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Emerson Elementary relaunches PBIS and highlights therapy dog Sadie
Summary
Emerson Elementary Principal Britney Rowe described a relaunch of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and the ongoing role of a therapy dog, Sadie, in supporting students' routines and social-emotional needs.
Britney Rowe, principal at Emerson Elementary School, told the Indianola Community School District board that the school has relaunched a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program—PBIS—to emphasize being safe, respectful and responsible in daily routines.
Rowe described several schoolwide practices: a daily announcement that reminds students of expectations, a “shout out” board in the lunchroom where staff recognize students who exceed expectations, and classroom- and school-level ticket systems to reinforce goal setting. Rowe said the monthly focus helps students and families discuss specific behaviors at home; for May the school focused on respect and set a goal of 120 shout-outs.
Rowe also described the school’s therapy dog, Sadie, which she said is owned by Superintendent Tara Paul but is handled at Emerson by staff. Rowe said Sadie greets students during morning arrival, accompanies staff meetings in the office, and is sometimes used as a classroom reward; students may read to Sadie or request a short visit when they need emotional support. Rowe said staff and students notice when Sadie is absent and that the dog has become part of the school community.
Board members asked clarifying questions about PBIS (an acronym Rowe said stands for Positive Behavior Intervention Supports) and about the therapy dog’s role. Rowe said Sadie can be an additional support for students who struggle with arrival or transitions and that her presence is used intentionally by counselors and teachers as part of the school’s behavior supports.
