Positive Behavior in High School: Cardinals CARE

High school is a time of growth, independence, and preparation for the future. As students navigate academics, relationships, and personal goals, it's important they feel supported every step of the way. At our school, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) provides a consistent framework to help students succeed—socially, emotionally, and academically.

PBIS at our site is built around the values of Cardinals C.A.R.E:

  • Committed – to learning, growth, and goals

  • Accountable – for our actions, choices, and impact

  • Respectful – to ourselves, others, and our environment

  • Empathetic – toward diverse experiences and perspectives

These values guide everything we do and define the kind of community we strive to be—one where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning and development in a safe, inclusive, and positive environment.

A Whole-School Commitment to Growth

Through data-driven practices and schoolwide systems, PBIS helps us create a consistent, supportive environment for all students. Whether it’s through setting clear expectations, building strong relationships, or recognizing student growth, PBIS ensures that every student feels seen, valued, and capable.

Our goal is not just academic success—but well-rounded growth that prepares students for life after high school. Every member of our staff plays a role in making that happen:

  • Administration & Office Staff: Keep the school running smoothly, support students and staff, and help maintain a culture of CARE.

  • Counselors: Support academic planning, career goals, social-emotional wellness, and conflict resolution.

  • Social Workers & Psychologists: Address barriers to learning and connect families with vital resources and supports.

  • Teachers: Set the tone in classrooms by modeling CARE, fostering engagement, and creating space for student voice and growth.

  • Custodial & Operations Teams: Ensure students have a safe, clean, and welcoming environment each day.

  • Afterschool Staff & Coaches: Extend support beyond the bell through enrichment, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.

Together, we form a school community that lives out the values of C.A.R.E in every hallway, classroom, and interaction.

Tiered Supports for Every Student

PBIS isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our tiered approach ensures that all students get the level of support they need:

  • Tier 1 (Universal Supports): Schoolwide expectations rooted in Cardinals CARE, positive reinforcement, engaging lessons, and opportunities for student recognition and leadership.

  • Tier 2 (Targeted Supports): Small group interventions focused on specific needs—such as peer mentoring, conflict resolution, attendance support, and check-in/check-out systems.

  • Tier 3 (Intensive Supports): Personalized plans and wraparound services involving close collaboration with families, specialists, and outside agencies for students with more complex needs.

Building a Culture That Cares

High school students are preparing for adulthood, and the relationships they build during these years matter. That’s why PBIS in our building emphasizes connection, consistency, and compassion. When students know what’s expected, feel supported by staff, and are encouraged to be their best selves, they rise to the challenge.

At our school, Cardinals C.A.R.E isn’t just a motto—it’s how we show up for one another. Through commitment, accountability, respect, and empathy, we create a culture where every student can succeed now and in the future.

DATA DRIVEN DECISION MAKING THAT SUPPORTS STUDENT LEARNING

ATTENDANCE

BEHAVIOR

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL

District Goal: 96%

Data as of October 9th 2025 at 3:31pm

9th Grade: 96.06%

10 Grade: 96.83%

11th Grade: 97.09%

12th Grade: 97.60%

Overall: 96.87%

California State PBIS Platinum Recognition Goal: 80% or more students with 0-1 major referrals

Data as of October 9th 2025 at 3:31pm

Percentage of 0-1 Referrals: 99.32%

Site Goal: By June of 2026, Site will increase behavior specific praise through the use of Minga praise points to acknowledge Cardinal C.A.R.E Values by 50% on average in comparison to last year data reducing the average behavior referral by 30%. Progress will be monitored using SWIS and Minga.

Data as of October 9th 2025 at 3:31pm

Minga praise assignment: 75.02% Increase

Average Behavior Referrals: 31.63% Increase

HOW WE ARE SUPPORTING OUR GOALS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

Attendance at school is supported with:

  • Student attendance challenges

  • Automatic and personal phone calls

  • Home visits

  • Attendance focus groups

  • Mentoring

  • School Attendance Review Team Meetings (SART) to support parent partnerships

  • Letters of notification addressing attendance status

  • School Attendance Review board Panel Meetings

Behavior at school is supported with:

  • Whole school reinforcement system on positive behavior expectations (Committed, Accountable, Respectful, Empathetic)

  • Mentoring

  • Other means of correction

  • Small groups to build skill development

  • Individual student conferences

  • Student study team meetings

  • Behavior Contracts

  • Minor and major referrals

  • Parent conferences

Social Emotional Wellness is supported with:

  • Universal screener with Dessa

  • School wide activities to bring awareness

  • Mentoring

  • Small groups for skill development

  • Class presentations

  • Individual student conferences

  • Crisis team response

  • PPS credentialed staff

Here is how you can help at home:

  • Make sure students keep a regular bedtime

  • Lay out clothes the night before.

  • Establish a morning routine.

  • Ensure students go to school every day unless they are truly sick (e.g. child has a fever, is throwing up or has diarrhea versus a minor stomachache or runny nose.)

  • Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.

  • Talk to school staff for advice if students feel anxious about going to school.

  • Develop back-up plans for getting students to school if something comes up.

  • Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.

  • Join our PBIS Team

Here is how you can help at home:

  • Maintain regular communication with school staff

  • Establish consistent daily routines and organized study space

  • Discuss choices, consequences, and model accountability

  • Practice decision-making and pause-and-think strategies

  • Focus on effort and celebrate individual progress

  • Help identify trusted adults and support systems

  • Know our systems of support and discipline process

  • Join our PBIS Team

Here is how you can help at home:

  • Create regular one-on-one time for open conversations

  • Model healthy emotional expression and coping strategies

  • Validate feelings while guiding appropriate responses

  • Encourage healthy friendships and social connections

  • Practice gratitude and mindfulness activities together

  • Keep communication with staff on students wellness

  • Ask how you can partner with us to make a difference on campus or at home

  • Join our PBIS Team

RESOURCES