Cuyahoga Heights Elementary, Middle, and High Schools were recognized Tuesday, September 15, for their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs during the 2025-26 school year.
All three buildings each earned White Level recognition, equivalent to the former Bronze Award. The new system replaces the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's previous bronze, silver, and gold awards.
Schools could also earn individual badges in five areas. Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School earned four badges for Chronic Absenteeism, Classroom Implementation, Discipline Data, and Storyteller. Cuyahoga Heights Middle School earned badges for Chronic Absenteeism and Storyteller, while Cuyahoga Heights High School earned a Chronic Absenteeism badge.
PBIS provides a consistent framework for teaching and reinforcing positive behavior while supporting students who may need additional interventions. Each Cuyahoga Heights school has adapted the framework around its own shared expectations.
Elementary students focus on being caring, honest, engaged, and safe, earning Pup Bucks for demonstrating these behaviors. Middle school students strive to be caring, honest, motivated, and successful. High school expectations center on being caring, honest, helpful, and successful.
A district PBIS Committee made up of teachers, intervention, specialists, parents and guardians, and other staff members helps guide behavioral expectations and intervention needs across the district.
“Our school's PBIS program has evolved to create a safe, welcoming environment where every student thrives. We have deepened our commitment to targeted interventions that provide students with the practice and support they need to succeed. These recognition awards celebrate our staff's unwavering dedication to nurturing the whole child and their daily efforts to build a culture of respect, responsibility, and growth that benefits every member of our school community.” Rachel Meffe, LISW-S, School Social Worker
The recognition reflects the work of students who demonstrate positive behaviors each day and the staff members who consistently teach, model, and reinforce those expectations.
