Avon Local Schools

P. B. I. S.    P R O G R A M

Encouraging good decision making and building sound character are at the core of the school’s philosophy and objectives. To promote these, AMS is proud to include several programs, such as the Anti-Virus© curriculum, S.O.A.R. activites, guidance presentations, health classes / guest speakers, and the Olweus Bullying Prevention program©. In addition, special school-wide activities are implemented and supervised in order to foster a positive learning environment while promoting school spirit and good will among staff and students. Underpinning all these efforts and initiatives is PBIS, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. The PBIS official web site defines the paradigm as follows:

"One of the foremost advances in schoolwide discipline is the emphasis on schoolwide systems of support that include proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create positive school environments. Instead of using a piecemeal approach of individual behavioral management plans, a continuum of positive behavior support for all students within a school is implemented in areas including the classroom and non-classroom settings (such as hallways, buses, and restrooms)."

"Positive behavior support is an application of a behaviorally-based systems approach to enhance the capacity of schools, families, and communities to design effective environments that improve the link between research-validated practices and the environments in which teaching and learning occurs. Attention is focused on creating and sustaining Tier 1 supports (universal), Tier 2 supports (targeted group), and Tier 3 supports (individual) systems of support that improve lifestyle results (personal, health, social, family, work, recreation) for all children and youth by making targeted behaviors less effective, efficient, and relevant, and desired behavior more functional." 

Supporting the PBIS Program, Avon Local School District has implemented the monthly Developmental Assets Themes, created by the Lorain County Prevention Connection in conjuction with The Elyria Schools in 2001. Listed below are theme defintions that are highlighted at school.  

To learn more about the researched principles that comprise the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports model, please visit the national PBIS web site: www.pbis.org/school.

S. O. A. R.    I N I T I A T I V E

Avon Middle has expanded and tailored the PBIS model into what is known as S.O.A.R., an acronym for a comprehensive paradigm of expectations and practices that supports PBIS. As developed and implemented, S.O.A.R. creates a consistent standard of behavioral expectations interventions for school staff and students. Whether on a school bus, ball court, or ball field or in a cafeteria, restroom, locker room, hallway, or classroom, the goal is that students understand expectations for positive behavior, work ethic, proper manners, and sound character with staff and program supports. Likewise, these principles are emphasized through digital citizenship and internet safety presented in computer application and technology classes.

The descriptors of the S.O.A.R. acronym are as following:

         S ~ "Say It!" -- communicate appropriately and assertively in kindness and care.

         O ~ "Own It!" -- own your actions and learn from your wins and losses.

         A ~ "Act It!" -- behave in a manner that reflects the school and family's high expectations. 

         R ~ "Respect It!" -- respect yourself and others, along with the property of others.

One component the S.O.A.R. initiative occurs in the classroom with activities accenting and supporting the program's objectives. Each month one of the four principles is presented with a brief lesson and related activity that underscore the importance and effects of that particular S.O.A.R. concept. Lesson topics rotate from month to month so that the students are exposed to two lessons per S.O.A.R. principle during the school year. Further, core classes are rotated to maximize academic and curricular standards to be taught. 

PRINCIPLE #1: "Say It!"

• Be positive in your attitude.

• Be kind and caring to others.

• Be gracious in your speech.

PRINCIPLE #2: "Own It!" 

• Be organized and an active listener.

• When needed, ask for assistance.

• Own responsibility for the decisions you make.

PRINCIPLE #3: "Act It!"

• Be attentive and courteous.

• Study for assessments; complete assignments.

• Follow directions; be responsible for your learning.

PRINCIPLE #4: "Respect It!"

• Treat others as you wish to be treated.

• Use acceptable tone and language.

• Mind your manners; observe personal space.

In summary, much of the S.O.A.R. concepts and principles support what is known to many as The Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."