Parent Letter Introduction to PBIS

WILLIAM ADAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Principal
Dr. Ruben Pena
901 E. Third
Alice, TX 78332
Assistant Principals
Ms. Maria Cavazos
Mr. David Salinas Dear Parents/Guardians: We want to let you know how excited we are that the WAMS Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) program, which has been in place the last three years, is continuing. Prior to PBIS, our discipline system reacted to student misbehavior. Desiring a more proactive, positive approach to discipline, our teachers and staff adopted spring of the 2012-­‐2013 school year, the PBIS approach to student discipline. Teachers and staff receive professional development on our PBIS discipline model each year, preparing them in the best practice ways of meeting the individual needs of our students. Staying up-­‐to-­‐date with the latest practices in PBIS also is conducive to our staff working more closely with our students on developing the desired positive behaviors that lead to their successful educational and social development. Establishing clear behavior expectations, and encouraging a sense of community, while recognizing that we all play a positive role in our school’s success and safety, is the primary purpose of our PBIS program. A reactive approach, which can be interpreted as negative and unproductive, simply responds to inappropriate or unsafe behavior as it occurs. Implemented school-­‐wide, the PBIS program utilizes a proactive approach, or strategies that clearly define and support healthy, appropriate student behavior, thus creating a positive and safe school environment. The PBIS team, in close collaboration with our faculty and staff, has developed school-­‐wide expectations and behavior lessons which are taught throughout the school year. The lessons are coupled with a system of positive rewards which is designed to reinforce positive student behaviors. The following campus areas and activities have school-­‐wide positive behavior expectations with accompanying lessons: •
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Whole-­‐campus Cafeteria Hallways Assembly Restrooms Arrival Dismissal Classroom We believe that by encouraging students’ engagement in appropriate behaviors, we will form a school community where all students have the opportunity to learn and succeed. We look forward to the journey ahead. Your support is very much appreciated. Sincerely, WAMS Faculty and Staff