Flower Hill’s PBIS at Home Family Engagement Night

Flower Hill Primary School has always been known for his parent interest and involvement. The school is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and that same tradition continues to this day.

“Flower Hill ‘PBIS at Home’ Family Engagement Night was a huge success this week, with over 100 participants in attendance,” Principal Cindy Siegel said. “Families came together to learn practical strategies for fostering positive behaviors at home and building a strong home/school connection.  This event highlights the commitment of our families to their children's success.”

Just what is PBIS and how can it help students and schools? “Many kids struggle with behavior in school,” according to the non-profit Understood website. When schools react only with punishment, students don’t learn the skills they need to improve. That’s where positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) comes in. PBIS is a proactive approach schools use to improve school safety and promote positive behavior. The focus of PBIS is prevention, not punishment.

Schools employing a PBIS program focused on positive behavior strategies. “PBIS recognizes that students can only meet behavior expectations if they know what the expectations are,” according to Understood. “Everyone learns what’s considered appropriate behavior. And they use a common language to talk about it. Throughout the school day — in class, at lunch, and on the bus — students understand what’s expected of them.”

Research indicates that PBIS leads to improved student behavior, including fewer detentions and suspensions and better grades. “And there’s some evidence that PBIS may lead to less bullying,” according to Understood.