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Jefferson Area Local School District

PBIS

PBIS

A Commitment to Social and Emotional Learning and Support

We are committed to the District-wide use of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports ("PBIS") with students and the establishment of a school environment focused on the care, safety, and welfare of all students and staff members. PBIS serves as the foundation for the creation of a learning environment that promotes the use of evidence-based behavioral interventions, thus enhancing academic and social behavioral outcomes for all students. We are committed to promoting positive interventions and solutions to potential conflicts.

Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports, is a broad range of systemic and individualized strategies for achieving important social and learning outcomes in school communities while preventing problem behavior. The key attributes of PBS include preventive activities, data-based decision making, and a problem-solving orientation (Horner, 2000; Lewis & Sugai, 1999; Sugai et.al., 2000; Weigle, 1997)

Students will strive to SOAR in all areas: S=safe, O=on task, A=always respectful, R=responsible

  • Safety

    • See Something, Say Something

    • Stop the Bleed 

    Occupational Skills

    • ACCESS

    • Kent State field trips, 9th grade and Advanced Science

    Achievement

    • Honor roll=3.5 or higher

    • Merit roll=3.0-3.48

    • Academic Awards 3.75 end of grade 9, 3.5 end of grade 10, 3.3 end of grade 11, 3.2 end of grade 12

    • ACT College Readiness Scores

    • Honors Diplomas 

    Respect 

    • Happy Birthday announcements

    • Falcon Feathers

    • Rachel's Challenge Club 

  • Students are entering a world of work in which interactions with others is one key to success. We are committed to helping students understand how to function in the context of social interactions in school and the workplace. This requires an awareness and understanding of the power of emotions and the contributions they make to such interactions. We will facilitate social-emotional learning, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, collaboration, teamwork, relationship skills and responsible decision-making, in classroom, extra-curricular and co-curricular settings

  • Ohio's K-12 Social and Emotional Learning Standards are provided by grade bands (kindergarten-grade 3, grades 3-5, middle grades, and high school) and provide a continuum of development across five competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. The social and emotional learning standards are for all students, kindergarten through grade 12, with the understanding that each child develops at their own pace and may excel in one set of skills while struggling in another.

  • The mission of Jefferson and Rock Creek Elementary Schools is to work together to educate all students in a safe, positive, supportive, and challenging environment so students can successfully develop the skills and attitudes to become responsible, productive citizens.

    • GOAL 1:  By 6-30-26 we will improve the performance of All Students who are state tested students in grades 3-12 Elementary, Junior High and Senior High to increase by 10% in English Language Arts using the State of Ohio report card -performance index.
    • GOAL 2: 100% of building leadership Teams will implement a school-wide incentive and discipline program (PBIS) in order to improve the overall school climate by teaching and rewarding appropriate behavior, providing consistent consequences for inappropriate behaviors, and creating a peaceful and uniform environment to decrease adverse behaviors and increase attendance and academic achievement.

    Students will strive to SOAR in all areas: S=safe, O=on task, A=always respectful, R=responsible

  • At Jefferson Area High School, we believe every student can SOAR! Our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program creates a welcoming environment where students thrive academically and socially.

    A PBIS Matrix is used to define and teach specific, expected behaviors for students in different school locations to create a safe, positive, and consistent school environment.

    The High School’s Matrix, SOAR, teaches expectations related to Safety, Occupational Skills, Achieving Goals and Respect in the classroom, cafeteria, hallways, restrooms, and parking lot.

    We acknowledge students who demonstrate SOAR behaviors through multiple recognition programs, from Falcon Feathers for daily positive choices, to weekly Expectation of the Week nominations, to monthly Student of the Month awards.

    Falcon’s Nest

    Our students gather weekly in Falcon's Nest homeroom periods, where learning extends far beyond textbooks. These dedicated sessions serve as the foundation for building a strong, supportive school community at JAHS.

    PBIS SOAR Matrix: Learning Life Skills

    During each Falcon's Nest meeting, students engage with their Nest teachers in meaningful discussions about behavioral expectations outlined in our PBIS SOAR Matrix. These lessons help students develop essential life skills including respect, responsibility, and positive decision-making that will serve them well beyond graduation.

    Fun Activities Foster Connection

    But...Falcon's Nest isn't all about serious discussions. Students participate in engaging activities that strengthen bonds between classmates and create lasting memories. These interactive experiences help build the relationships that make our school feel like home.

    Monthly Competition Sparks School Spirit 

    Our PBIS Team has launched an exciting monthly competition that brings out the competitive spirit in each Falcon's Nest class. Students work together to demonstrate school pride and positive behavior, creating an atmosphere of healthy competition throughout the building. The winning class each month earns the prestigious honor of housing the Falcon Cup in their classroom. 

  • Ohio students benefit when they are in school and have access to the continuum of evidence-based practices and supports provided within the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports framework. Ohio Law requires that no school or district issue out-of-school suspensions or expulsions to students in grades pre-kindergarten through three. Ohio has one of the strongest state laws in the country addressing multi-tiered behavioral supports in the interest of reducing disciplinary referrals, especially for prekindergarten through grade 3 students.

    Ohio Law requires PBIS implementation, limits the use of restraint and seclusion, requires professional development, and includes how PBIS is represented on Ohio Report Cards.  

    Rule: Positive Behavior Interventions and Support and Restraint and Seclusion

    On April 9, 2013, the State Board of Education approved Ohio rule 3301-35-15, standards for the implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) and the use of restraint and seclusion. The rule was revised and re-approved June 24, 2021. 

    The purpose of the rule is to ensure Ohio school districts establish consistent policies and procedures for the use of PBIS and emergency restraint and seclusion. The intent is to create safe environments for students and staff and reduce the need for emergency physical restraint and seclusion through behavior supports and training.