PBIS

PBIS } System inspires better behaviors in students

Abby Doriot

Staff Writer

“[The point system] gives the attention to the students who are doing what they should be doing. Instead of just punishing bad behavior, we’re now rewarding good behavior,” SHS Assistant Principal Jeff Cox said.

That was the theory behind bringing Warrior points to SHS. Instead of only giving attention to the kids that do not follow the rules, the points help recognize other students for good behavior. The question is, are they better emphasized this year?

This is the second year with the Hero point system, albeit under a new name. It is now called PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Systems). Instead of Hero points, they are now called Warrior points.

“It is to encourage the behaviors we want to see...this is a way that we can teach those soft skills that students need, and at the same time reward them,” Cox said.

Logan Weilbaker (11) said,“I think the Warrior Point system had a positive impact last year because of all the hype surrounding it. With it being the first year of the program, people were excited and it was in everyone’s mind. I think it will be harder for the Warrior Point system to gain more traction this year because it is not new and exciting anymore.”

“It might feel like there is a little push, only because we started the school year with it this year. It wasn’t new to everybody. We were able to start running from the beginning, rather than wait to get everybody learning how it works.” Cox said.

However, some people feel as though improved advertising has been placed upon the system this year. It makes students want to earn as many points as possible. Much of that was due to the new management.

“I think [the Warrior Point System] has a much bigger emphasis because it is under the new management of Mrs. Morris. I feel like she has made it more aware to the students than it was last year,” Johnathon Perkinson (10) said.

Jennifer Morris’ marketing and business managing class took over the Warrior Point System this year. They make most of the decisions for the system and help run it.

“We’re hoping to get more teachers on board to participate and give Warrior points. We want to make sure everyone is on board with understanding how they work, and we’re hoping to do a better job of making sure all teachers know the value of one Warrior point,” Morris said.

There is no doubt that this is an effective system to make a drastic difference in current student behavior.

Rachael Mount (9) said, “I think the PBIS system is an efficient, interactive reward. It’s interesting to learn how the system works and how to earn prizes by showing good behavior. I think it is a huge motivator for students, and I can’t wait to continue collecting points.”

SHS adopted the new Indiana State mandate regarding PBIS in schools as their own through the Warrior Point System to incentivise students.