Schools are successful when they help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. For this to happen it is imperative that we have a safe environment that is supportive and conducive for growth. By setting forth clear social and behavioral expectations and directly teaching students about those expectations, it is our goal is to create a positive atmosphere for optimal learning.

Camden County Schools has adopted a state-wide initiative entitled Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This framework is an evidence-based, data-driven framework that has been proven to reduce disciplinary incidents, increase a school’s sense of safety, improve school climate, and support improved academic outcomes for all students.

The PBIS System has 4 components:

• A matrix of behavioral expectations

• Lesson Plans to teach students the behavioral expectations

• An acknowledgment/reinforcement system

• Behavioral Infraction Notice

At David L. Rainer, we have three school-wide behavioral expectations:

• We are Respectful

• We are Responsible

• We are Safe

PBIS Involvement at Home
As a parent, you can be part of this formula for school success by using the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) strategy at home. Parents can work along with teachers to promote positive behaviors in school. Below are a few steps:

• Keep in contact with your child's teacher(s) regarding school life accomplishments.

• Verbally acknowledge your child's school life accomplishments.

• Remind your child that you are proud of them.

• Follow through with promises and rules at home.

It is important that school personnel and families team up to support students academically, behaviorally, socially, physically and emotionally. Let's partner together to develop the whole child!

Enhance Home-School Communication

• One goal of enhancing home-school communication is to support PBIS activities at home and at school.

• Parents, teachers, and other caregivers must work as partners and share responsibilities for promoting positive and consistent outcomes related to a child's academic, behavioral and social-emotional development.

• Ask your child's teachers/administrators about PBIS expectations in the school in order to support expectations at home.

Feelings and Behavior
Young people today experience many of the same feelings and express some of the same behaviors as adults do. Understandably, children get angry, sad, frustrated, nervous, happy, and/or embarrassed. Unfortunately, they often do not have the words to talk about their feelings. Along with the staff at school, parents can help their child(ren) understand how to appropriately express their feelings by using the following tips:

• When talking to your child, explain different feelings in words s/he can understand. You may use books, videos, or pictures to get the point across.

• Teach your child different ways s/he can deal with feelings and control behaviors. Discuss appropriate and inappropriate ways to behave.

• Build an open line of communication with the school staff to support behavior expectations at home and school.