East Fallowfield Elementary describes SOAR PBIS program, adds 'bus camp' and experience-based rewards

At the March 25 Coatesville Area School District board meeting, East Fallowfield Elementary staff presented updates to the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program, saying a focus on consistent expectations and experience-based rewards has reduced problem behavior and increased parent engagement.

The school uses the acronym SOAR—safety, ownership, acceptance and respect—across classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds and buses, April Mullen, East Fallowfield music teacher and orchestra/choral director, told the board. "At East Fallowfield, we use our acronym SOAR," Mullen said.

The program relies on ClassDojo for schoolwide tracking and parent communication; presenters said about 85% of parents are connected in ClassDojo so families can see points students earn during the day. Teachers and some students assign points electronically for desired behaviors, and the school has shifted from giving only tangible prizes to offering more experiences—extra recess, private lunch with a teacher, "principal for a day" and schoolwide events like a turkey trot and an end-of-year carnival.

Gina Curry, the school’s restorative-practices coach, described a new bus intervention called "bus camp" to address repeated referrals. Curry said staff meet individually with a student on a first referral to discuss what happened; after a second referral a student attends bus camp, where staff and the student review expectations, practice safe seating, and, when needed, staff bring an entire bus in for a booster session. "I'm the restorative practices coach. So we're gonna talk about what we can do to fix what's going on," Curry said.

The school also introduced "Eagle Eye" tickets for the cafeteria and buses. When students are observed meeting expectations, staff give tickets that enter weekly raffles for small prizes or snacks. Presenters said the approach is intended to reward and teach positive choices in traditionally challenging locations.

Presenters credited community partners for supporting student experiences, including the Modena Fire Company and local police, which brought a fire truck and police car to campus for students to explore. Students chosen for schoolwide recognition were called forward during the presentation.

The school’s PBIS team said staff engagement is essential; they described staff spirit days and optional wellness activities intended to build a cohesive staff culture that reinforces student expectations.

Board members thanked the presenters and said they hope the program’s practices can inform other schools in the district.

Ending: Presenters closed by thanking the PBIS team, parent volunteers and community partners and offered to provide the board with follow-up information if requested.