October 20, 2021, is National Unity Day and we are encouraging our students and staff to wear orange on that day to show that Southeast Polk is united for kindness. But being kind and standing united is not just a one-day event. PBIS, MVP, and Olweus are just a few of the programs Southeast Polk Community School District implements year-round to create kind, safe and positive environments in all of our buildings.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, three-tiered framework to improve and integrate all of the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day. It equips teachers with the framework to provide and monitor prevention and intervention practices. PBIS creates schools where all students succeed.
The schools’ work in PBIS focuses on conditions to support learning by providing positive, predictable and safe environments. When done effectively, PBIS has been shown to reduce major disciplinary infractions, reduce out-of-school suspensions, improve prosocial behavior, improve academic achievement and improve school climate. Teachers look for and reward students for making good choices, being kind and following the RAMS way.
The RAMS Way
R=We are Respectful
A=We are Always Responsible.
M=We use our Manners/We are Motivated learners.
S=We practice Safety
Amy Anderson, SEP At-Risk Coordinator, shared, “PBIS is an effective program because positive behavior is viewed as a skill that, just like math and reading skills, can be taught and practiced. We define and teach behavior expectations and provide a system of positive reinforcement for all students.”
Along with PBIS, SEP is committed to the Mentors in Violence Prevention (grades 9-12) and Olweus Bullying Prevention (grades K-8) Programs.
Mentors in Violence Prevention(MVP) is a program where upperclassmen spend time weekly to talk with underclassmen about how they can be empowered bystanders to recognize and confront bad behavior.
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) is designed to improve peer relations and make schools safer, more positive places for students to learn and develop. Class meetings are a weekly occurrence (lasting anywhere from 15-45 minutes) during which students have the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings about various topics. Teachers act as a guide during these meetings, but the core of the discussion is done by the students. Class meeting topics can be about anything from bullying to friend conflicts to growth mindset and beyond. Class meetings are intended to build a safe and supportive community in the classroom where every student’s voice matters and is important.
Southeast Polk Community – Let’s stand united in kindness! Join us by wearing orange on October 20 and demonstrating kindness every day!
If your child is struggling and you feel they are in need of support, please contact your child’s school counselor.
PBIS / Olweus Diagram provides parents with a visual of how Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports & the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program work together in K-8 buildings to teach character education to all students, report bullying, and intervene early.
PBIS.org provides general information about Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. PBIS is supported by the U.S. Department of Education.
Heartland AEA 11 – Learning Supports PBIS Website provides regional information on professional learning for educators and technical support for districts / schools.
Iowa Department of Education – Learner Supports PBIS Website provides statewide information on districts and recognition levels for schools. Currently, over 550 schools and 107 districts use PBIS in Iowa.
Iowa Department of Education – Learner Supports MTSS Website provides statewide information on how Iowa is implementing MTSS statewide.
