PBIS stands for “Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports” and is a framework for teaching and supporting children in the development of appropriate behavior across different settings such as on the school bus, on the playground, in classrooms, and in the halls. 

For more information and background, please click here to visit the Ohio Department of Education PBIS page.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an approach to supporting students to be successful in schools. PBIS was developed from research in the fields of behavior theory and effective instruction. PBIS supports all students through multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) ranging from a school-wide system to a system for developing individualized plans for specific students. School-wide PBIS focuses on the development and implementation of 34 pro-active procedures and practices to prevent problem behavior for all students and improve school climate.

The Twinsburg City School District believes in recognizing students for their positive accomplishments, not only academically, but behaviorally, as well. Our district PBIS model is based on the following statement, which shows how our students progress from “cubs” at Wilcox Primary School to “tigers” at Twinsburg High School: 

At Wilcox Primary School, our students start out as “cubs.” Once they get their footing, they move onto Samuel Bissell Elementary School, where tigers learn to “roar.” When our tigers have found their voices, our students roar into George G. Dodge Intermediate School, where they earn their “stripes.” Once the last stripe has been achieved, our tigers enter R.B. Chamberlin Middle School, where they learn how to take “pride” in their school and community. Finally, our students, who were once cubs, leave Twinsburg High School, Tiger “Strong!” Interwoven throughout each of our schools, are the ideas of respect, responsibility, caring and safety, which are consistent in each school’s PBIS program.

Classes at Wilcox begin their day with a Morning Meeting. There is a new topic or question for discussion each day that helps students get to know each other and the teacher to learn some things about his/her students beyond the academics. These discussions help to build a strong classroom community of learners who understand each other and respect each other’s talents and differences. Additionally, students are working on their communication skills of active listening, empathetic comments, making meaningful connections, and asking clarifying questions.

Start With Hello is one of Sandy Hook’s Promise’s programs that introduces young students to be more socially inclusive and connected to each other. Wilcox Primary School students and staff participate in Start With Hello week each spring. Students sign a pledge to support each other and be friendly, do random acts of kindness, try to make new friends, and play with different classmates at recess.