Castlemont recognizes that to promote academic achievement, students must also be supported in their social development. Therefore, we have implemented the Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) program. This is a structure that is maintained by the school district so that children have the necessary social support systems in place that in turn help to support them academically.
As part of the PBIS program, we establish clear rules for the behavior we expect in all areas of our school. We explicitly teach those expectations to the students and reward them frequently with positive incentives for their good behavior. At Castlemont we do this by handing out Caughtcha Cards for demonstrating the school’s 3 Rs of Respect, Responsibility and the Right to be Safe. Students are taught what it looks and sounds like and they are part of the school culture daily. All staff working at Castlemont participate in helping students make good choices and to recognize them by giving them Caughtcha Cards. A Caughtcha Card is an incentive for doing the right thing, which results in positive awards and recognition.
It is our philosophy that by teaching children, in a positive way, the appropriate behavior that is expected of them, they will be better equipped for making the right choices. The expectations for all student behavior are clear throughout our school, which includes playground areas, cafeteria, office, restrooms and classrooms.
You should be able to ask your student, “What are the rules in your school? How do you follow those rules? What happens when a teacher sees you following the rules?”
We believe that by helping students practice good behavior, we will build a school community in which all students have an environment in which they can succeed and grow.
