Proving that Positive Behavior Isn’t RARE
School 11 is located in the heart of the community in Clifton, New Jersey, in the oldest and most meticulously maintained structure within the school district. This historic structure contrasts with the staff’s dedication to providing the most modern curricular and technological advancements in the arts and sciences. The school community is characterized by the expectations of mutual respect and academic excellence, preparing students to learn and grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Embracing a RARE Culture of Excellence
School 11 has established a RARE set of school values:
- Respectful
- Attentive
- Responsible
- Enthusiastic.
Their commitment to creating a positive learning environment in which students can be successful, socially and academically, is reflected in their schoolwide behavior matrix. Students are acknowledged for exhibiting positive behaviors that align with expectations, reinforcing the benefit of making good choices. For students working toward a behavior improvement goal, this recognition is a way to encourage continued effort. Students and staff work together to create an environment of kindness, compassion, empathy, and learning.
School Snapshot
About
Diversity
Using PBIS Rewards to Reinforce RARE Goal
School 11 has been a PBIS school for more than six years and became part of the PBIS Rewards family in 2022. Over the last six years, the school has seen three different principals. Thanks to the strength of PBIS among staff and students and the guidance of the RARE Team, PBIS has not faltered amid the change. The school has continued to thrive under different leadership styles as well as through COVID due to the stewardship and perseverance of the team.
Because PBIS helps to foster a common language around behavior, it’s easy for students to support one another in meeting behavioral goals. It’s common for staff to hear students using the school’s PBIS vocabulary to encourage and remind one another to meet schoolwide expectations. Staff and students work together to develop lessons that incorporate the RARE pillars of behavior.
Overcoming Hurdles to Buy-In With RARE GEMS
When School 11 first began implementing PBIS, there was some resistance among staff. Some teachers did not believe in only promoting the positive and assumed it would be too much effort. As the initiative began to progress, teachers began to see a change in student behavior. PBIS Rewards made it easier for staff to recognize students quickly and easily. Once teachers saw the ease of the software, coupled with the improvement in student behavior, they began to buy in and implement the program with fidelity. Now, teachers go out of their way to not only recognize their students but their fellow teachers, as well. Each month, staff at School 11 give recommendations for GEM (Going the Extra Mile) Awards, recognizing one another in PBIS Rewards.
PBIS Rewards has been a game-changer for staff. They love the ease of handing out RARE Points at any point in the day to any student. Having everything in one place has streamlined the process of recognition using points as well as enabling students to spend their points. Staff members love PBIS Rewards and it’s always visible on classroom SmartBoards.
Students love logging in to see their points and planning how to spend them. The online store allows for the easy organization and distribution of incentives. Students love to hear the chime whenever they earn points, celebrating one another when someone receives points and encouraging positive behavior among their peers. PBIS Rewards has helped School 11 create a positive school environment!
