Dear Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s),

Welcome to the 2014-2015 School Year! I am here to tell you about a very exciting change we will be implementing this year at Nadaburg Elementary School. This year, Nadaburg Elementary has received a grant, which affords us the opportunity to add a Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) schoolwide. What is PBIS do you ask? Well, in the simplest terms, PBIS is a system in which your child will have the opportunity to earn rewards for his or her positive behavior and be reinforced for any behavior issues that may arise in a more positive way as well. Why do we need PBIS at Nadaburg Elementary School? PBIS is proven to decrease classroom disruptions, decrease office discipline referrals/ suspensions/ expulsions, increase academic achievement, and improve school climate and safety. How does this happen? Refer to the attached Sidewinder Bite Matrix in order to review the expected behavior in each school setting listed. When your child is caught doing these things, he or she will be rewarded with a Sidewinder BITE ticket. Students have an opportunity to earn daily, weekly, and quarterly rewards. If for some reason your child needs a small reminder here or there (minor behaviors), he or she will be reinforced by his or her teacher and have an opportunity to reflect on how he or she can get back on track with following the matrix. In the event that reinforcement is still needed (major behaviors), you will be contacted by your child’s teacher regarding an office discipline referral (ODR). How can we work together to avoid your child receiving an ODR? Stay in communication with your child’s teacher in order to keep yourself updated on your child’s progress, talk to your child about PBIS at home and his or her progress, and your child’s teacher will reinforce PBIS lesson plans in his or her classroom. When your child comes home today, ask him or her about the PBIS Assembly he or she attended this morning. Right away, your child will learn that not only do you know about PBIS, but you are excited for them to earn rewards for their positive behavior as well. If you have any questions regarding PBIS, feel free to contact your child’s teacher or myself. I thank you for your participation in PBIS. Together, we can create a positive climate at Nadaburg Elementary School!

Sincerely,

Angelina Geraci
PBIS Leader
                             
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