Positive Behavior Support(PBS)

Teach To’s:
Expectations are taught to all students at the beginning of each year and reviewed periodically through the year. All Teach To’s include modeling of the expected behaviors and are taught in context, i.e., hallway expectations are taught in the hallway with opportunities for students to see what the expected behaviors look like. Teach to lessons within classrooms are determined by individual classroom teachers, while shared area teach to’s are based on expectations of the entire staff (halls, arrival at school, playground, assemblies, lunchroom, etc).

Refocus (classrooms):
When a student is choosing not to follow the rules and is distracting himself/herself or others from learning, s/he is given the opportunity to correct their behavior (or redirect). If the student does not correct the behavior, s/he is given a refocus. During the refocus time, the student is given an opportunity to think about the behavior and write or verbally answer questions about what the behavior was and what they will do in the future. Teachers use three questions to guide them in deciding whether or not to ask a child to refocus: Can the student still learn? Can other students learn? Can I still teach?

Refocus (common areas):
When a student chooses not to follow the rules in an area outside the classroom (i.e., playground, lunchroom, or other common areas) s/he will be given a verbal reminder to correct the behavior. If the student does not correct the behavior, s/he is given a refocus.  Supervisors will fill out the Refocus Form and give to the classroom teacher who will record it on a classroom data sheet.  The counselor will collect these periodically to evaluate data and provide feedback abut students and the STARS program.

After School Academy:
An After School Academy is provided on a weekly basis for students who miss academic learning time as a result of repeated unacceptable behavior in the classroom or common area. If a student has one refocus in a Specials class or three or more refocuses in any of the other classroom or common areas during a five day period, s/he qualifies for Academy. The student’s classroom teacher contacts parents when Academy is necessary for their child. During the Academy, students have the opportunity to catch up on their work and reflect further on the behaviors that caused them to attend Academy.

Positive Recognition:
Staff will fill out a Shepardson STARS form to recognize students who are “caught being Shepardson STARS” by demonstrating the character traits listed above. The form describes the actual behavior that was seen and it will be coming home with your child at end of each quarter. Children proudly place their STAR on the principal’s door!

Playground games:
The PE teacher will teach students the rules and safety considerations for most playground games and use of playground equipment. This intervention will help ensure more consistency in expectations by students, teachers and supervisors. Staff will contact the PE teacher when rules need to be reviewed or evaluated.

Shepardson Stars Shine (Basic Principles):
Show up on time each day with respect for classmates, principal, teachers, staff, guests, and myself.

• Make our school a safe environment where my classmates and I can learn and work together without disruptions.
• Take care of my belongings as well as respecting belongings of others.
• Treat others with kindness and acceptance without name-calling, put-downs, or inappropriate language.
• Play in a safe and respectful way without physical force, bullying, or leaving anyone out.
• Be honest in schoolwork and actions.
• Follow all school rules in the classroom, playground, halls, lunchroom, and buses.
• Say no to drugs, gangs, and weapons.
• Dress for success! (Wear appropriate clothing.)