as platinum.

According to the California Department of Education, PBIS is an approach that focuses on the emotional and behavioral learning of students, which leads to an increase in engagement and a decrease in problematic behavior over time. It assists schools in adopting and organizing evidence-based behavioral interventions that improve social and emotional behavior outcomes for all students.

At Rose Drive Elementary School, PBIS is a school-wide mindset and approach to creating a positive and safe climate in which all students can learn and grow. What makes their program unique is that their Tier I, II, and III interventions are consistent and implemented daily. The interventions include school-wide STARS tickets, monthly character trait awards, big and little buddies, restorative circles, and support from counselors have proven to change behaviors and support overall learning.

“For Rose Drive Elementary School, receiving the PBIS Platinum Recognition signifies the importance of providing a safe, caring, and collaborative culture at our school so students can work on attaining their personal best,” Principal Kathleen Escaleras-Nappi shared. “We believe that PBIS has helped us develop stronger relationships with our students so they feel successful in achieving their goals.”

Fairmont Elementary School has developed school-wide procedures as a part of their PBIS program through a small number of clearly defined behavioral expectations that are stated in positive, simple school rules. Students show Falcon P.R.I.D.E. when they are “Prepared, Respectful, Inclusive, Diligent, and Engaged.” These behavior ideals are posted throughout the school. Specific behavioral expectations for every location on campus are linked to the rules and are taught to all students. Appropriate behaviors are also acknowledged on a regular basis through verbal praise, and classroom and school-wide recognition. Fairmont believes that giving regular positive feedback when students use appropriate behaviors they have been taught is a critical step to teaching and maintaining desired behavior.   

“I couldn’t be more proud of the students and staff at Fairmont Elementary School for earning the PBIS Gold Award,” Principal Anne San Roman noted. “As our school song says, “Fairmont is the place to be!” 

Mabel Paine Elementary School is very proud of its PBIS program as they take pride in being “Mindful Mustangs” who, “Do the right thing, in the right place, and at the right time.” At the beginning of every school year, every student goes through behavior expectation stations and there is an assembly where all of the expectations are reinforced. Throughout the year, students are able to earn Mustang money, where they can purchase items at the Mustang Store.

“We are proud of your PBIS program and more importantly the excellent positive behaviors that our students display on a daily basis,” shared Principal Geoff Smith.

Melrose Elementary School utilizes a positive behavior system known as the “Melrose High Five Rules” and they include “Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, Be Helpful, and Be Kind.” The school’s goal is to build a positive school culture as they build both social and academic success for all students. Their system allows the school to build levels of support for both teachers and students and provides a basis for establishing an effective learning environment.

“We believe that by implementing such strategies, we will increase positive behavior, academic engagement, as well as increase academic performance,” Principal Janie Yoo stated. “Our community is excited and honored to be recognized as a silver award recipient. We will continue to build on our PBIS program.”

PBIS at Woodsboro Elementary School means that their scholars follow the Woodsboro Way: Bee Ready, Bee Respectful, Bee Responsible! Earning the California PBIS Coalition’s Silver Award is a celebration and acknowledgment of the hard work that the school’s staff has put in for students in tier 1 positive behavior interventions and supports.

“We are thrilled to share this honor with the entire Woodsboro community!” Principal Melanie Carmona said.

The distinguished schools will be recognized as a part of the 7th Annual California PBIS Conference in Sacramento on October 5-7, 2022. Click here to see the comprehensive list of 2021-2022 California PBIS Recognized Schools.

Keep up the positivity, PYLUSD!