One-hundred twenty-six students raced through clouds of colors when Charles D. Jones Junior High School hosted its second annual Color Run event on April 13 as a reward for students exhibiting the behavior expectations of “Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible.”
The event, which included an obstacle course, was part of the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) program, which reinforces positive behaviors.
In the three years of PBIS implementation, the school has seen 88 percent of students respond to the incentive-based system. Behavioral incidents in and out of the classroom and across all student populations have dropped significantly.
Associated Student Body (ASB) teacher and PBIS site team member Bryan Figueroa said the color run was a threefold win because the event rewarded students, tested ASB’s endurance and collaboration, and presented an “opportunity for staff and students to release stress and tension.”
“The Color Run is one of the most anticipated events at our school,” teacher Lorraine Garrigue said. “It … promotes fun, while being active, and it rewards our students for doing the right things at Jones.”
Students have also noticed a change at Jones since the PBIS system went into effect.
“I feel that Jones has been different; PBIS does help us a lot,” ASB President Monique Rubio said.
Rubio cited the Blue Jay Bingo Card students use to earn small, medium and large rewards for observed positive behaviors.
“The PBIS program has been the driving force in creating a positive school climate. Its effectiveness is attributed to the buy-in from our staff,” Principal Eric D. Lopez said.
This year’s event was attended by some BPUSD district administrators, including Superintendent Dr. Froilan N. Mendoza.
BPUSD_Jones_Color_1-4: Jones Junior High School students celebrated their second annual Color Run on April 13 as part of the school’s Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports program.