Student behavior program proving successful for Monterey Peninsula students
In a day and age where the word ‘bullying’ seems to be the newest trend, we’re asking. Are things really getting worse or are we teaching our kids to be too soft?
“Bullying is something that’s happening over and over, really kind of attacking somebody,” said family service specialist Jessica O’Connor.
Counselors said “bullying” is commonly misused. That’s why Marina Vista Elementary is trying to stay away from using it.
“We try to frame it in our vocabulary as that’s not respectful,” said O’Connor.
It’s all part of a program called P-B-I-S, where respect is a key element.
“It stands for positive behavior intervention support. And any support they need is what we give them,” says Marina Vista elementary principle Cristy Campanaro.
P-B-I-S is based around positive reinforcement. Instead of teaching anti bullying rhetoric, school leaders concentrate on conflict resolution.
“You know there’s a conflict, an issue and a problem. We’re trying to resolve it. We’re trying to fix that problem,” said O’Connor.
Students who follow the program rewarded with Mariner bucks. Every Friday those bucks can be used to buy something from the school store.
“You get it by being respectful to other people and helping out,” said elementary student Esmeralda Ledsma.
Since the program has been in affect school leaders are already seeing some good results.
“Strongest indicator right now is our suspension rate has decreased dramatically,” said Monterey Peninsula Unified School District vice superintendent Tony Shah.
Parents said they’re noticing a difference.
“My son has been coming here since August. And I have brought him every day so far and I’ve never seen any bullying at this school,” says Vahid Saremi.
Now in all 19 schools, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District expects to have more results on the program’s success within the next few weeks.
“We want to make sure if we make a goal for somebody that we meet those goal and give them the support they need,” said Campanaro.
