Ulla Muller Elementary Rolls Out Positive Behavior Initiative At Pep Rally

ST. THOMAS — The Ulla F. Muller Elementary School rolled out its Panther PRIDE Positive Behavior Support and Interventions (PBIS) initiative at a pep rally at the school on November 30. The fun, high-energy event laid the groundwork to teach students the behaviors that make up a positive school environment.

Administrators taught the students the core values of the school through PRIDE: P – positive behaviors, R – respect, I – individual responsibility, D – determination and E – excellence. Students held signs depicting the values while Muller cheerleaders and the Boys & Girls Club performed to rally around the cause.

St. Thomas-St. John PBIS District Coach Darian Torrice-Hairston, who is assigned to Muller Elementary, praised the event. “As the PBIS District Coach for Ulla F. Muller Elementary School, I have certainly caught the Panther PRIDE! It was evident that the administration, staff and students exhibited their Positive Behavior, Respect, Individual Responsibility, Determination and Excellence. PBIS and its strategies are a priority at Muller and they are working hard to implement the program as it fits their school,” she said

Following the rally, teachers will continue to instill the Panther PRIDE principles in students on a daily basis as well as demonstrate what Panther PRIDE looks in each area of the school. School staff will integrate the Panther PRIDE language into daily routines to encourage students to strive for excellence.

The PBIS initiative is a framework rooted in evidence-based practices to increase behavioral and academic outcomes by improving school climate, preventing problematic behavior, increasing learning time and promoting positive social skills. Up to five members from each school were selected to attend a training facilitated by skilled PBIS coaches from the state and district. School representatives were tasked with producing positive behavior values unique to their institutions and introduce them to teachers and students. The goals of the PBIS initiative is to focus on what the students do right, rather than on what they do wrong to help encourage the repetition of good behavior.

As Muller Elementary continues to support its students through PBIS, additional phases of the initiative will be introduced, such as a positive reward system as well as ceremonies to celebrate student and staff success. With the help of the district coach, Muller’s in-house PBIS task force will guide the PBIS initiative to support the school.