Panther Pledge

“We are responsible and respectful.

We are here to learn.

We are honest and kind.

We are the best that we can be.

Nothing is impossible at Payne School!”

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)/Panther Pride

Through PBIS or “Panther Pride”, we work together to create and maintain a safe environment in which ALL school community members clearly understand the shared expectations for behavior. We believe that through the implementation of PBIS systems and strategies, we will increase student academic performance, increase safety, decrease problem behavior, and establish a positive school climate.

One of the keys of the system is a focus on prevention. It is based on the idea that when students are taught clearly defined behavioral expectations and provided with predictable responses to their behavior, both positive and corrective, they will meet those expectations.

As part of PBIS, Payne Elementary has developed school-wide procedures to accomplish the following:

• Define Principles of Behavior:  At Payne, our behavior principles are: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. These principles are outlined in the Panther Pact.

• Teach Behavior Expectations:  The behavioral expectations are taught to all students in real contexts throughout the school year. The general rule is presented, the rationale for the rule is discussed, and positive examples (“the right way”) are described and presented (role modeling). 

• Acknowledge Appropriate Behaviors:  Once appropriate behaviors have been defined and taught, they need to be acknowledged on a regular basis. “Pawsitive Panther Tickets'' are used by staff members as a tool of encouragement and a student motivator. 

• Paws & Give 5: Research shows that adults should try to give five positive comments for every redirection or consequence. Staff members find ways to compliment every child, helping turn a child’s choices toward more positive behavior.
• Proactively Correct Behavior:  Although most students respond positively to PBIS, obeying rules and doing their best at school, if a child is struggling with negative behaviors, staff members document this through a referral system. Consequences depend on the severity and frequency of the behavior, ranging from a conference with the student, an apology, a loss of privilege, school service, or parent conference, and may result in development of a behavior contract.