Creating a learning environment goes beyond textbooks and lesson plans. It also includes nurturing a positive environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
In the Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD), all schools use the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program to help shape positive attitudes and behaviors of students.
Throughout the school year, students can earn PBIS points whenever they show kindness, integrity and respect to their classmates, school staff and teachers.
“Seeing students take ownership of themselves and take charge of their learning is always impactful to see,” said Alissa Crawford, a first-grade teacher from Gateway Polytechnic Academy. “I am on the PBIS team, and we get to do a quarterly reward, too, for all of the kids who earn a certain amount of points in their school.”
Some of these prizes can also be earned monthly and can include earning treats, earning a “No Homework Pass,” having lunch with the principal, buying books and stickers from the school’s PBIS store, and perhaps most popular of all, getting shaved ice from Kona Ice.
First-grade student Jaxon H. expressed his excitement for getting Kona Ice, by getting his two favorite flavors: Tiger’s Blood and Watermelon.
“I was the PBIS winner in my class, and I got a free Kona Ice,” said Jaxon. “And being positive and showing respect is important because it’s nice.”
While Kona Ice is one of the many rewards students can choose from on PBIS day, it is also a fundraising partnership.
“The best thing about coming to schools on PBIS days is to have a positive impact on the kids while raising money for the school at the same time,” said Mike Bernards, Kona Ice owner. “And from that, we get to see their smiles, every day.”
To learn more about PBIS, visit the official Arizona PBIS website here.
