At Springfield High School, positive behavior isn’t just encouraged— it’s celebrated. Through the district-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, staff, students and families are working together to create a school culture where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
PBIS is a proactive, schoolwide approach that teaches and reinforces positive behaviors in order to build a safe, supportive learning environment. It is implemented across all Springfield Local Schools, from kindergarten to 12th grade, to help prepare students not only for success in school, but also for life beyond the classroom.
“Our goal is to teach skills and values that help students thrive academically, socially and emotionally,” said Kevin Rupp, Springfield High School assistant principal. “We want them to be strong students now, and strong leaders in our community later.”
Champions of Character: Four Pillars for Success Springfield High School’s PBIS program is known as Champions of Character, built on four core pillars: respect, responsibility, integrity and community.
“These four pillars are qualities that will serve our students no matter where life takes them,” said Rupp. “They guide how we treat each other, how we approach challenges and how we contribute to the world around us.”
Expectations are clearly posted in every classroom and reinforced throughout the school year in various settings— from classrooms and hallways to the cafeteria, restrooms, gym and during arrival and dismissal. Teachers use direct instruction, modeling and consistent reinforcement to help students understand and live out the pillars every day.
Recognizing and Rewarding Positive Behavior When staff members spot a student exemplifying a Champion of Character, they can award a character card. Students can trade these cards for snacks and drinks in the office or discover “instant win” cards for prizes like gift cards.
Recognition doesn’t stop there. Every month, students from each grade level are selected as PBIS Students of the Month and featured outside the student services office. Outside the high school café, the recognition wall proudly displays hundreds of student photos and character cards—a visual reminder of the school’s commitment to celebrating success.
Special incentives keep the momentum going throughout the year. The Climate and Culture Committee organizes targeted competitions, such as reducing tardies in October and February, with the winning grade enjoying a movie reward. At year’s end, students who have received a character card are invited to a school-wide carnival with games, snacks, open gym courts, turf play and a video game lounge.
Partnering with Families for Lifelong Skills Springfield High School believes PBIS works best when families and schools work hand-in-hand.
“The skills we teach—respect, responsibility, integrity and community—extend beyond the classroom,” said Rupp. “They’re the same qualities students will need in the workplace, at home and in their neighborhoods.”
Parents can support the initiative by encouraging these values at home, celebrating students’ successes and reinforcing the importance of positive routines like arriving on time and staying prepared.
Get Involved
PBIS at Springfield High School is more than a school program—it’s a community investment in the future. Families, local businesses and community members are welcome to support recognition events, provide incentives, or share their time with students.
To learn more or get involved, contact: Kevin Rupp at kevinrupp@springfieldschools. org or Sean Enck at sea nenck@springfield-schools.org.
