Positive Learning Environment at Greico School Paves Way for Success

Every day the students of Dr. John Greico Elementary School strive to be super stars. 

The school once again continues with its Positive Behavior Support in Schools program having hosted a huge kick-off event last week as staff and administrators welcomed the kids back to school. 

This is the fourth year Greico is implementing the PBSIS program, serving as a model school for this state supported program which is proven to bring out the best in students by creating a positive learning environment for all, explained Assistant Principal Abraham Alarcon. 

"Learning is not just in the classroom. We are always learning," says Alarcon about the program which teaches the children about life skills in addition to their daily instruction. 

The PBSIS education steers students towards success in the areas of academics and behavior. Each student is encouraged to be a S.T.A.R. an acronym which stands for learning to be Successful, a Team Player, Always Respectful and to be Responsible explained Alarcon.

Maria Meeks, who serves as the PBSIS coach, said several staff members at Greico spend months training for this program which was introduced by the state Department of Education. 

The program has a three-tier approach designed to reach all students.

Meeks explained there are some students who may need some extra guidance in conforming into the school culture and there are some who have trouble being able to conform at all. Those students will work closely with school staff members in a buddy system to help them along, said Meeks. The PBSIS team and the school psychologist will work with students who have behavioral issues to find what can be done to help, she said. 

The school has seen positive results in fewer incidents and there are fewer children who need special attention. Overall it has improved the entire environment of the school, she says. 

During kick-off, staff and administrators spent last week walking the students through the different areas of the school explaining the rules they are encouraged to follow throughout the day from bathroom rules to waiting for the bus in the gym at the end of the day. 

"It's a good way to start the school year so the students know what the expectations are," explained Alarcon. Those expectations are high and they are the same for all students. 

The week ended with a fun interactive assembly with guest speaker the Honorable Esther Salas, US District Court Judge who spoke to the students about success.

PBSIS goes on throughout the entire school year. Each day students have an opportunity to be a "Greico Super Star" by earning "Star" cards from their teachers and administrators. The students collect cards all week and at the week's end the students enter their cards into a drawing for a chance to win prizes. The school hosts an assembly every month where students can win even bigger prizes, explained Meeks. 

The program is data driven as the school continuously looks into ways for improvement by surveying students and studying the school's environment. For example if students were acting out during lunch the school would take a close look to see at the cafeteria environment to see if it plays a role and if so the school will work to make it better for all, explained Meeks. 

"It's an excellent program and should be adopted by every school as it helps everyone focus on achieving goals for the school," said Principal Daniella Bailey. "It's not just about learning skills at Greico it's about learning life skills. If they can master these here they can be successful in life."