Ready, set, GOLD for Lichen K-8 at the California PBIS Recognition Program

Six San Juan Unified School District sites were among the 2,500 schools recognized by the California PBIS 2024-25 Recognition program. 

The recognition program acknowledges schools that implement the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) approach, which schools use to create a safe, positive and supportive environment for all students.

Recognitions range from Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Implementation Awards. Pershing Elementary School, Del Paso Manor Elementary School, Starr King K-8, Thomas Edison Language Institute and Will Rogers Middle School received a Silver Implementation Award, while Lichen K-8 received the Gold Implementation Award for their PBIS practices on campus.

According to school leaders, these practices have become the core of their school culture. 

Joyce Long, counselor at Lichen K-8, recognizes the efforts put in place over the past 13 years that led them to this incredible milestone. A notable shift occurred when Lichen focused on R.O.A.R. (Responsible, Own your choices, Always safe, and Respectful and kind) to teach and encourage positive behavior.

R.O.A.R. became widely known and used across Lichen’s campus, from posters to student conversations to themed assemblies. 

Seventh-grader Joseph is one of the many students who can recite the acronym word-for-word. For Joseph, it is a great experience to participate in the school’s reward system and be recognized for his behavior, while also winning prizes. 

“We earn Bear Bucks when we are doing good, being responsible, completing our work and being in class on time,” shared Joseph. “It is really nice for me to be called on the speaker for  [the weekly raffles].”

The road to receiving the recognition was also a moment of reflection on the importance of the work done behind the scenes, beyond the reward system.

For the staff at Lichen, it was important to implement PBIS for all students rather than focusing on a select group. 

“We’re using data from our referrals to the office to determine supports for the students,” shared vice principal Alissa Boyd. “Do they need check-ins? Do they need more tiered supports?” 

The data collected helps the administration and staff at Lichen to address student behaviors and focus on areas that require more attention, such as expectations and location. 

The decision-making does not end with data and staff — students also have a voice.

“We’re constantly checking with staff to see if things are working or not, but also getting student voice to see if they’re liking it,” explained Long.

A wave of celebration spread across Lichen as students and staff shared the memorable accomplishment of receiving the Gold Implementation Award.

“I feel pretty good because I have been here my whole life,” shared seventh-grader Aryana.

Joseph also shared a word of encouragement to his peers at Lichen: “Continue being responsible and following our R.O.A.R. expectations.”

The six San Juan Unified schools will be recognized at the Tenth Annual California PBIS Conference in Sacramento on Oct. 8-10.