About 100 Gateway High School students participated in the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports celebration recently and enjoyed a petting zoo, games and treats.
Faculty has been working with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit to roll out the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS, program since the covid pandemic.
“Essentially, it is a system to positively reward students for following school-wide expectations,” Gateway spokesperson Jeremy Tepper said.
“While the core team has remained consistent, we added a few new teachers this year to bring in fresh energy and ideas,” English teacher and PBIS coach Eve Dudek said.
Based on the high school’s recent faculty survey, nearly 90% of staff indicated that PBIS has helped to reduce student disciplinary write-ups.
As part of the program, high schoolers earn tickets throughout the year by displaying positive behaviors. Tickets can be redeemed at the school store for smaller items – such as pencils, stickers and bracelets – or saved for bigger rewards such as school gear or coffee shop vouchers.
“We run raffles and school-wide events throughout the year as additional incentives. Last year, for example, students could choose between watching a holiday movie, decorating gingerbread houses or playing reindeer games in the gym,” Dudek said.
Gateway High School will be recognized at the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support Implementers’ Forum in November.
“It’s a big milestone that reflects the hard work of our PBIS team, the support of our Principal Justin Stephans, our Assistant Principals Sarah Kielar and Joseph Rosi, and the dedication of our amazing staff,” Dudek said. “It’s been a great way to wrap up the school year.”
