PBIS is an approach that schools can use to improve school safety and promote positive behavior. It’s also a way for schools to decide how to respond to a child who misbehaves.

PBIS has a few important principles:

• Every child can learn proper behavior.
• Stepping in early can prevent more serious behavior problems.
• Each child is different and schools need to provide many kinds of behavior support.
• How schools teach behavior should be based on research and science.
• Following a child’s behavioral progress is important.
• Schools must gather and use data to make decisions about behavior problems.

Keep in mind that PBIS is not a treatment or therapy. It’s more like a framework for teachers, administrators and parents. And it’s used with all students in the school.

According to several studies, PBIS leads to better student behavior. In schools that use PBIS, students receive fewer detentions and suspensions. There’s less bullying. Students also have better grades.

At Harmony, we celebrate our “3R’s” – Respectful, Responsible, and Role Model. Behavioral expectations in all areas of the school are taught using the 3R’s. 

Matrix: Based on the 3R’s, we use a building-level matrix, and classroom matrices with concrete examples of appropriate behavior in all settings.  We use these matrices to teach student expectations throughout the school. Each classroom has celebrations for positive behaviors. 

Classroom Meetings – Teachers at harmony lead classroom meetings several times during the week. During the meetings, students learn about implementing the 3 R’s, and build their classroom community.  

Cat Cash and School Store – Students can earn behavior points throughout their day at Harmony by demonstrating the 3 R’s . These points are credits that can be used to buy incentives at the bi-weekly school store.