by Molly Thamrong ’23 & Giavana Scott ’23

PBSIS is the newest initiative integrated at Brick Memorial High School. PBSIS, Positive Behavior Support in School, is a program collaboratively introduced by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and The Boggs Center. The program promotes ideas of emotional safety, physical safety, and social safety. At Brick Memorial, where our slogan is STANG STRONG, PBSIS aims to encourage respect, integrity, and responsibility.  

On Friday, students were introduced to the agenda of PBSIS through the guidance of their teachers. Slideshows,  presented at the beginning of each block, gave a general overview of the initiative including hallway etiquette, cafeteria expectations, bathroom, and digital citizenship, and arrival and dismissal procedures. Teachers explained these ideas through immersive scenarios, captivating quizzes, and enjoyable games.  Posters hung in designated areas around the school act as reminders of all initiatives. 

The reaction to PBSIS was overwhelmingly positive. Students, instilled with Mustang Pride, feel a moral duty to abide by these rules, as well as an appreciation to do so through a reward system. When students are acknowledged for their good behavior, they are given “Mustang Money.” This school-wide currency can be utilized in a bi-weekly raffle for prizes such as private pizza luncheons, dance tickets, free yearbooks, and other exciting rewards, including a free Prom bid.

Despite it being a work in progress, PBSIS is a promising system that holds the potential to encourage a rise in respect, integrity, and responsibility in the student body.