Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a way for Ventura Park to encourage good behavior. With PBIS, kids learn about behavior, just as they learn other subjects like math or science. The key to PBIS is prevention, not punishment. We use a variety of student acknowledgement systems to recognize students for their positive behavior. There are also disciplinary systems in place to help correct and prevent future problem behavior.

Read more about PBIS.

Our PBIS Commitments

• Commitment #1: We believe all kids can be successful with support
• Commitment #2: We use clear, positive framed language with students and colleagues.
• Commitment #3: We greet students in the lobby/halls, and at the classroom door throughout the day.
• Commitment #4: We acknowledge all students with positive language and support.
• Commitment #5: We communicate with each other and families to support student success.

Character Traits/Students of the Month/Spirit Days

Each month, our school highlights one character trait, which is discussed in classes, and teachers may do related activities with students. At the end of the month, each classroom teacher chooses two students of the month who exemplify this trait. Each specials teacher also chooses students of the month (chosen from the school at large). These awards are announced at a monthly assembly (currently a virtual assembly).

Our assembly days are also School Spirit Days! On spirit days, students and staff are invited to dress (or do their hair) in certain ways.

Viking Vouchers

One of the goals of PBIS is to increase the number of positive interactions between staff and students. Viking Vouchers are used to show appreciation to a student from a staff member. Vouchers can be given anywhere in the school to students demonstrating being safe, respectful, and responsible.

During distance learning, teachers will still be awarding Viking Vouchers to recognize students who are following school-wide and classroom expectations. Instead of physically giving them to students, teachers will put the student’s name on the voucher and add it to a class bucket. Each Friday, teachers will draw out one student per class to receive a prize. Students will have a choice of:

1. A 2 minute spotlight during the following week. The student could bring a show and tell item, tell a joke, tell a story, share some music they made, share a drawing or art project they did, introduce a family member, etc.

2. A hand-written postcard from Principal Schauer to be mailed to their home.