Positive Behavior Programs

Students participate in Dragons with Dignity by demonstrating the character skill of the month. Character skills include but are not limited to attributes such as generosity, perseverance, compassion, etc. Each month, teachers select particular students for the Braggin’ Dragon awards based on the character skill for that month. Students earn certificates and tokens of appreciation.

Project Cornerstone

Developmental assets are positive relationships, opportunities, values and skills that young people need to become caring and responsible. Millbrook School is committed to helping our children in developing these assets. Through our partnership with Project Cornerstone, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of class and school wide service projects. In addition to our commitment to students, we are making a commitment of the families of our community. We would like our community to become knowledgeable about developmental assets and ways to build them in our youth. Workshops and opportunities for parents to participate in the program will be made available.

Principal's List and Honor Roll

Honor Roll is a special accommodation awarded to students who reach certain academic goals throughout the year. You must be in grades 4-6 to be eligible for the program. Report cards are given out each trimester. Students have three opportunities over the course of the school year to reach Principal's List and Honor Roll.

Principal’s List Qualification

A’s in the five curriculum areas
S- and above in the “Responsibility for Learning” areas (work habits/behavior)

Honor Roll Qualification

A’s and B’s in the five curriculum areas
S- and above in the “Responsibility for Learning” areas (work habits/behavior)

Additional Considerations
Any teacher may consider individual exceptions to the Honor Roll Qualifications. Exceptions may include, but not limited to: a student with an IEP, or a student with physical or emotional limitations. These students must show that they are achieving above and beyond their ability.

Red Ribbon Week

This is a National Drug Awareness & Prevention Program supported by Millbrook through age appropriate activities and assemblies that encourage students to lead healthy, happy, and drug-free lives. Drug free messages are reinforced throughout the week via themed spirit days, a poster contest (with prizes) and special readings by the teachers. We encourage you to take this opportunity to discuss the topic with your kids as well.

Walk n' Roll Wednesdays

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

What is PBIS?

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a research-based framework that focuses on:

Teaching expected behaviors explicitly
Recognizing and celebrating positive choices
Supporting students who need additional help
Creating a positive school climate for everyone

PBIS is not a curriculum or program—it's a way of thinking about and supporting student behavior that emphasizes prevention, teaching, and positive reinforcement.

Our School-Wide Expectations

At Millbrook Elementary, we follow three simple, positive expectations that guide behavior in all school settings:

🌟 BE RESPECTFUL

Use kind words and actions
Listen when others are speaking
Follow directions the first time
Take care of school property

🌟 BE RESPONSIBLE

Come to school ready to learn
Complete assignments and homework
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
Make good choices even when no one is watching

🌟 BE SAFE

Walk in hallways and classrooms
Keep your area clean and organized
Use materials and equipment properly
Report problems to adults

How We Teach Expected Behaviors

Direct Instruction

Teachers explicitly teach and model expected behaviors in different school settings, just like they teach academic subjects. Students learn what behaviors look like in the classroom, hallway, cafeteria, playground, and other school areas.

Practice and Review

Students practice expected behaviors through role-playing, discussions, and real-life situations. We review expectations regularly, especially after breaks and at the beginning of each school year.

Visual Reminders

Posters and displays throughout the school remind students of our expectations in each setting.

Recognizing Positive Behavior

Whoot Wagon Certificates

When students demonstrate our school expectations, staff members give them Whoot! Whoot! Wagon Certificates.

Weekly Drawings

Each Friday, we draw tickets for various prizes including:

Principal's lunch bunch
Extra recess time
School store privileges
Special recognition certificates
Small prizes and treats

Monthly Celebrations

Classes that demonstrate exceptional behavior may earn special celebrations such as:

Extra art or music time
Outdoor learning opportunities
Special movie time
Ice cream parties

Individual Recognition

Students may also receive:

Positive phone calls home
Notes sent home to families
Special helper privileges
Recognition in school newsletters

Supporting Students Who Need Extra Help

Tier 1: Universal Support

All students receive school-wide behavior instruction and support. This includes clear expectations, consistent teaching, and regular recognition.

Tier 2: Targeted Support

Some students may need additional support through:

Small group social skills instruction
Individual behavior contracts
Increased check-ins with school staff
Modified expectations or environments

Tier 3: Intensive Support

A few students may need intensive, individualized support including:

Functional behavior assessments
Individualized behavior intervention plans
Wraparound services
Collaboration with outside agencies

How Families Can Support PBIS at Home

Reinforce School Expectations

Use the same language at home: "Remember to be respectful, responsible, and safe."

Celebrate Positive Choices

Acknowledge when your child makes good choices
Ask about Millbrook Star Tickets your child earned
Celebrate achievements, both big and small

Consistent Communication

Read school newsletters and communications
Attend parent-teacher conferences
Contact teachers with questions or concerns
Share information about your child that helps school staff support them

Common Questions About PBIS

Q: Does PBIS replace discipline? A: No. PBIS emphasizes prevention and teaching, but logical consequences are still used when students make poor choices. The focus is on helping students learn from their mistakes.

Q: How do I know if my child is following expectations at school? A: Teachers communicate regularly through folders, emails, and phone calls. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions about your child's behavior at school.

Q: What if my child has special needs? A: PBIS is designed to support all students, including those with disabilities. Individual accommodations and supports are provided as needed through IEPs, 504 plans, or informal support..

PBIS Data and Progress

We regularly collect and review data to ensure our PBIS program is effective:

Office discipline referrals: Tracking when students need additional support
Star ticket distribution: Monitoring positive recognition across all students
Student surveys: Gathering feedback about school climate
Staff feedback: Ensuring consistent implementation

This data helps us make improvements and ensure all students are successful.

Practice at Home

Review school expectations regularly
Practice problem-solving skills
Role-play challenging situations
Establish similar expectations and routines at home

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