FONTANA – Just two years after implementing an intervention program that fosters a positive and supportive campus environment, Jurupa Hills High School has been recognized by the state for its successful efforts in boosting student excellence and shrinking behavioral issues.

Jurupa Hills earned a bronze certification from the California PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Coalition, making it one of 506 schools to be touted for working to effectively implement the PBIS program, which incorporates strategies for defining, teaching and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create a positive school setting.
“Jurupa Hills’ success validates our District’s dedication to creating a positive and safe environment for all of our students to thrive in,” Fontana Unified Board President Lorena Corona said. “While a behavioral initiative, PBIS has had a strong impact on academic performance, demonstrating how positive behavior can achieve positive results.”

The school will be acknowledged at the California PBIS Coalition Conference on Sept. 22 in Sacramento.

“To be acknowledged in this way is a huge source of pride for our school and our District,” Jurupa Hills Principal Lorraine Trollinger said. “PBIS has really shaped our school culture and created an environment that is conducive to academic achievement. Our entire administrative staff and community have bought in to the program and we’ve quickly seen positive results.”

Jurupa Hills has fast-tracked success in the program, enjoying a 3 percent decrease in school suspensions while de-escalating potential conflicts. The Spartans have reinforced positive behavior by rewarding kids who do the right thing on a day-to-day basis. Teachers issue special tickets to students for exemplary behavior that can be redeemed for prizes at quarterly drawings and school events.

“Implementing a successful PBIS program can be a four- to six-year process,” PBIS Project Director Michael Lombardo said. “It’s particularly challenging with high schools and requires a lot of work. We felt it was time to celebrate the commitment California schools have made to the program, from those that have only recently began practicing to those schools that are fully integrated.”

The Sacramento conference will also feature training that will allow schools to grow in the program and reach goals of producing academic gains, bully prevention, cultural responsiveness and classroom management.

“Jurupa Hills has set a gold standard for achieving a positive school culture in a short amount of time,” FUSD Co-Interim Superintendent Randal Bassett said. “I am incredibility proud of the administrative team, teachers and staff for their commitment to our students, which serves as an inspiration to our District as we strive to achieve the optimum environment that helps our students succeed academically and personally.”