The past couple have mentioned this "thing" called PBIS, but what is that exactly?  PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.  In the simplest terms, it means we work hard to recognize and reward positive behavior, and thus reduce the amount of discipline problems we have on campus.  Here's an example: In the last CatChat, the dress code policy was discussed.  Before PBIS was adopted at Cienega, a dress code violation was solved with a donated CHS shirt or PE shorts that had "Security" written on it somewhere, a clear sign that someone had been dress coded earlier in the day.  Our PBIS model looks a bit different; teachers and staff can recognize those students who look sharp with the Best Dressed Bobcats cards and those students who have been dress coded are dealt with discreetly and given clothes that no one would recognize as school property.

The committee is called the CATS CARE team another great acronym; Changing Attitudes Towards Success, Caring Acts of Responsibility for Everyone. The team has represents many stakeholders; teachers, administrators, counselors, parents, students, special education, security, support staff, and our school resource officer.  We want to make sure that any intervention we put in place is examined through all possible lenses and is a good fit for our community.

School can't be all about test scores and grades, there's a certain amount of citizenship that is also learned at Cienega. A special thanks goes out to those who have volunteered innumerable hours to keep our campus safe, to provide a positive learning environment, and to make everyone feel welcomed at school!