Respect, responsibility, preparedness, involvement and safety are just a few of the buzzwords going around Springfield Middle School this time of year. Sounds like PBIS is in full swing, working to promote a positive and safe learning environment for all students and staff. PBIS was adopted by SMS in the 2016-17 school year, and has since been revamped in the current school year by Assistant Principal Kelly Pool. The goal is to consistently highlight students displaying characteristics and behaviors that support the ¨Springfield Way,¨ with biweekly, monthly and trimester rewards. Consistency and positivity are two things the middle school needs now more than ever, and PBIS could not have come to light at a better time.
PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. It focuses on an evidence-based framework designed to improve student academic performance and social-emotional compe tence, while reducing bullying behaviors, disciplinary referrals and suspensions. PBIS centers itself on the researched behaviors of students and educators that have been proven to result in positive learning environments. When executed well, PBIS can lead to a school system that is self corrective and self motivated to achieve success. It truly changes the way it feels to attend school for the better, and gives students something to work towards and look forward to each and every day.
Programs that have been initiated at the middle school as a result of PBIS include “Fun Fridays,” school wide dodgeball games, student of the month nominations and various other treats along the way to keep students motivated. Each week a new PBIS word is focused on and emulated by students throughout the building to create the conducive school environment necessary for academic achievement. SMS has much to look forward to as Kelly Pool and the PBIS committee continue to enhance the system this school year.
