PBIS Review and East Expectations

The expectations at East promote responsibility and consistency across our school, helping students to build habits that support their learning and personal growth. Thank you for your continued support in reinforcing these expectations.

At Middle School East, we use Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to promote a positive school culture and recognize students for meeting expectations. Through PBIS feedback last year, students shared what they appreciate most — like supportive teachers, fun school events, and opportunities to connect with friends. They also identified areas for growth, such as improving hallway behavior and using respectful language. This valuable input helps us strengthen our school community, celebrating successes while addressing areas where we can grow together!

Over the summer, our PBIS team and our Team Leader met to re-establish our expectations and structure the way we celebrate students and staff at East! We are excited for a fun-filled year with new experiences and A TON to celebrate!

Take care,

Megan Kirsten

Gahanna Middle School East

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. It also improves student and teacher health and wellbeing. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable and safe learning environments where everyone thrives.

https://www.pbis.org/pbis/what-is-pbis

We do our best to celebrate and recognize students throughout the year! Below are just some of the ways that we celebrate and recognize our amazing students at East!

• verbal praise
• HOUSE points
• PAWS-ITIVE VIBES wall - peers can recognize peers!

Weekly recognition:

• HOUSE point leader earn a raffle ticket for a bigger prize & are announced on GMSE TV

Monthly recognition:

• This is new to the 2025-2026 school year and will start in September!
• Lion of the Month - recognized for displaying a trait from the district's Portrait of a Learner

• Citizenship Awards - students are recognized for displaying the 3 Rs (Respect, Responsibility, Ready)
• The HOUSE with the most points earns a reward (Kona Ice, pancakes breakfast, ice cream, etc.)
• The students who earn the most HOUSE points, per HOUSE, per grade level earns a prize (water bottle, t-shirt, key chains, etc)

Periodically throughout the year:

• All students are able to buy items/treats with their HOUSE points! -- this is new to the 2025-2026 school year!
• Students earning ST Math completion earn fun prizes (skip the lunch line, enter a sporting event for free, etc.)

We want our staff to be happy and enjoy coming to work every day. Below are just some of the ways that we celebrate and recognize our amazing staff at East!

• PTA/Families spoil us!- Click here to join PTA!
• Peer shoutouts
• Internal competitions with rewards
• Student and/or family shout outs- Click here if you want to send a shoutout to a staff member!
• Heart and Pride Award- The Heart and Pride Award recognizes two outstanding staff members each month who make a profound impact on our students and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools. The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.

School Application:

• Use kind and inclusive language.

• Listen actively to peers and adults.

• Appreciate differences and resolve conflicts peacefully.

School Application:

• Follow through on tasks and commitments.

• Use time and materials appropriately.

• Own your actions and repair harm when needed.

• Arrive on time and ready to learn.

• Bring needed materials and a positive attitude.

• Engage actively in lessons and ask for help when needed.

Some examples of reasons a student may receive a book signature include: not having their Chromebook charged, misusing or forgetting their Chromebook, poor behavior for a guest teacher, being disruptive or talking at inappropriate times, being late to class, causing a safety concern, or being unkind to others.

In the event that a student receives a book signature, the teacher will explain to the student why they are getting a book signature. The teacher will then notify the student and the parent via email notification. After three book signatures within one cycle, the student will be assigned an after-school detention-- this will decrease 2 two per week for 6th grade students, second semester.

Weekly

Every 3 weeks

Quarterly