Potter Junior High to receive 2014 Golden Bell Award

FALLBROOK – Potter Junior High School (Potter) received word that it is being honored with the 2014 Golden Bell Award, a leading educational honor in California sponsored by the California School Boards Association (CSBA). Celebrating its 35th year, the Golden Bell Awards promote excellence in education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and practices throughout California.

Potter received the prestigious Golden Bell Award to recognize the “Potter PRIDE System of Supports Program” in the School Climate category. The program is part of Potter’s PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) initiative that is both a school-wide, and a district-wide effort to improve the culture and climate of school campuses. Over the last few years, Potter administration has implemented many successful PBIS strategies including:

• Explicit teaching and practicing of behavior expectations

• Data monitoring to implement and adjust behavioral supports

• Leadership opportunities for students

• Student empowerment through Dr. Stephen Covey’s “The Leader in Me” initiative

• A robust Safe School Ambassador’s Program

• Strong incentives for positive behavior

Specifically, Potter increased the counseling and educational aspect of behavior intervention. Instead of focusing solely on consequences, Potter has made an effort to give infraction-specific counseling by prioritizing both increased in-school resources such as the “Check and Connect” mentoring program for at-risk students facilitated by counseling interns from San Diego State University.

Three years ago, Potter also implemented the Safe School Ambassadors program that teaches students problem solving skills and how to safely intervene as leaders when others are experiencing mistreatment.

Potter has also adopted a restorative justice model looking at alternatives to suspension by teaming up with local agencies including the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, North County Fire Protection District, and North County Lifeline.

This targeted support has led to many positive results including:

• Decrease in behavior referrals

• Decrease in suspensions

• Increase in student engagement and activities

• Increase in students’ positive perception toward school

• Increase in positive relationships between students and staff

Potter Junior High School will receive its award at a recognition ceremony on Dec. 16 at CSBA’s Annual Education Conference in San Francisco.