Does your child talk about earning paw prints, filling their paw pyramid, or getting another pajama day? These fun rewards are all part of the PBIS program. But Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at Longfellow is much more than just paw prints and class celebrations. It’s a research-based framework designed to teach and reinforce social, emotional, and behavioral expectations for all students, starting as early as preschool.
What is PBIS?
PBIS includes explicitly teaching behavior expectations, just like academic subjects, through modeling, practice, feedback, and reteaching when needed. It is built around four key features:
-Clear outcomes for student success
-Systems that support schoolwide implementation
-Data to guide decisions
-Evidence-based practices
Preschool Foundations
At the preschool level, we use Early Childhood Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (EC PBIS) to create classrooms that foster active learning and positive relationships among children, families, and staff. We teach clear behavior expectations so all children understand what is expected, provide instruction in social skills, and offer extra support for those who need it.
Our expectations are built on The Marion Way:
- Respect: Using the right voice level, speaking kindly to others
- Responsibility: Listening to teachers, staying in our own space
- Safety: Being calm, using classroom materials the correct way
- Friendship: Including everyone, sharing toys, and taking turns
Students receive specific, positive praise when following The Marion Way so they know exactly what they are doing well. The whole class also works together to earn stars on the class paw print. When it’s full, they celebrate with a fun classroom reward!
Kindergarten–2nd Grade: Building on Foundations
When students enter kindergarten, we continue building these foundations, intertwining friendship with the other core values and introducing integrity. Across all areas of the school—hallways, classrooms, lunchroom, and playground—staff use the same expectations and common language so students know exactly what is expected wherever they go. Our K-2 motto is:“The Marion Way is my way. I am respectful, responsible, and safe. I show integrity every day—follow me.”
Tiered Supports
PBIS works through a tiered system:
- Tier 1: Supports all students with schoolwide expectations. Students earn paw prints individually, classes earn red paw prints for group behavior, and monthly assemblies celebrate VIPs and goals.
- Tier 2: Provides additional support for some students through Check In/Check Out (CICO) mentoring and Small Groups (SAIG) that focus on social or academic skills.
- Tier 3: Offers individualized behavior plans for a few students, targeting replacement behaviors and addressing root causes.
Our PBIS Tiered Teams review data regularly to celebrate progress, identify trends, and adjust supports so every child can succeed.
Celebrating Success
Celebrating success is how PBIS Tier 1 teaches, reinforces, and sustains a culture of positive behavior. It’s not just about paw prints and prizes, it’s about shaping habits, strengthening motivation, and making the school a place where positive behavior is noticed and valued. Families can join in the celebration by asking about the paw prints their child earns and how they’re showing The Marion Way at school and at home. At Longfellow, we celebrate PBIS success in many ways:
- Individual:
- Friday paw print drawings (winners pick from the prize bucket)
- Monthly VIPs recognized at assemblies with a certificate, special seating, and a Hy-Vee certificate for a sweet treat.
- Classroom:
- Classrooms work together to show The Marion Way by earning red paw prints for their paw pyramids. When the pyramid is full, the class gets to choose a celebration.
- Another way we celebrate as a class is during the paw print drawings at assemblies. A paw print from each grade level is drawn, and they get to Spin the Wheel or play Plinko to earn class celebrations (pajama days, extra recess, virtual field trips, etc.)
- Whole School:
- Monthly, the Tier 1 Team reviews data, sets a goal (like earning 3,000 pawprints or reducing disruptions) and the entire school celebrates together when the goal is met.
Families as Partners
Families play a vital role as partners. By asking your child about the paw prints they earn and how they demonstrate The Marion Way at school and at home, you help us create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every student can learn and thrive today while preparing to own their future.
If you would like additional information or have questions about PBIS please reach out to Rachel Zaruba at rzaruba@marion-isd.org or Chelsea Albright at calbright@marion-isd.org.