Viper Power

Leadership-Scholarship-Integrity-Empathy-Responsibility

Features of the School-Wide "PBIS" Approach

(Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)

PBIS is a schoolwide approache designed to create a positive and productive learning environment for every student. It is built on the belief that when we clearly define expectations for academic and social behavior-and teach them just as intentionally as we teach academc skils-we set students up for success.

PBIS uses proactive, positive strategies to help students meet important social and learning goals while preventing problem behaviors that can interfere with growth. The result is a school culture where both achievement and well-being can flourish.

With its instructional focus, PBIS ephasizes:

• Teaching behavior expectations directly so students know exactly what success looks like.
• Equipping students with social skills just as we do with academic content.
• Maximizing academic engagement so learning time is productive and meaningful.
• Providing instructional supports that address individual needs and remove barriers to success.

By weaving these practices into daily routines, PBIS stregthens both the academic and social foundations students need to thrive-leading to higher achievement, stronger relationships, and more supportive school community.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative Justice Practices are especially important in middle school because these years are a time of rapid change-socially, emotionally, and academically. As students navigate new challenges and shifting friendships, conflicts and misunderstandings are inevitable. Restorative practices provide a framework for addressing these issues in a way that builds community rather than divides it. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, restorative approaches encourage students to take responsibility for their actions, understand the impact on others, and work toward repairing harm. This not only helps resolve immediate conflicts but also teaches empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills that serve students for life. In a middle school setting, restorative practices foster trust, strengthen relationships, and create a safe, supportive environment where all students can learn and grow together.