Principal

Dear Parents,

We are very excited to introduce you to our Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support system (PBIS). "PBIS" is a national program, which is dedicated to a universal language and code of conduct in and outside of the classroom. We will keep you informed about our efforts by distributing information throughout the year. Look for "PBIS" updates on our web site and through weekly update emails.

In addition to the district curriculum, we will focus our teaching during these important first few weeks on exactly what we expect from all students and adults in our school. The entire faculty and staff will be reinforcing important expectations consistently throughout the building, during each day and throughout the year.

As parents, you know how consistency and communication are invaluable tools to ensure learning and growth. When fully designed, we will share with you a synopsis of the program and how it will be taught throughout the building, during this academic year. We hope that you will find it useful at home whether to spark a conversation in the car or at dinner, or perhaps to assist your child with other situations that may arise throughout the year. On behalf of the faculty and staff at PRES, we are looking forward to a wonderful year of learning. As always, we are happy to answer any questions.

Arlene Miguel

What is School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports?

1. "What is School-Wide PBIS?"

Improving student academic and behavior outcomes is about ensuring all students have access to the most effective and accurately implemented instructional and behavioral practices and interventions possible. SWPBS provides an operational framework for achieving these outcomes. More importantly, SWPBS is NOT a curriculum, intervention, or practice, but IS a decision making framework that guides selection, integration, and implementation of the best evidence-based academic and behavioral practices for improving important academic and behavior outcomes for all students.

2. "What Does School-Wide PBIS Emphasize?"

In general, SWPBS emphasizes four integrated elements: (a) data for decision making, (b) measurableoutcomes supported and evaluated by data, (c) practiceswith evidence that these outcomes are achievable, and (d) systems that efficiently and effectively support implementation of these practices.

These four elements are guided by six important principles:

Develop a continuum of scientifically based behavior and academic interventions and supports Use data to make decisions and solve problems Arrange the environment to prevent the development and occurrence of problem behavior Teach and encourage prosocial skills and behaviors Implement evidence-based behavioral practices with fidelity and accountability Screen universally and monitor student performance & progress continuously

3. What Outcomes are Associated with Implementation of PBIS?

Schools that establish systems with the capacity to implement SWPBS with integrity and durability have teaching and learning environments that are

Less reactive, aversive, dangerous, and exclusionary, and
More engaging, responsive, preventive, and productive
Address classroom management and disciplinary issues (e.g., attendance, tardies, antisocial behavior),
Improve supports for students whose behaviors require more specialized assistance (e.g., emotional and behavioral disorders, mental health), and
Most importantly, maximize academic engagement and achievement for all students.

(for more info: www.pbis.org)