This framework identifies, embeds, and rewards academic and behavioral practices that make our school a safe, welcoming space where scholars can do their best work and become their best selves.

Consistency

Consistency in PBIS means scholars and staff understand what we’re working toward at North Division — a National Blue Ribbon Schools award — and the steps we’re taking to get there, together. Teachers review PBIS expectations in the classroom daily, new students learn them during orientation, signs in our renovated building repeat them, and weekly and monthly incentives reinforce our PBIS expectations:

• Be Safe, which includes walking in the building and staying seated until dismissal.
• Be Responsible, which includes moving quickly and quietly between classes, arriving to school and class on time, and staying seated when you arrive.
• Be Respectful, from speaking quietly when indoors to choosing words and actions that communicate kindness and respect.
• Be Prepared, from carrying a student ID at all times and coming to class with work completed to returning home at night with study materials and any family forms or paperwork.

Staff meet monthly to review academic and behavior data and can adjust the strategy and focus of a PBIS expectation. In our Library Media Center, “Be Responsible” means no drinking or eating and returning books on time. During morning arrival, this same expectation means scholars arrive at school on time, turn in their cell phones, and follow our dress code.

Positivity

Positivity in PBIS means we celebrate scholars when they meet expectations. HERO points provide daily recognition to scholars who are punctual, prepared, and helpful. Students accumulate HERO points to purchase treats, school supplies, and swag from our HERO store. Scholars earning the most HERO points per grade, per month are named “Student of the Month.” This recognition includes a pizza lunch, prizes in the cafeteria, and eligibility for Student of the Year.

Scholars can earn up to 195 HERO points per week, and strive for recognition in several other categories:

• Smart Start – September and February recognition for scholars working hard and meeting expectations early in the semester
• Taking Care of Business – Scholars who are high achievers in academics and behavior are nominated for this monthly reward.
• Most Improved – PBIS expectations are for everyone, and every scholar has the opportunity to be successful and be recognized through this monthly reward.
• Academic Spotlight – North Division’s Honor Roll breakfast is a twice-yearly tradition. A 4.0 GPA earns scholars and their plus-one an invitation to North Division’s annual Honor Roll dinner at a dining destination that scholars choose.

This consistency-positivity framework has been a fixture at North Division for several years. New in 2024-25 are monthly school assemblies that acknowledge PBIS success and unite scholars through dance challenges, tugs of war, and other group activities. Incentives and rewards are effective, says PBIS coordinator Catherine Voss, but transformative change happens when scholars challenge their personal expectations as they work to improve school climate and spirit.

“After awards and recognition, we see students coming to teachers and asking, ‘What can I do to be nominated next month?’” Voss says. “That self-advocacy is so important. When students don’t reach a goal, they’re not giving up. They strive harder.”