PBIS Panthers Den Opens!

At Burns Elementary Middle School, something special happens throughout the halls every day. Students work hard to show respect, kindness, and responsibility. When they do, they can earn PBIS PAWS Bucks, which are part of the school’s positive behavior program.

PBIS at Burns stands for four important ideas.
P – Purposeful Action
A – Accountability
W – Working Well with Others
S – Scholarly Success

Students are encouraged to “Walk on their PAWS.” This means making thoughtful choices, taking responsibility, cooperating with classmates, and doing their best in school.

Whenever a student shows one of these behaviors, a staff member may give them a PAWS Buck. These can come from anyone in the building. Teachers, custodians, paraprofessionals, principals, and members of the PBIS team all help recognize students who are showing great behavior. 

After collecting their PAWS Bucks, students can use them at a special place in the school called the Panther Den, also known as the PBIS Panthers Store. The store is filled with many fun items that have been generously donated by teachers and staff members.

Inside the Panther Den, students find shelves filled with exciting choices. There are teddy bears, books, toys, games, Uno cards, stickers, sweaters, and bags, along with many other surprises. Each item has a price in PAWS Bucks, and students decide what they would like to save for or purchase.

Many new students had never seen the PBIS store before. When they first walked in, their eyes grew wide as they looked around at everything available. They carefully counted their PAWS Bucks and talked with friends about what they might choose. Some students picked books to read at home. Others chose games to play with family members or soft teddy bears to keep in their rooms.

The Panther Den does not open every day. Instead, it opens once each month, and each class gets a turn to visit and shop. This makes the experience even more exciting. Students often save their PAWS Bucks for weeks so they can buy something special when their class visit arrives.

More importantly, the PBIS program reminds everyone at Burns Elementary that positive choices matter. By showing Purposeful Action, Accountability, Working Well with Others, and Scholarly Success, students help create a school where everyone feels welcomed and respected.

At Burns Elementary, walking on your PAWS is more than just a saying. It is a way students learn to grow, support one another, and celebrate the good things they do every day. 🐾