Celebrating with Kona Ice: How PBIS Standards Create a Positive School Environment

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a three-tiered framework designed to promote students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health well-being with the goal of improving outcomes in these areas. By setting clear expectations and using positive reinforcement, PBIS helps students grow into responsible, respectful individuals. At Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD), schools implement PBIS standards, rewarding students who adhere to the values of kindness, respect, and integrity. 

Recently, students at Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary (FMSE) were recognized for their commitment to these values with a special treat from one of QCUSD’s business partners, Kona Ice. This reward celebrated the student’s commitment to the PBIS standards, which creates a positive school environment.

With PBIS, teachers set clear expectations for their students' behavior and acknowledge when students meet them. "PBIS is the way that the teachers show that they appreciate you," explained one student. 

One key component of PBIS standards is integrity. Integrity creates a respectful school environment and helps encourage students to have self-motivation and personal responsibility. "Integrity is just doing the right thing when nobody's watching," the student shared. These everyday actions help create a respectful and responsible school community.

A teacher at FMSE, Andrew Pioske, emphasizes the power of positive reinforcement. "Kids are best motivated when they know what to do and are rewarded for doing it the right way." Students are encouraged to demonstrate positive behaviors and are rewarded for it.” Rather than relying on consequences, PBIS encourages students to make good choices through positive recognition. "It's always better to have someone encouraging you than to try to instill consequences," Pioske added. 

Beyond improving behavior, PBIS helps make school more enjoyable. Students are given clear guidelines, shown how to follow them, and rewarded for doing so. "PBIS makes the school a fun place and a safe place," one student shared.

FMSE students were excited to receive their PBIS reward from Kona Ice, as it serves as motivation for students to continue living up to the PBIS standards. "It just feels great when you get awards because you're like, man, I did that right," a student expressed.