Here at Hillsboro Primary we have adopted the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) approach to behavior management.  The idea of PBS is to create an environment where doing the ‘right’ thing is the standard, not the exception.  PBS is central to three major components. 

First, students are taught how to act with acceptable behavior.  The idea behind this is simple.  If your child does not know how to read or do math, we don’t get mad at them and give them a consequence.  We teach them how to read or do the math.  Therefore if your child is acting in an inappropriate manner, we will teach them how to act in an appropriate manner.  Our school has three clearly defined behavior expectations: Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible.  Specific expectations for each area of our school are defined on the Behavior Matrix seen below.  These behavior expectations will be taught and modeled at the start of each school year and reinforced throughout the year. 

The second component to PBS is recognizing appropriate behavior.  Research, and common sense, tells us that human beings respond to recognition. It does not matter whether it is positive or negative, students just want our attention.  Therefore PBS strives to recognize students for demonstrating appropriate behavior.  Whether it is a verbal recognition, or a tangible reward, we want students to know that we know when they are doing a great job.  Just like undesirable behavior, recognizing positive behavior can catch on and pretty soon all the kids are doing it. 

The last, and possibly the most important part of PBS is identifying and intervening with students that need a little extra help.  Just like reading and math, not all students are on the same level when it comes to behavior.  PBS seeks to identify those students and provide them with the appropriate supports that will allow them to get the education they are entitled to. 

Please keep in mind that while appropriate behaviors will be acknowledged, behavioral errors will be corrected proactively. Please reference the Primary Discipline Handbook for specific discipline code. By defining, teaching, and recognizing positive behavior, Hillsboro Primary will create a predictable learning environment of cooperation, academic excellence, respect and safety. 

Hillsboro Primary School

Behavior Expectation Matrix

	All Settings	Classroom	Bus	Hallway	Cafeteria	Bathroom	Playground
Be Safe	1. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself 2. Be where you belong	1. Sit in chair safely	1. Keep backs and bottoms on seat 2. Face forward 3. Keep hands and objects in bus	1. Walk straight, facing forward 2. Walking feet	1. Raise hand for help 2. Stay seated and get up only with permission 3. Two hands on tray	1. Walk carefully on any wet surfaces 2. Report problems to an adult	1. Stay in approved areas 2. Use equipment appropriately 3. Run only where permitted
Be Respectful	1. Use kind words 2. Be a good listener 3. Use appropriate level of voice	1. Raise your hand for help	1. Keep the bus clean 2. Talk to your seat partner only	1. Walk Quietly 2. Keep hands off  the wall and displays	1. Eat only your food 2. Use good table manners	1. Give other privacy 2. Flush	1. Follow playground rules
Be Responsible	1. Follow directions 2. Make good choices and accept consequences 3. Keep areas neat and clean 4. Take all of your belongings	1. Do your best work	1. Listen to the bus driver	1. Return to class promptly	1. Clean up after yourself 2. Appropriate use of lunch card	1. Wash hands with soap and water	1. Line up when signal is given