Ten PYLUSD Schools Awarded for Exemplary Positive Behavioral Programs for Students

Ten Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) campuses have been distinguished by California PBIS for excellence in implementing a robust Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Rose Drive and Woodsboro elementary schools and Yorba Linda Middle School have earned the most distinguished award, the Platinum Recognition. Recipients of the Gold Recognition include Kraemer Middle School and Glenview and Wagner elementary schools. Brookhaven, Bryant Ranch, and Ruby Drive elementary schools acquired the Silver Recognition and Lakeview Elementary School earned Bronze. 

California PBIS oversees a statewide recognition system to acknowledge schools for implementing PBIS with fidelity to the national framework. Schools are given the opportunity to apply to be recognized as Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze according to their level of implementation. Following the 2022-2023 school year, only 495 schools across the state were designated as platinum, 500 as gold, 546 as silver, and 192 as bronze.

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, which have been proven to change behaviors and support overall learning, include school-wide STARS tickets, monthly character trait awards, big and little buddies, restorative circles, and support from counselors.

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

Yorba Linda Middle School attributes this recognition to its collective dedication to positive support systems across campus. Teachers and staff emphasize the importance of the school’s core values—Resiliency, Empathy, and Potential—to students. They work together to identify students who need assistance and develop a plan to support them as they get back on track. 

“Our PBIS systems are effective because they are intentional, purposeful, and data-driven,” noted Principal Paige Stills. “I want to acknowledge our PBIS Committee and PBIS Coordinator Staci Perez for their dedication to ensuring that our PBIS system is implemented with fidelity, and is continuously improved.”

For Kraemer Middle School, the Golden Recognition is the culmination of years of dedication and teamwork by every staff member. The school-wide expectations of Be Kind, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Kraemer are taught and reinforced by staff who focus on prioritizing strong relationships and connections with students. 

“When we identify a student in need of assistance, we have a team of educators who are trained and ready to intervene to provide support and coaching to get that student back on track,” shared Principal Michael Young. “Our PBIS Committee also deserves acknowledgment for their exceptional leadership in carrying out our shared vision: putting students first.”

Ruby Drive shines with PRIDE as they embody Punctuality, Respectfulness, Integrity, Dependability, and ensure safety for Everyone. Students are taught school-wide expectations at the beginning of the year and receive PBIS reminders weekly. Those who exhibit PRIDE are recognized with Ruby PRIDE Cards to be spent at the PRIDE Store as well as Student of the Week, Students of the Month, and PRIDE Awards.

“We are grateful to be recognized for this honor as it represents the time and effort our PBIS team and staff have dedicated to sustaining behavioral support at Ruby Drive,” shared Principal Lisa Carmona. “In an effort by all to put student needs first, motivate behavioral growth, and recognize the positive in all, students at Ruby Drive thrive in their educational environment.” 

Lakeview Elementary School’s PBIS success is due to the teamwork of each staff member. As a small community, the Lions take pride in getting to know students, siblings, and families. 

“Our relationships are the foundation of our practice, and our partnership with parents is an extension of campus-wide support,” Principal Stephanie Given said. “Together, we maintain high expectations, celebrate successes of every size, and honor each student’s journey towards being a positively contributing citizen now and in the future.”

The distinguished schools will be recognized as a part of the 8th Annual California PBIS Conference in Sacramento on October 11-13, 2023. Click here to see the full list of 2022-2023 California PBIS Recognized Schools.

Great work, PYLUSD!