At Ruskin Elementary, we believe that students are most successful when they feel safe, connected, and supported. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is our schoolwide approach to teaching and encouraging positive behavior. Just as students are taught academic skills, we explicitly teach social and behavioral expectations to help all students succeed at school. Our goal is to create a positive, predictable, and inclusive environment where every child can learn and thrive.

 

• Clear Expectations – Students learn our schoolwide expectations: Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible. These expectations are taught, modeled, and practiced throughout the year.

• Positive Reinforcement – Staff regularly recognize and celebrate students who demonstrate positive behaviors. Through positive and random reinforcement, students receive encouragement and recognition for making good choices.

• Expectation Assemblies and Lessons – Students participate in schoolwide assemblies and classroom activities that teach what our expectations look like in classrooms, on the playground, in the cafeteria, and throughout campus.

• Staff Training – Teachers and staff receive ongoing professional learning in positive behavior supports, relationship-building, and strategies that help students develop important social and emotional skills.

• Data-Based Decision Making – Our PBIS Team meets regularly to review behavior data, identify trends, celebrate successes, and develop supports to meet student needs.

• Family and Community Partnerships – We work closely with families and collaborate with the Santa Clara County Office of Education to ensure our PBIS practices reflect current research and best practices.

 

Through PBIS, we focus on teaching, supporting, and reinforcing positive behaviors while helping students learn from mistakes and grow. By working together, we create a school community where all students feel valued, supported, and ready to learn.