Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports
All six schools incorporate Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment and school community for all students. Coupled with social-emotional learning and restorative practices, PBIS supports a structured and positive environment where students can focus on learning and collaboration. Appropriate behavior, school rules, and expectations are taught, modeled, practiced, and acknowledged with positive reinforcement.
What PBIS Is...
- A Proactive Approach: PBIS focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors before problems arise.
- Data-Driven: It involves using data to monitor behavior, identify trends, and make informed decisions about interventions.
- Supportive: It promotes positive behaviors through reinforcement and support, rather than relying solely on punishment.
- Systemic: PBIS is implemented school-wide and involves all students, staff, and administrators.
- Focused on Prevention and Early Intervention: PBIS aims to prevent behavioral issues by providing early interventions and supports.
- Promotes Positive School Culture: It encourages a safe and inclusive environment for all students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
What PBIS is Not...
- Not a Packaged Program: PBIS is a long-term, ongoing strategic approach.
- Not a one-and-done training.
- Not Focused on Punishment: PBIS focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Not a Quick-Fix: PBIS is not a fast solution; it requires consistent effort, evaluation, and adjustments over time.
- Not Exclusionary: PBIS supports all students, including those with behavioral challenges or disabilities.
- Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach: PBIS is flexible and adapts to the needs of individual schools and students.
School Norms and Expectations
Each school has PBIS behavior expectations and norms that are consistently reinforced and celebrated. Students who model these positive actions and characteristics may be nominated and entered into a raffle. At the end of each month, students or their whole class receive recognition and a reward. School-wide events are also regularly held so that ALL students are ackowledged for positive behavior.
Blue Bell: SWIM (Show you care, work hard, improve every day, make safe and responsible choices)
Lower Gwynedd: LEAP (Lead by Example, Expect Respect, Act Responsibly, Play & Work Safe)
Shady Grove: Safe, Respectful, Responsible
Stony Creek: SOAR (Safe, Open-Minded, Accountable, and Respectful)
WMS 3Rs: Respect, Responsibility and Relationships
WHS PROUD: Perseverence, Respect, Ownership, Unity, Dignity
PBIS Learning Activities and Celebrations
Members of the PBIS Core Teams convene monthly throughout the school year to review school expectations, lessons, and data. Their dedication ensures robust support and interventions for all students and staff, fostering a positive culture and climate where every student and staff member can thrive.
District Goals: PBIS
- 2024-25 District Goal #2: Support the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) district-wide, as part of an effective Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework (year 2 of 2-year goal).
- 2024-25 District Goal #5: Cultivate a safe and inclusive school environment through the implementation of practices that promote belongingness, conflict resolution and prosocial behaviors, including the continued approved implementation of ADL's “No Place for Hate” Program.
District Vision: “Belong, Inspire, Engage, Excel”
A learning community where all students and staff feel a sense of belonging and are inspired to engage and excel to their fullest potential.
District Mission
The mission of the Wissahickon School District – a learning community where diversity is valued, and equity is an ongoing commitment – is to empower each student and staff member to excel to their fullest potential and meaningfully contribute to the greater community.
