PAWS+Initiative

Overview
In support of our school climate initiative and in an effort to become more consistent and proactive in our approach in developing positive behaviors in our students, outlined below are some of the expectations and strategies developed. We are continuing to grow in our understanding and utilization of the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) as a system to guide our efforts in this area. PBIS organizes adults and students to create a social-culture in schools that encourages positive behavior and interactions, while discouraging problem behaviors. Once established, this social-culture will lead to a safer environment where students can achieve academically and build positive relationships with each other and adults.

PBIS encourages the use of effective practices, data, and a system of supports in line with a school-wide action plan tailored to meet the needs of our school. Teaching and acknowledging the positive behaviors we want to see our students is at the heart of the PBIS system. Therefore as we support students and develop action plans in this area we will make every efforts to: 

> > - Reinforce and provide daily reminders through > direct supervision.
 * **Define**- Clearly and concisely define the behavioral expectations for students in all areas of the school.
 * **Teach**- Provide explicit teaching of our behavioral expectations.
 * **Remind**
 * **Celebrate**- Provide consistent acknowledgement of the expected behaviors.
 * **Correct**- Encourage self-discipline by consistently correcting students who demonstrate problem behaviors, and make use of natural, logical consequence in teaching them positive alternatives.

The following provides specific goals, behavioral expectations, teacher and administrative responsibilities, strategies for recognizing students engaged in self-discipline, as well as procedures for handling students who choose not to follow our school expectations and specific routines as needed.

School Climate Vision Statement
The actions of staff and students at Heritage Heights will foster a safe, caring, learning environment that nurtures responsible and ethical behavior and appreciates the diversity in all learners with a focus on:
 * Practicing good listening.
 * Demonstrating self-control and self-discipline especially during stressful situations.
 * Being fair and respecting others and their feelings.
 * Acting in a responsible way.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Resolving conflicts in a peaceful way.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Connecting our actions and our service to others for the well being of our school and the outside community.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**__Commitments__**:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">School staff will utilize a proactive, school-wide support model that facilitates the creation of a calm, orderly, safe learning community;
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Students will learn the "Honor Code" and demonstrate their understanding by their actions in all areas of the school.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Teachers will teach, model and practice each of the school expectations with students throughout the year.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Teachers will establish, teach, model and practice classroom procedures.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">School staff will establish and utilize strategies for recognizing caring, self-disciplined students in classrooms and other areas of the school.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Administration will work with students and support classroom teachers in reinforcing positive behavior based on the expectations.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Administration will follow procedures for handling infractions if students fail to follow school expectations.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Administration will work with the school staff to settle problems safely, respectfully and responsibly.

__**Honor Code/ Behavior Matrix**__
At School- At Home-

PAWS Ticket Sheet-

**PAWS Newsletter**s

 * [[file:September PAWS Newletter 2015.pdf|September 2015]]

**PAWS Meeting Summaries**

 * January 2016
 * February 2016
 * [[file:PAWS Team Meeting Summary 3-14-16.pdf|March 2016]]

Resources

 * Hopes and Dreams