What is PBIS?

Schools are successful when they help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. For this to happen it is imperative that we have a safe environment that is supportive and conducive for growth. By setting forth clear social and behavioral expectations and directly teaching students about those expectations, it is our goal is to create a positive atmosphere for optimal learning.

Camden County Schools has adopted a state-wide initiative entitled Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This framework is an evidence-based, data-driven framework that has been proven to reduce disciplinary incidents, increase a schools sense of safety, improve school climate, and support improved academic outcomes for all students.

The PBIS System has 4 components:
- A matrix of behavioral expectations
- Lesson Plans to teach students the behavioral expectations
- An acknowledgement/reinforcement system
- Behavioral Infraction Notice

PBIS may look different at every school but the core values, principles and mission are the same. Every school has a PBIS Coach and PBIS team that work together to create and share the behavioral expectations for the school. These teams also partner with parents, community members, teachers and staff to find innovative and exciting ways to recognize students who meet the expectations adopted by the school. Whether recognition comes in the form of tickets, cards or ClassDojo points, the goal is the same... to encourage positive behavior choices at school and at home.

Key Features of PBIS
Behavioral support is provided for ALL students school-wide. This system of support offers all students:

• Social skills instruction

• Positive and proactive discipline

• Social behavior expectations

• Active supervision and monitoring

• Positive acknowledgement

• Fair and corrective discipline

• Parent training and collaboration

Source: Georgia Department of Education PBIS webpage

PBIS Family Initiative

As students prepare for the remainder of the school year, keeping in communication with the teachers and administrators at his/her school is key to academic success. Some possible topics to discuss with your child’s teacher are:

1. How can I help my student with homework?

2. Is my student’s behavior in school affecting his/her academic success? If so, what can I do to support the school’s behavior expectations at home?

3. What can I do at home to prepare my student for the next grade or life after graduation?

Georgia-Florida PBIS Bus Tour

Educators across Georgia and Florida took a bus tour to several schools in Camden County to see our Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program in action.The Georgia-Florida Line PBIS Bus Tour was attended by participants interested in the implementation of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) framework. School officials visited Camden County High School, Camden Middle School, David L. Rainer Elementary School, Kingsland Elementary School, Mary Lee Clark Elementary School and St Marys Elementary School. One participant said, “I am so excited to get back to my district and share what I’ve learned today. We will definitely be implement many of these ideas to support a positive climate in our schools."

PBIS -  Involvement at Home

• Families are encouraged to support Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) through the use of common language and expectations in the home. 

• Get to know your school’s 3-5 school-wide rules and work with your child on how to connect them to behaviors at home.

• PBIS schools focus on teaching the behaviors they desire while at school through clear instruction, practice, and positive reinforcement. 

• A strong partnership between the home and the school can provide families with ideas on addressing behavior in a similar way at home as well.

PBIS Handout

PBIS Coach Contact

Crooked River Elementary
Email Kristen Ziegler

David L. Rainer Elementary
Email Shannon Crenshaw

Kingsland Elementary
Email Sierra Jones and Email Emily Hoff

Matilda Harris Elementary
Email Melissa Arementrout

Mamie Lou Gross Elementary
Email Kent Salter

Mary Lee Clark Elementary
Email Todd Bentle

Sugarmill Elementary
Email Heather McMillan

St. Marys Elementary
Email Laura Koch

Woodbine Elementary
Email Tamara Fry

Camden Middle School
Email Inga Aviles

St. Marys Middle School
Email April Howell

Camden High
Email Dana Brown