ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL – St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) announced that 22 schools of distinction are recognized as Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) Model Schools – an increase of seven from last years’ pool of honorees. The University of South Florida (USF), manager of the PBIS Project for the State of Florida, provided Executive Director of Student Services and Exceptional Student Education Bill Tomlinson with notification of this elite cadre of schools. “This positive trend is a reflection of the focused efforts the District is making in schools to support the needs of all children both academically and behaviorally through a multi-tiered system of supports. Reaching Model School Status with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, is representative of our commitment to create a culture that promotes appropriate social and emotional learning for all children.”
PBIS is a school-wide behavioral approach that focuses on increasing academic performance and increasing safety while decreasing problem behaviors with specific and consistent strategies. A focus on individual needs using data along with positive and effective strategies are also key elements to a successful PBIS school-wide plan.
Robert O’Neill serves as the District’s PBIS coordinator and also bridges efforts with SLPS and USF. He explained that achievement of Model School status is a purposeful and united effort — the result of collaboration between Student Services personnel and site-based personnel working to provide for the needs of students and to build the Multi-Tiered System of Supports in the schools. He added that educational professionals work together to address appropriate behavior and celebrate students’ goal attainment.
Congratulations to the following schools on their PBIS Model School status:
Gold Status Schools (14)
Allapattah Flats K-8
Bayshore Elementary School
Floresta Elementary School
Manatee Academy K-8
Mariposa Elementary School
Northport K-8 School
Oak Hammock K-8 School
Palm Pointe K-8 School
Parkway Elementary School
Rivers Edge Elementary School
Southport Middle School
Village Green Elementary School
Westgate K-8 School
Windmill Point Elementary School
Silver Status Schools (6)
Frances K. Sweet Elementary School
Forest Grove Middle School
Lakewood Park Elementary School
Lawnwood Elementary School
Morningside Elementary School
St. Lucie West K-8 School
Bronze Status Schools (2)
Savanna Ridge Elementary School
Weatherbee Elementary School
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students as the highest ranking District on the Treasure Coast with a graduation rate of 91.0 percent. As a B rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS has the distinction of being recognized as one of St. Lucie County’s Best Places to Work. The mission of SLPS is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. For more information, visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
