FONTANA, CA – Seventeen Fontana Unified schools have been recognized by the California Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coalition for their efforts to create a positive campus culture and increase student engagement, netting platinum, gold, silver and bronze awards.

Citrus Elementary and Harry S. Truman Middle schools, part of the first District cohort to roll out PBIS, have earned Fontana Unified’s first-ever platinum certifications for their stellar execution of PBIS strategies.

“These certifications are a testament to the dedication of our administrators, teachers, coaches and staff to support all facets of student success,” FUSD Climate and Culture Coordinator Ayesha Brooks said. “We have seen a lot of growth at our schools, improvement in attendance, engagement and attitude, and it is rewarding to see the fruits of our labor.”

Citrus and Truman are joined by gold certification recipients Cypress Elementary, Dolores Huerta International Academy, Sequoia Middle School and Fontana and Jurupa Hills high schools; silver certification recipients Date, Live Oak, Juniper, Mango, Randall Pepper, Sierra Lakes and West Randall elementary schools, as well as Alder and Southridge Tech middle schools; and bronze certification recipient Poplar Elementary.

PBIS aims to create a positive school setting through strategies that define, teach and support appropriate student behaviors. Aided by the framework, Fontana Unified educators closely monitor students’ behavior, attendance and academic performance, taking steps to provide additional support in each area as needed.

Fontana Unified schools are supported by Climate and Culture Specialists – licensed by the International Institute for Restorative Practices and experts in PBIS strategies – who help each site apply strategies to best suited their needs.

Fontana Unified’s 17 schools will be recognized at the California PBIS Coalition Conference, held Oct. 28-29 in Sacramento. The conference will feature training that will allow schools to grow in the program and reach goals of producing academic gains, cultural responsiveness and classroom management.

“Fontana Unified is committed to providing positive learning environments that boost student confidence, engagement and achievement,” Fontana Unified Superintendent Randal S. Bassett said. “Congratulations to our 17 schools who have demonstrated tremendous dedication to achieving the optimum environment to help students succeed academically and personally.”