Seven PYLUSD Schools Earn Top Honors for Exemplary Positive Behavioral Programs for Students

Seven campuses in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) have been honored by California PBIS for their outstanding implementation of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Fairmont Elementary has achieved the highest distinction, earning the prestigious Platinum Recognition. Meanwhile, Brookhaven Elementary, Esperanza High School, Glenknoll Elementary, and Travis Ranch Middle School have received Gold Recognition, and El Dorado High School and Linda Vista Elementary have been awarded the Silver Recognition.

California PBIS maintains a statewide recognition system that acknowledges schools for implementing PBIS with fidelity to the national framework. Schools can apply for recognition at the Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze levels, based on their degree of implementation. Following the 2023-2024 school year, only 611 schools statewide were recognized as Platinum, 651 as Gold, and 753 as Silver.

According to the California Department of Education, PBIS is a proactive approach that emphasizes the social and emotional learning of students, resulting in increased engagement and reduced problematic behaviors. The framework helps schools adopt and organize evidence-based behavioral interventions to improve outcomes for all students.

At Fairmont Elementary School, PBIS is a cornerstone of campus life. Their popular “Fun Zone,” run by PTA volunteers, is open three days a week at recess, where students can exchange PRIDE cards—earned for positive behavior—for exciting prizes and experiences. Additionally, PBIS signage is visible throughout the campus, reminding students of the expectations for being Prepared, Respectful, Inclusive, Diligent, and Engaged. Many teachers integrate discussions of Falcon PRIDE during morning meetings in their classrooms. Principal Anne San Roman proudly shares, “I am incredibly proud of the teachers and students at Fairmont for earning the recognition of the Platinum PBIS Award.”

PBIS is a powerful force at Brookhaven Elementary School, where Principal Laura Fisher, expressed her pride in the hard work and dedication of the entire school community. She stated, “I am so proud of the work our school has done to support students at the Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels utilizing the PBIS model.” The Gold PBIS recognition serves as a testament to Brookhaven’s commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for all students. The school’s focus on building strong foundations through Tier 1 practices, alongside targeted Tier 2 interventions, has positively impacted students’ academic and behavioral outcomes. Brookhaven continues to set an example of how schools can use the PBIS framework to create a culture of positivity, collaboration, and growth. With the support of their dedicated staff and community, they are well-positioned to maintain and build upon this success in the years to come.

At Esperanza High School, the Aztec PRIDE motto—Positive, Responsible, Innovative, Determined, and Engaged—guides the school’s approach to PBIS. Their school-wide incentive program encourages students to earn Aztec PRIDE cards, which can be redeemed for treats or purchases like dance tickets and yearbooks. Over the past year, the school has enhanced its Tier 2 interventions, introducing a check-in/check-out system to support students needing assistance with academics, attendance, or mentoring. This approach has successfully helped many students get back on track, and the team is committed to strengthening these efforts even further.

Glenknoll Elementary School strives to create an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Their PBIS practices not only focus on reinforcing positive behavior but also on teaching critical social and emotional skills. These efforts equip students with the tools they need to lead both in school and in life. With these skills, their upper-grade students become leaders, prepared for the challenges of middle and high school.

Travis Ranch Middle School Principal Kristen Petrovacki celebrates the school’s Gold Recognition, stating, “I am incredibly proud of the collaborative effort behind our application process. Our dedicated PBIS team set high standards and worked diligently to refine our systems and practices, all aimed at better serving our students. As a result, we’ve fostered a positive school climate where both students and staff can thrive. We are grateful for this recognition and remain committed to providing every student with an exceptional school experience.”

At El Dorado High School, PBIS has been a priority since 2016, under the leadership of Assistant Principal Amy Madrigal. The school’s Hawk Strong program emphasizes positive behavior, with teachers and staff working together to set clear expectations and build meaningful connections with students. The Silver Recognition is a testament to their dedication to creating a positive, supportive environment where students are encouraged to succeed.

At Linda Vista Elementary School, PBIS creates a positive and safe climate for learning. Their revamped PBIS program focuses on meeting the needs of all students, including updating Tier 1 interventions such as PAWS tickets, monthly character traits, attendance initiatives, and digital citizenship. Principal Kathleen Escaleras-Nappi shares, “This is our first PBIS recognition, and we are ecstatic to receive this award after a year of hard work and collaboration with our staff, community, and students. We are committed to continuing to strengthen our Tier II and Tier III interventions to ensure high expectations and rigorous learning environments for all our learners.”

The distinguished schools will be recognized at the Ninth Annual California PBIS Conference in Sacramento on October 9-11, 2024. Click here to see the full list of 2023-2024 California PBIS Recognized Schools.

Congratulations to all the schools and their dedicated teams! PYLUSD is proud of your achievements and commitment to creating positive, supportive learning environments for our students.