page background

NW Student/Family Support Resources

February 2021

NW Student/FamilySupport ResourcesFebruary 2021

Parenting Skills: Setting Boundaries, Positive Reinforcement, Quality time, OK to say NO, Giving attention

SUPPORTING FAMILIES WITH PBIS

zoom_out_map

WHAT IS PBIS?

Northwest Community Schools has embraced positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) as a highly effective way to build children’s social-emotional-behavioral skills and reduce challenging behaviors.


PBIS can be effectively used at home too and is especially helpful when events disrupt normal routines (e.g., worldwide health pandemics, natural disasters, extended breaks).

zoom_out_map

PBIS TIP- Set Home Expectations for all K-12 students

NWCS sets expectations for all students in our buildings. These include expectations for desired behaviors and how those behaviors will look like in each setting.


For example, your child’s school might ask students to “Be Respectful” (what’s expected) in the classroom (where it’s expected) by raising their hand before speaking (the desired behavior). .


These expectations can be adapted by families to fit the home setting. Examples of an expectations table for home and school are below

How to incorporate PBIS at home.

At Northwest Community Schools, the PBIS matrix expectations are taught and posted throughout each building including transportation. Here are 5 steps to help parents set up a similar matrix framework to help family members know what is expected of them at home.

Download the printable matrix PDF and follow the steps below:

zoom_out_map

Begin with identifying the behavioral atmosphere of your home.

Every home has an atmosphere that could use a little work; no family dynamic is perfect. Start by listing positive social behaviors; examples could be clean bedrooms, offering to clean up after dinner, etc. Then list the social behaviors that could use improvement, examples could include following directions, punctuality, etc.
zoom_out_map

Hold a family conference.

  • Family meetings tend to have a bad reputation because most families only hold them when there is something wrong.
  • In this meeting, begin with what the household is doing well. Be positive and specific. After discussing the positive social behaviors, ask household members to identify behaviors that could use improvement, and provide some of your own observations as needed.
zoom_out_map

Create your own family matrix together.

As you discuss the social behaviors in your home, your family will begin to identify expectations that are considered valuable. These are what you write down on the family matrix.

  • Be sure to include everyone’s input. Studies show that when children are given an opportunity to help make rules and expectations in the home, they are more likely to keep them. You can find a blank template here.


Download Example PBIS Home Matrix

zoom_out_map

Review weekly or biweekly as needed.

  • An important step of this matrix is to hold regular meetings to discuss how expectations are being met and if adjustments are needed.
  • Depending on your family dynamic and schedule, you may need to review this matrix weekly or every other week.
zoom_out_map

Set rewards when expectations are met.

  • Rewards help motivate household members to keep the rules and expectations of the home. Every family is different and will need to be creative in what rewards create motivation.


  • As you implement the PBIS family matrix in your home, you’ll find over time what works and what doesn’t. Just like in our schools, the clearer the expectations are, the more likely they’ll be followed.

zoom_out_map

Reading is Important!

Reading to your child — at any age — will boost their brain development, your bond, and so much more. And all it takes is a few books, motivation, and a little time.


Check out these resources for parents and students:


NWCS Technology Security

zoom_out_map
All NWCS student accounts are monitored by Securly.


Securly is the leading solution in keeping children safe online at school or at home learning virtually.

open_in_new zoom_out_map

NW Tip Line

Students and parents can report concerns or give feedback with ease through the NWCS Mobile App and on our website at www.nwschools.org 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These concerns are reported directly to our NW Admin Team.
open_in_new zoom_out_map

OK2SAY- State of Michigan

Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools.


Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Most Teens Don't

Most Teens Don't is a youth social norming campaign in Jackson County, MI. Our goal is to reduce the amount of substance use/abuse in Jackson Co.The campaign is ran by students in schools throughout Jackson County. Our goal is to prove that Most Teens Don't engage in dangerous behaviors like substance use.