There are a lot of preconceived notions centering around the middle school experience, but here’s a truth for you: Positively engaged students perform better, while uplifting those around them.
Key points:
- PBIS isn’t just about managing behavior–it’s about shaping a culture of success
- How your classroom environment boosts student engagement
- This district champions media literacy to combat “brain rot”
- For more news on PBIS, visit eSN’s Innovative Teaching hub
There are a lot of preconceived notions centering around the middle school experience, but here’s a truth for you: Positively engaged students perform better, while uplifting those around them.
We know what you’re probably thinking right now: “That’s great, but how do we get there?” Yep, we get it, believe us. It’s exactly how we felt before our team at South Park Middle School went on a PBIS journey that produced results and led us to an opportunity to present at training conferences and spread the word to our fellow educators in Pennsylvania.
As educators, we are all working together towards the same common goals to inspire our students and lead them down a path to becoming the best they can be. We’ll share some of what we learned and hope that it inspires others to reach new heights as well.
At South Park Middle School, our PBIS experience has transformed not only our school culture but also student and staff morale. Over the last three years, our PBIS program has evolved into an impactful initiative, fostering Eagle PRIDE (which is an acronym for Prompt, Respectful, AchIeving, Prepared, Safe) among our students, staff, and great school community. Here are five key ways PBIS can boost morale and open doors to learning opportunities.
1. Reinforcing positive behavior through innovative activities
Don’t be afraid to try new things! PBIS has allowed us to teach and reinforce behavioral expectations in creative ways. For example, during our annual kickoff event at the beginning of the school year, we integrate engaging, hands-on activities that teach core values in a way students find meaningful. This year’s highlights included the “Toothpaste Challenge,” which taught students the lasting impact of words, because once they come out they can be hard to take back. Another, the “Spiderweb Teamwork Challenge,” put students into groups as they collaborated on a seemingly impossible task to lift someone using only yard. Spoiler alert: It can be done when you work together towards a common goal!
These activities build a strong foundation for respectful and safe behavior that sets the tone for the entire school year. By aligning expectations with interactive lessons, students have shown to be more engaged in embracing these positive behaviors, contributing to a happier and more productive school environment.
2. Celebrating success through rewards and recognition
PBIS should be a feel-good story for your school. Acknowledging student achievements is at the heart of our program. Our “Eagle Feathers” reward system motivates students by providing tangible recognition for exhibiting Eagle PRIDE. Weekly prize carts, monthly drawings, and creative incentives like the Principal’s 100 Board and wrestling championship belts (think WWE style) are some other fun ways to ensure that students feel valued and celebrated.
School-wide competitions, such as family-themed assemblies and STEM activities, bring students and staff together in a joyful and collaborative atmosphere. These celebrations have significantly boosted morale by fostering a sense of community and pride in our school that we all can share.
3. Empowering staff to lead and innovate
PBIS has strengthened staff morale by empowering our team to lead and innovate. Teachers now play an active role in designing lessons, facilitating activities, and contributing ideas to enhance our program. For instance, staff-led discussions on respect led to collaborative art projects that have deepened student understanding of school values.
Monthly PBIS team meetings and professional development sessions also allow staff to collaborate, share strengths, and refine practices. As staff buy-in grows, so does the sustainability and impact of our PBIS program. With administrative support and creative freedom, teachers have become the drivers of this cultural transformation. And we’re happy to give them the keys!
4. Using data to drive decision-making
A hallmark of our PBIS program is its data-driven approach. By analyzing attendance, discipline referrals, and survey feedback, we identify areas for improvement and tailor interventions to meet student needs. For example, when feedback revealed a need for more inclusive activities, we revamped our kickoff schedule, moving events to Friday afternoons and implementing grade-level rotations.
Data has also guided us in developing targeted lessons to re-teach expectations throughout the year. This focus on continuous improvement ensures that our PBIS program remains relevant, effective, and aligned with our students’ evolving needs.
5. Fostering a positive school culture through community and connection
At its core, PBIS has strengthened relationships within our school and beyond. Students, staff, and families have come together to support our initiatives, from collaborative art projects to assemblies featuring motivational speakers. Community outreach efforts, such as partnering with local organizations and engaging families in school events, have created a network of support for our students.
This culture of connection is further enhanced through leadership opportunities for students, such as involvement in PBIS teams and events. By prioritizing relationships and inclusivity, we’ve built a school environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Our eagle-eye view
Programs like this need to be both nimble and informed. As we continue to refine our PBIS program, our focus remains on fostering a positive, inclusive, and academically enriching environment. The success of PBIS at South Park Middle School serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and data-informed practices in building a thriving school community.
PBIS isn’t just about managing behavior. It’s about continuously shaping a culture where we all succeed together. As we look to the future, we are excited to see how our program will continue to grow and positively impact our school. We hope you find your own success that helps your school community thrive!
