Londonderry News

By Linda Boyd, Carol Mack and Richard Zacchilli, Elementary Principals

“Stop, Look, Listen,” “Give me five!” “1-2-3 PAWS!” If you are in the vicinity of any of our elementary schools you may hear students enthusiastically giving this cheer and then quieting down. For the past several years, each of our elementary schools has been part of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Program (PBIS) and we’ve seen exciting results. PBIS is a nationally recognized research based and data driven behavior program that focuses on using positive supports to improve student behavior. The goals of the program also include improving the school-wide discipline system and school climate, maximizing instructional time to increase learning and academic achievement, and improving communication and collaboration among school faculty, administration and families. The continuation of the PBIS program at the elementary level is part of the school district’s long range Strategic Plan.

Our focus is on respect, responsibility and safety. The year begins with an overview with the students of what the expectations for hallways, playground, cafeteria, etc. are. When walking through any of our exemplary schools you will notice posters in many locations defining behavioral expectations for our students in each of the areas. As part of the program teachers focus on specific areas of the building and teach students the expectations that are displayed on the posters. When we see students exhibiting appropriate behaviors, they receive stickers so that their positive behavior is recognized. If a whole class is behaving appropriately they can earn a classroom certificate.

If students fail to follow the expectations that have been taught there is a consistent behavior reporting system and appropriate consequences are given to the student as a learning opportunity. Each school has a “Target Team” in place that helps to brainstorm ideas for students who need help above and beyond the basic PBIS program. We will look to form an Intervention Team that will provide a more intensive approach for students in need.

One of the most exciting parts of the program is that our students have solidly bought into the expectations. Our upper grade students have created posters, participated in skits, and continuously model good behavior for some of the younger students in the building. As a result of this program, transitions in class and in passing times are very smooth resulting in more focused instructional time.

In addition to information going home in our monthly principal letters and in our PTA newsletters, our Universal Teams continue to work to get the word out about this wonderful program. Mrs. Mack, Mrs. Boyd and Mr. Zacchilli would like to thank the Londonderry Rotary Club for their generous donation last year that contributed to the purchase of various incentives for PBIS. We appreciate their efforts in helping to keep our program fresh and helping to form a solid school-community partnership. We willcontinue to strive to refine the PBIS program on a yearly basis and will keep you informed of our positive progress!