ABOVE: Kyla Anderson, Maggie Eisenmenger and Brian Grensteiner stand with the Cardinal Expectations in the background, which help inform PBIS expectations. Anderson holds an example picture of what will be posted around Fairmont Elementary, while Eisenmenger holds a certificate of recognition from the state of Minnesota.

FAIRMONT – Fairmont Elementary is one of six schools in Minnesota to be selected for the state’s PBIS Ambassador Schools program.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) are a tiered framework to support student’s behavioral, academic, social, emotional and mental health based on evidence. Fairmont Elementary Co-Principal Brian Grensteiner said the goal for PBIS is to build a positive school culture, which will in turn lead to social and academic success.

“That can be anything from our cardinal expectations, rewarding students for doing the right things, celebrating our positive moments and all school-wide assemblies,” he said.

Two examples of PBIS implementation are Cardinal tickets and Cardinal tributes. Students earn red tickets throughout the week for being good students and kids. Each Monday tickets are drawn and the winners are recognized for the good they do.

Cardinal tributes are written by teachers to students who have consistently done well, exemplifying the wonderful things that students have done.

Kindergarten teacher and PBIS Coach Maggie Eisenmenger said that for the past three years, they have done PBIS training in Mankato and created a school-wide handbook to ensure proper and widespread implementation for current and new teachers.

“We look a lot at behavioral data within our school,” fourth-grade teacher and PBIS Coach Nyla Anderson said. “What the students and teachers are seeing, what we need to create a better program and make our program more successful.”

On being recognized by the state for Fairmont’s excellence, Anderson said it is incredibly rewarding to be recognized for the positive things Fairmont is doing. Eisenmenger said it allows them to celebrate the behaviors and achievements of their students and an environment where everyone can shine.

“Anytime you can be recognized in the midst of many other great schools,” Grensteiner said. “It gives you a sense of pride for what we’re doing every day, makes a difference.”

With PBIS, Anderson said it has brought out intrinsic motivations in students to bring positivity and good to the school. Grensteiner said it helps the development of student attributes.

“Character, integrity and confidence,” he said. “A lot of times it’s about making sure they understand they have star qualities within themselves as well.”

With ambassador status, Fairmont teachers will meet with educator program graduates across Minnesota to explain and demonstrate what has made them successful. Grensteiner said it is a unique way they can give back to the next generation of teachers and students.

“The things we live out every day, somebody else is going to learn who has not had a full-time experience in education yet,” he said. “The things they learn can shape their positive mindset around supporting students in whichever school they choose to teach at. It’s exciting to know we’re going to have an impact.”

Grensteiner said he feels fortunate to work at a school that puts kids first every day.

“[Having] adults that care,” he said. “That know each student and love and care for each person that walks in the door. This is a school community and a place where people genuinely care about each other. When you walk in the doors at Fairmont public schools people know who you are, they care about you, and they want to help you succeed.”

In addition to the selection, the state of Minnesota gave Fairmont Elementary a certificate of recognition plaque signed by Governor Tim Walz.