What is EBIS?

EBIS stands for Effective Behavioral and Instructional Supports.

EBIS is a research-based, positive, incentive-based program which recognizes students for appropriate behaviors.

Being a WOLF

Our EBIS program is based being a WOLF. Students who exhibit WOLF behavior:

Work Hard

Own Their Behavior

Listen and Learn

Focus on Respect

Being a WOLF is a school-wide expectation of all students in all areas of our school.

To view our school-wide expectation matrix, click here.

Gotchas

Students who exhibit these positive WOLF behaviors will be rewarded with a green "gotcha." These green "gotchas" may be redeemed for special prizes, awards, or activities (see below).

White "gotchas" are given to students when they display negative or inappropriate behaviors. Each white "gotcha" equals two points off the student's conduct grade for the current grading period. You will receive a carbon copy of any white gotcha your child receives. You are to look at the white "gotcha," talk with your child about his or her behavior, sign the "gotcha," and give it to your child to return to his or her teacher the next school day. If the "gotcha" is not returned, your child will receive another white "gotcha."

After 5 white "gotchas" in one grading period, your child will participate in reflective discussions about their behavior.

After 8 white "gotchas" in one grading period a student will get an office referral.

Here are some things students can redeem their green "gotchas" for.

Click here for an extended list of rewards, prizes, and activities.

Who can give Gotchas?

All adults involved in the students’ daily activities including cafeteria staff, custodians, office staff, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and teachers. 

Students may even ask an adult for a “gotcha” for another student if they feel that a student has done something deserving of a “gotcha”.  The student must explain why they are requesting to give the “gotcha”, and the adult will make the final decision on whether to approve the request.

Individual vs. Class Gotchas

Green and white "gotchas" can be earned by individual students and by whole classes.

If a class earns a green gotcha for positive behavior as a group, the teacher keeps the gotcha and determines how to reward the entire class after they have accumulated a certain number of green "gotchas" (pizza party, free ice cream for the class, popcorn party, etc.). It is up the individual teacher to determine how and when to reward his or her class.

If a class earns a white "gotcha" for misbehaving as a group, then the teacher will determine the proper penalty for the class. If your child's class receives a white "gotcha" it does not mean that every child in the class gets two points taken off of their conduct grade.

Furthermore, if a teacher or other adult notices that a class is misbehaving, he or she can give the class a white "gotcha" and give the individual students who were behaving a green "gotcha." In turn, an adult can give an entire class a green "gotcha," but still give individual students a white "gotcha" if they are caught misbehaving. 

Neither white nor green "gotchas" are to be used for purposes of intimidation or bribery.

Want more information?

If you have any questions or comments about our EBIS behavior system, please contact the school (770-304-7995), your child's teacher, or our EBIS director, Noel Smith at wres_ebis@yahoo.com.

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