By Elizabeth Tlatelpa—

Early in September, Passaic High School kicked off the school year

photo by staff

with a mandatory kick-off. Positive Behavior in Schools (referred to as P.B.S.I.S form here on after) is a state mandated program, created by Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. This program is designed to lower the amount of negative behavior in school as well as reducing the sum of referrals to the principal’s office. The most common challenges faced by school staff is the importunate behavior of students and discipline problems. This type of actions is where P.B.S.I.S comes to the rescue.

The kick-off day was an initial ceremony symbolizing the commitment of staff to students, and vice versa to this program, here at Passaic High School. Dr. Barbosa head vice principal of the freshman class as well as our administrator of P.B.S.I.S, is greatly excited about the overall program. Even though Passaic is viewed as having lower standards than other counties, Dr. Barbosa thinks otherwise. She believes students here at Passaic High School, have the potential to become refined, sophisticated, ethical, citizens of the community.

Caught doing a noble deed such as, wearing proper uniform, or ID, avoiding profanity can result in earning a POP ticket (Passaic on Point). Within receiving a POP ticket, the student is eligible to participate in a monthly drawing in which he or she can win a prize like an, iPod, Kindle etc. All in all P.B.S.I.S is promoting good behavior for students, we don’t expect a miracle but small steps at a time make a big difference, according to Dr. Barbosa. Passaic High School let’s show Passaic and ourselves that we can change and better our school community as a whole.