Seminole High School has always focused on providing the best possible care for its students. Seminole, along with many other schools in Seminole County, has incorporated the Positive Behavior Support Program, otherwise known as PBS. This program focuses on finding different styles of teaching, to help improve the academic success of all students.

The school board has disclosed its recent studies about exactly how to discipline effectively.  According to the Seminole County Public Schools, the traditional discipline methods have worked but with short term effects. Research has shown that many schools have continued to enforce suspensions and expulsions, yet with PBS, there is an opportunity to create a positive environment for students.

PBS coordinator Ms. Shari Daniels said about the program, “Overall the goal is to improve and change behavior and improve student academic success.”

PBS has offered various ways of executing discipline. Whether it is based in a broad setting, a classroom, or an individual student, PBS has created systems in which they are able to assist schools.

At Seminole High, the administration has set up a system of awarding a few select students every month for their commendable actions throughout that month. In return for those students’ efforts, the school awards the winners with a PBS Seminole “Buck”, along with a prize that could range from a free movie ticket to a gift card.

Many students have greeted PBS with open arms. Sophomore Jenna Allen said, “I was really proud because I got them, I was helping people and I got rewarded for that.”

Although, many teachers and students have yet to discover what PBS is and what are its goals. Daniels said, “One of my concerns is that many students still don’t know what it is. I would love to see students and teachers embrace the idea.” Seminole High continues to strive towards a school system where all students and faculty are aware of PBS by posting the “Respectful, Responsible, and Engaged Learning” poster throughout the buildings.

The Positive Behavior Support project has been has been something that most Seminole County public schools have wanted to implement. Yet, it is going to take a long struggle full of effort in attempts to teach these new policies to all 3,000 students of Seminole High.

When asked whether or not he believed PBS was worth establishing, freshman Alex Di said, “Yeah, sure, I think they would contribute to the school.”

The school district has stressed the fact that to make this project work, there needs to be an established relationship between the families and the schools. Regardless of differences in ideas or customs, students and faculty alike can benefit from PBS in one way or another.