| R — Respect | O — On Task | A — Always Safe | R — Responsible |
For the last two school years, Derby Elementary, a Pre-K-Grade 6 school with about 500 students, has committed to revitalizing its PBIS framework, and the results speak for themselves. Under MTSS Coordinator Ashley McKenny’s leadership, the school recommitted to its ROAR Community Agreements, teaching pro-social behaviors and acknowledging them with Paw Poms, Class Mega Paws, and school-wide celebrations.
| “Our efforts just needed a boost.” — Ashley McKenny, MTSS Coordinator |
During the 24/25 school year, they kicked off their PBIS rollout with a surprise magic show where all 500 students received Tiger T-shirts, and the community came together for a school aerial spelling out R.O.A.R.
Data tells the story for the 24/25 school year!
| 42% fewer office discipline referrals vs. last year | 60% drop in hazing, harassment & bullying incidents | 45% more Mega Paws earned vs. same period last year | 68% TFI 3.0 fidelity score — up from prior year |
For the 25/26 school year, their implementation efforts continued to show improved outcomes. Compared to the 24/25 school year, their SWIS data showed a reduction in interfering behaviors in almost every category.
| Derby’s Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) was administered by a broadly represented school team of 14 staff and faculty members. Their universal subscale score of 68% exceeds the 50% benchmark required, demonstrating that they are implementing with fidelity, and marks an increase from their score the previous year. |
What Makes Derby’s Approach Stand Out
- ROAR expectations are displayed on the entrance doors and throughout the building.
- Visitors receive a derby guest pack with the agreements and Paw Poms so they can participate in acknowledging students.
- A lobby bulletin board tracks completed celebrations and previews the next goal, building community pride and motivation.
- Their mascot is a TIGER, and students can receive a “Tiger of the Month” award along with a 3D printed tiger and a time to create a large Tiger PomPom to display in the lobby. This practice is tracked to ensure every student receives recognition — an intentional equity practice.
- Student voice is woven into assemblies as well as school-wide celebrations.
- During a recent walkthrough, every student interviewed said that staff focus more on the positive behaviors of students vs correcting behavioral errors.
- Students (even 6th graders!) also reported liking the acknowledgement practices being used.
Well done, Derby! The dedication, energy, hard work, and teamwork of your staff is paying off. What a great reminder that when we stay consistent, committed, and all-in for kids, amazing things happen!