UPLAND – Upland Unified School District’s 14 schools have been honored by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools for their strong implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), highlighting the District’s ongoing work to build supportive, inclusive campuses where students feel connected and ready to thrive.

This year marks the first time that 13 out of 14 schools in Upland Unified earned recognition at the gold or platinum levels. Upland Elementary and Cabrillo Elementary received platinum recognition for the second time, while Baldy View and Pepper Tree elementary schools earned platinum for the first time. Citrus Elementary and Hillside High School achieved gold recognition for the first time and Foothill Knolls, Magnolia, Sierra Vista, Sycamore, and Valencia elementary schools earned repeat gold recognition. Upland High School received a repeat silver recognition.

Schools in San Bernardino County are recognized annually for effective PBIS implementation at four levels: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Platinum-level schools demonstrate the highest level of implementation and maintain strong systems that reflect exceptional dedication to fostering positive, student-centered school cultures.

 “We are proud of all Upland Unified schools for not only helping to set clear, high expectations for our students, but for providing the support and consistency those students need in order to reach them,” Director of Child Welfare and Attendance Richie Varga said. “These awards represent the collective effort of our students, families, teachers, support staff, and administration working together toward the best possible school culture.”

PBIS is a proactive, schoolwide approach that supports student well-being and improves academic outcomes. The framework sets clear expectations, affirms positive behavior, outlines ways to correct errors, and offers support for families and staff, while helping schools understand students’ social-emotional needs and training educators in practices that drive lasting change.

“Our schools are deeply committed to nurturing students not only academically but socially and emotionally,” Superintendent Dr. Lynn Carmen Day said. “It truly takes a community to build strong school culture, and this honor shows that Upland Unified is doing that exceptionally well.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

UUSD_PBIS1: Principal Martin Gomez welcomes students with smiles and high fives on the first day of school at Upland High School. Upland High School recently obtained silver-level recognition from the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools for its implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

UUSD_PBIS2: Baldy View Elementary School Principal Angela Huerta (left) accepted the school’s first-ever platinum-level PBIS recognition plaque during an awards ceremony on Nov. 12.