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Boy sitting at desk in classroom with PBIS medals in front of him

 

California annually recognizes schools that are committed to maximizing the social, emotional and academic success of students through the creation of a positive school environment. For the 2022-2023 school year, six Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) schools were recognized by the California Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Coalition for successfully implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) systems.

Schools apply for one of four levels of recognition based on their specific PBIS program. They must create a comprehensive PBIS implementation plan and appropriately use interventions to lower classroom disturbances, discipline occurrences, office referrals and suspension rates, all of which result in increased instructional time, positive school culture and improved academic outcomes. In addition to providing data that supports their positive results, schools must schedule campus walk-through visits with an authorized external reviewer. Reviewers are looking for such things as clear classroom and school-wide behavioral expectations, evidence of family and community engagement, and data-based decision making. 

“When PBIS supports are in place, there are less disruptions to the learning process,” said Dr. Jennifer Pina, Coordinator of Secondary Student Services. 

The following NMUSD schools were recognized for their PBIS efforts: 

PBIS Platinum Recognition

Davis Magnet School - This is the second time Davis has earned the Platinum level of recognition after receiving Silver, Gold twice, and California Cares honors. The Davis staff work as a team to implement tiered levels of support based on individual students’ needs. Schoolwide supports include assemblies, read-alouds and positive reinforcements that are communicated and modeled throughout the year. Teachers work in collaboration with grade-level colleagues, while embracing all students in their behavioral growth. Increased support is applied through a variety of programs such as Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL), social skills groups, and more. 

“It’s important for students to understand, manage and respond to behaviors in an appropriate manner, both inside and outside the classroom. This helps foster a positive learning environment in which students can be more successful,” said Pina.

During recess, PAL student leaders provide various activities and peer mediation. Big and little buddies are well-established, providing connection and support, with older students serving as models for students and teaching them expected behaviors. In addition, consistent communication between school and home helps to strengthen the students’ path to success.  

Early College High School (ECHS) - According to Principal Dr. Dave Martinez, there are several components to Early College’s sustained success as a PBIS Platinum school. The school continues to employ a PBIS matrix created by ASB students in 2017 that establishes behavior expectations both on and off campus. In an effort to build school connectedness and spirit, all students belong to one of four “houses” (Barracudas, Narwhals, Sea Dragons, Stingrays) of mixed grade levels. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) strategies are facilitated in all classes to build the students’ capacity to engage, collaborate and communicate with their classmates in a respectful and academic language-based manner. In addition to awarding students who are recognized three or more times per semester by their high school-level teachers for showing outstanding citizenship, the school employs a Gotcha program, which allows for weekly acknowledgement of a student who exemplifies one of the district’s six pillars of character (caring, citizenship, fairness, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness). ECHS has earned California PBIS Platinum recognition three times, with the two previous years being 2019 and 2022.

Killybrooke Elementary School - After being recognized with Silver status for five years, the Killybrooke team went for Gold this year and ended with Platinum. 

“Our PBIS team was motivated to revamp the already-great system we had in place, with the mantra that positive behavior builds positive benefits. We built on what we had to create a web of total support for our students,” said Principal Laura Taylor. 

With the addition of a school counselor and the experienced support of special academic instruction teachers, the Killybrooke staff collaborate to identify areas of need for their students and respond with intention in a timely manner. The school additionally partnered with its PTA to build a positive community through Colt Cash, in which positive behaviors are rewarded with tangible prizes, as well as experiences such as shadowing the principal for the day. Killybrooke previously earned Bronze recognition in 2016 and Community Cares Recognition in 2020.

Mariners Elementary School - Students at Mariners begin their days with Morning Meetings, which not only build community and interpersonal skills, but also develop social emotional learning. Furthering the concept of a positive school community is the PRIDE matrix that’s visible throughout the campus: to be positive and respectful, plus show integrity, determination and excellence. Behaviors that align with the PRIDE matrix are acknowledged weekly and often recognized with PRIDE slips, which students can trade in for such rewards as books out of a vending machine purchased by the PTA or positive calls home. Staff review the behavior matrix three times per year in an effort to reinforce expectations. Mariners was recognized at the Silver level in 2022 and earned Bronze in 2017. 

PBIS Gold Recognition 

Rea Elementary School - In addition to the districtwide supports that help students learn and exhibit positive behavior, Rea’s staff provides targeted support for students who may need supplemental small group instruction to understand and adopt positive behavior patterns, as well as additional structure and/or feedback about their behavior. The staff developed systems for students to receive “in the moment” recognition from adults at school on a daily basis, as well as more formal rewards and recognition throughout the school year. This intentional commitment to teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors for all students is reflected in the school’s selection for Gold recognition. Rea earned Silver status in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

PBIS Silver Recognition 

Adams Elementary School - Students who meet the expectations of the Adams STAR matrix — Safety first, There and ready, Act responsibly, and Respect everyone — are recognized regularly by staff for their efforts. An on-campus mentorship program supports students who need additional assistance in developing the STAR characteristics through meetings and classes. The school’s support team also meets weekly to help determine which students need additional support and the best practices for facilitating the development of quality citizens. This is the second year in a row that Adams has received Silver recognition.

Since the PBIS recognition program’s inception in 2015, 26 NMUSD schools have been recognized. All NMUSD schools implement PBIS to help support positive school culture and the holistic development of students.