Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 133 No. 1 Fall 2011 | Page 13

Senior, Dylan Laux says,
“We LOVE our dorm staff.”

Krista and Jennifer explain
how to deposit PBIS coupons
in the dorm bank; while Dylan
makes a deposit.

Darion stops at Shari Decker’s
station for a signature.

Positive Behavioral
Intervention Support

by: Connie Gartner and Marla Walsh
WSD is in our third year of PBIS, Positive Behavioral
Intervention Support implementation in both the
school and dorm settings. The WSD PBIS program
has been recognized at the state level for our fidelity in
implementing this program at the universal level. Our
PBIS motto, also known as our Firebird Promise is Safe,
Caring, Responsible, and Respectful. All teachers and
dorm staff are expected to develop and post matrixes that
explain exactly what the Firebird behavioral expectations
are in each area of WSD. Students are reinforced with
PBIS Firebird coupons that are redeemable for tangible or
intangible rewards. The entire focus of WSD’s behavior
management has drastically shifted from a focus on
consequences to a focus on “caught being good.” Data
indicates a reduction in disciplinary referrals resulting
from implementing the PBIS program at WSD. You will
receive letters from Marla when your child has redeemed
Firebird coupons for rewards. We encourage parents to
acknowledge their child at home for the good behavior
displayed at school.

PBIS  KICK-OFF
by Dean Kemp
On October 25th, the dorm had its PBIS kick-off. PBIS
stands for Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support.
This program was designed to accentuate the positive
behaviors displayed by students and to reward them
for their upbeat and optimistic efforts. PBIS also offers
teachable moments to help students form better decisions
in future situations. The kick-off included students stopping
at various stations to learn what expectations are to be met
for this program. Emphasis on Responsibility, Respectful,
Safety and Caring was illustrated through various activities
put on by staff members to instill the basic ideas and
concepts the PBIS program promotes. Students earn
coupons for their behavior which will be deposited in
the PBIS Bank. Earned coupons can be used to purchase
a variety of privileges including movie night, extended
bedtimes, or additional downtown rights. We look forward
to bringing this program to light, instilling a more positive
perspective in the students, and seeing students strive to
exemplify the responsible, respectful, safety, and caring
persons they truly are inside.

Young and old working
together on various PBIS
Kick-off activities.

During the PBIS KickOff in the dorm, students
worked in multi-aged
groups and similar aged
groups for various games
and lessons.

Dylan Laux says:
“Cookies and milk
still win the hearts
of seniors.”

Wyatt and Julian select items from
the PBIS Kick-Off Drawing. Julian
purchased an album for his mother.

Fall 2011 - 13