Fifteen schools within the Morongo Unified School District have been recognized by the state for their continued work on Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) for the 2022-2023 school year. These schools have shown their dedication creating positive school environments on campus for their students.
PBIS is a research-based tiered framework intended to support students’ behavior, academic, social, emotional, and mental health by creating positive school environments.
This year, eleven schools in Morongo Unified School District received the highest honor, Platinum, including Black Rock High School, Condor Elementary, Joshua Tree Elementary, Morongo Valley Elementary, Palm Vista Elementary, Twentynine Palms Elementary, Twentynine Palms Junior High, Yucca Mesa Elementary, Yucca Valley Elementary, Yucca Valley High School and Landers Elementary. Two schools received distinct honors at the Gold level, including Friendly Hills Elementary and Onaga Elementary. Silver status was received by La Contenta Middle School, and Twentynine Palms High School received Bronze recognition.
“Our schools continue to excel in their efforts to support and respond to all students’ social, emotional, and behavior needs,” said Dr. Vargas, Superintendent. “We are proud of our schools for their implementation of research-based strategies that are intended to maximize equitable outcomes for all of our students.”
The PBIS proactive approach to behavior management involves shifting the focus to positive reinforcement to encourage advanced student behaviors. Using this approach, evolves the entire culture of a school in a manner that prioritizes social and emotional needs, health and safety, and behavior and academic growth. Studies have shown that when students participate in PBIS, they improve academic performance and less off-task behavior.