Twenty-six Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) schools were recently recognized for their successful Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiatives during the 2024-25 school year by the California PBIS Coalition. All NMUSD schools that submitted applications were recognized for their efforts in cultivating positive school cultures by this statewide program. 

Through a comprehensive PBIS implementation plan, NMUSD schools continue to support positive behavior in classrooms and throughout campus, reducing classroom disruptions, discipline referrals, and suspension rates. This results in more instructional time, a stronger school culture, and improved academic outcomes. External PBIS reviewers conduct campus walk-throughs, confirming that schools have clear behavioral expectations, active family and community engagement, and data-driven practices that support positive learning environments. Schools then submit their plans and data for recognition across four achievement levels — Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. This year, NMUSD schools were recognized within the top three tiers, reflecting their commitment to fostering supportive, consistent, and engaging school communities.

The following schools were recognized for their efforts:

PBIS Platinum Recognition

Adams Elementary School - Adams Elementary continues to demonstrate excellence by upholding its STAR matrix: Safety first, Being There and ready, Acting responsibly, and Respecting everyone. These principles are woven into daily routines that nurture a welcoming, respectful school community. A dedicated support team works closely to identify students who may benefit from additional guidance, applying proven strategies that encourage positive choices and responsible citizenship. An ongoing review of behavioral data enables interventions to remain both practical and adaptable to students' needs. 

Corona del Mar (CdM) Middle & High School - CdM upholds its tradition of excellence by engaging students and staff in shaping shared expectations each year. Classroom conversations and student-produced “dos and don’ts” videos highlight the school’s core values of cultivating integrity, developing resiliency, and modeling empathy. Positive behavior is recognized in meaningful ways, such as receiving postcards from teachers celebrating academic growth, performing acts of kindness, and displaying positive attitudes. The school utilizes Yondr phone pouches to maximize student engagement and the development of social skills.

Costa Mesa Middle and High School - Climbing to Platinum recognition for the first time, the PBIS team at Costa Mesa Middle and High School strengthened its efforts to create a positive, supportive school culture. Staff and community partners work together to guide students in reflecting on their choices and living the MESA Way — Model integrity, Engage respectfully, Show compassion, and Achieve excellence. Quarterly celebrations help build “Mesa Energy,” while “Mesa Moments,” a set of classroom activities, provide ongoing opportunities to practice and reinforce positive behavior. These initiatives reflect the school’s continued growth and commitment to excellence.

Davis Magnet School - For the fourth consecutive year, Davis Magnet has earned Platinum recognition by consistently providing layered supports that meet the needs of every student. Schoolwide initiatives such as assemblies, read-alouds, and regular positive reinforcements promote a culture of respect and responsibility. The PBIS Lead Team collaborates with teachers to monitor school-wide trends and support students’ behavioral growth. Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) pairs older students with younger peers for fun, structured activities at recess that model expectations. Exemplary behavior is reinforced through schoolwide shout-outs, positive office referrals, and opportunities such as Ticket to Picnic and Breakfast Club. Strong, ongoing communication between school and home means students are supported from every angle.

Mariners Elementary School - Mariners has once again achieved Platinum recognition by fostering a schoolwide culture rooted in its PRIDE matrix — being Positive and Respectful, and showing Integrity, Determination, and Excellence. Each day begins with Morning Meetings that strengthen community, build interpersonal connections, and develop social-emotional skills. Students demonstrating PRIDE values are recognized daily and can earn a Ticket to Picnic, which allows them to enjoy their lunch in the grassy area with a friend of their choice. They can also earn slips redeemable for rewards such as raffle prizes or books from the PTA-sponsored vending machine. Staff continually revisit and reinforce expectations, confirming that Mariners’ commitment to positive behavior remains strong and consistent across campus.

Rea Elementary School - Rea has earned Platinum recognition for the first time, a milestone that reflects the school’s deep commitment to student success. Alongside districtwide supports, staff provide targeted small-group instruction and individualized support for students who benefit from additional guidance, structure, or feedback. Systems are in place to make sure students receive “in the moment” recognition from adults each day, complemented by more formal rewards and celebrations throughout the year. This intentional, schoolwide approach to teaching and reinforcing positive behavior showcases the strength of Rea’s students, staff, and community.

Sonora Elementary School - Sonora has reached Platinum recognition for the first time, marking its second consecutive year of PBIS honors. Students are guided by the SOAR matrix — Safety, Ownership, Actions, and Respect — across classrooms, the playground, and online. The first day of school begins with a PBIS assembly and campus rotations that introduce location-specific expectations, while weekly rallies reinforce the matrix and highlight a monthly character trait. Positive behavior is celebrated with intentional praise and Eagle Bucks, which are entered into drawings every Friday. This consistent, engaging approach strengthens Sonora’s culture of respect and responsibility.

Woodland Elementary School - Woodland has advanced from Gold to Platinum recognition in its second consecutive year of PBIS honors, a reflection of its commitment to nurturing a respectful, responsible, and safe school culture. Students learn and practice expected behaviors through schoolwide lessons, supported by a student-created video that teachers use to revisit expectations throughout the year. The PBIS team emphasizes positive, relationship-building approaches to behavior, offering specific feedback that supports growth. Students who exemplify the Woodland Way earn Dragon Dollars, which can be exchanged for prizes in Blaze’s Boutique or experiences such as dance parties, extra recess, lunch with the principal, and more. 

PBIS Gold Recognition 

College Park Elementary School - Students at College Park are recognized for positive behavior throughout the campus with Positive PAWS, which stands for Practice safety first, Act responsibly, Work hard, and Show respect. When students earn PAWS, they place them in a box, with winners drawn and celebrated each Friday at Flag Deck. Selected students are recognized in front of their peers and receive a reward from the PTA-supported prize cart. Each month, the PBIS team reviews data, strengthens systems, and identifies areas for additional support to maintain a safe, supportive, and positive school climate. Beginning-of-year PBIS rotations, posted matrices, and weekly recitations of the Cougar Oath help students consistently practice being safe and responsible, working hard, and showing respect across all areas of campus.

Early College High School - With seven consecutive recognitions, Early College continues its long-standing commitment to positive behavior and character development. Initially designed by ASB students in 2017, the school’s PBIS matrix is periodically reviewed and remains central to guiding expectations across campus. Students are acknowledged through the weekly Gotcha program for exemplifying the six pillars of character: caring, citizenship, fairness, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) strategies, embedded in every classroom, support respectful collaboration and effective communication. School spirit is further strengthened through the house system (divided into Barracudas, Narwhals, Sea Dragons, and Stingrays), which fosters connection and belonging among students.

Harbor View Elementary School - Harbor View has advanced from Silver to Gold recognition, reflecting the school’s strong commitment to fostering positive behavior through its BRAVE values — Bold, Respectful, Accountable, Visionary, and Empathetic. Colorful signage throughout campus helps students understand what these expectations look like in every setting, while staff recognize positive choices with BRAVE tickets. Students can redeem tickets for rewards such as special lunchtime seating, treasures from the Viking Chest, or tokens for the book vending machine, with many prizes made possible by the support of the Harbor View PFO. Collaboration between staff and parents means the BRAVE framework is consistently reinforced.

Killybrooke Elementary School - Killybrooke continues to excel in fostering a positive and supportive school culture through its PBIS program. The PBIS team works collaboratively to monitor student needs and provide timely, targeted support to help every student succeed. With the partnership of the PTA, positive behavior is celebrated through the Colt Cash system, in which students earn rewards ranging from tangible prizes to experiences such as serving as Principal for a Day. These intentional, schoolwide efforts build a culture of responsibility, connection, and engagement so that every student feels valued and encouraged to thrive.

Lincoln Elementary School - Lincoln celebrates positive behavior through its ROARS values: Respect for others, Own your actions, Always do your best, be Responsible, and Show empathy. Students demonstrating these behaviors earn ROARS tickets, which can be redeemed for prizes or restaurant gift certificates. Classrooms reinforce expectations through lessons, collaborative projects, class meetings, and reading activities that align with the behavioral matrix. At the same time, special assemblies and presentations highlight and celebrate students who model these values. These consistent supports foster a schoolwide culture of respect, responsibility, and personal growth.

Newport Coast Elementary School - Newport Coast continues to foster a positive, student-centered culture through its HOWL program, which teaches students to be Honorable, Organized, and Wise as Leaders. The PBIS team provides targeted support for students who need extra guidance, including a Check In/Check Out system that connects them with caring adults to help meet behavior goals. Positive choices are celebrated with HOWL cards, redeemable for items from the PTA-stocked Coyote Store or for special experiences, such as lunch with the principal or game time with a teacher. Students are also recognized at Flag Deck, and whole classes can earn Golden Tickets for activities such as popsicle parties or additional recess time.

TeWinkle Middle School - Positive behavior at TeWinkle is recognized through specific verbal praise and the earning of Trojan Charges, digital points that can be redeemed for privileges and rewards at the monthly Trojan Store. Recognition is designed to be frequent, consistent, and meaningful, reinforcing the school’s values and strengthening a positive campus culture. The PBIS team and staff work together to promote a safe, inclusive environment by teaching clear expectations, celebrating student successes, and using data to guide supports so all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. At the heart of this culture is PRIDE — Preparedness, Respectfulness, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy — values reinforced through announcements, written in planners, on visible displays, and in the daily behavior modeled by staff. 

Whittier Elementary School - Whittier has established clear expectations — Safe, Respectful, and Responsible — supported by the Whittier Creed, which emphasizes respect, responsibility, excellence, and personal best. Together, these principles define campus culture and guide students in becoming their best selves. Expectations are reinforced daily in classrooms and through schoolwide Expectations Assemblies throughout the year. Positive behavior is celebrated through a digital system in which students earn points redeemable for prizes or experiences. Students demonstrating excellence are also recognized during Flag Deck and at trimester awards.

PBIS Silver Recognition 

Andersen Elementary School - Positive behavior at Andersen is guided by the three Rs — Ready, Respectful, and Responsible — and reinforced through the PRIDE Awards system. Students who earn PRIDE Awards are recognized at weekly events. The Andersen pledge further anchors these expectations, reminding students to be responsible, show respect, act with integrity, and demonstrate readiness every day. Classroom matrices outline what these behaviors look like in hallways, classrooms, the cafeteria, and on the playground. Andersen emphasizes intrinsic motivation, recognizing students with appreciation and acknowledgment rather than tangible rewards. With this focus, Andersen fosters strong character and shared responsibility.

California Elementary School - California Cougars pride themselves on showing Respect, Responsibility, and Readiness to learn daily. The goal of the school’s PBIS team is to teach these expectations through lesson plans and reinforce them through daily experiences throughout the campus. Positive behavior is recognized with Cougar Bucks that can be used in various ways, including at the biweekly Cougar Store, in Random Raffles every Flag Deck, and by purchasing experiences such as a slime party, rock painting, or taking the principal’s chair for the day. School-based activities such as reciting the Cougar Oath every morning after the flag salute encourage Cougars’ pride in their school community. 

Eastbluff Elementary School - Eastbluff fosters a positive school culture through its PRIDE values: Prepared, Respectful, Integrity, Determined, and Excellence. Students learn and practice these expected behaviors across all campus areas through modeled procedures, community circles, and classroom lessons, while staff consistently reinforce them. Otters begin the year by attending a schoolwide assembly, revisiting the PRIDE expectations, touring the campus to review expectations in each area, and watching an informational video created by staff that models schoolwide behavioral procedures. Positive choices are recognized with PRIDE tickets and awards. During weekly Otter Rallies, individual and class achievements are celebrated with certificates, PRIDE bracelets, book vending machine tokens, and trophies. 

Kaiser Elementary School - Kaiser’s PBIS framework is built around the school’s guiding motto: “Kaiser Knights are NOBLE — we never give up, we are outstanding citizens, who demonstrate bravery and leadership, and at Kaiser, everyone matters!” Positive behavior is celebrated through Noble Knight Awards, which students can collect and use for raffles or purchases in an online student store. The PBIS team is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment in which every child feels supported and recognized, while also using data to strengthen interventions and highlight student success. Expectations are kept visible, consistently teaching what it means to be NOBLE through signage, classroom instruction, and daily reinforcement across campus.

Newport Elementary School - Anchored by the “Best on the Beach” mantra, Newport El focuses on students being Ready, Responsible, and Respectful. Staff recognize students demonstrating these traits with “Best on the Beach” coupons, which can be redeemed in the student store or used to purchase from the school’s book vending machine. Staff reinforce students’ positive choices from the classroom to the playground through weekly certificates, staff shoutouts, and other recognitions. To keep expectations clear and consistent, the school employs a variety of tools — from Back-to-School rotations and posters across campus to teacher-led lessons and reminders during Monday Morning Announcements and the Flag Deck — helping students understand and practice the three Rs every day.

Newport Heights Elementary School - Newport Heights’ PBIS program centers on the school’s Shark PRIDE expectations — to be Polite, Respectful, Independent, Determined, and Engaged — which are taught through classroom lessons and reinforced daily with consistent language from staff, posters of the matrix throughout campus, and recess game rules displayed on large boards for positive, consistent messaging. Students are rewarded for exhibiting positive behaviors with Shark PRIDE tickets that are entered into weekly drawings for experiences such as teacher-led bracelet making, lunch with the principal, pickleball with a teacher, and more. Students can also enter tickets in the Big Bucket drawing, with winners announced each month via a special message on the marquee; for 10 tickets, students can be recognized at Flag Deck with a certificate. Staff also nominate a “Shark of the Week” to be celebrated for their Shark PRIDE. The PBIS team also fosters connection through invisible peer mentors, helping every student feel a sense of belonging and encouragement. 

Paularino Elementary School - At Paularino, Panther PRIDE guides behavior across campus, with expectations reinforced daily in classrooms and throughout schoolwide activities. Students demonstrating these behaviors — Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy — earn Panther Paws, which can be spent in the student store or entered into weekly drawings for prizes and special experiences such as Principal for the Day or lunch with a teacher. Drawings are celebrated at Flag Deck, giving students recognition in front of the entire school community. The PBIS team’s goal is to build systems that foster a positive culture where students feel excited to learn, connected, and supported by adults. Visible matrices, daily classroom reinforcement, and ongoing recognition make sure Panther PRIDE remains central, with plans to expand recognition through character awards.

Pomona Elementary School - Pomona fosters a positive school climate through consistent expectations and ongoing reinforcement of its RISE values: Respect, Inclusive, Safe, and Engaged. Students learn these expectations during the first week of school and continue to practice them throughout the campus, including lunch areas, playgrounds, and after-school programs. Students earn Pomona dollars that they can use to purchase items such as small toys and rubber ducks from the Pomona Store. Classrooms that demonstrate they are meeting behavior expectations as a group can earn Pomona Golden dollars; for every 25 earned, the class has a chance to spin a prize wheel at Flag Deck for a reward. Individual and class achievements are celebrated monthly at Flag Deck.

Victoria Elementary School - Victoria students are recognized through the Gotcha ticket system, in which staff members acknowledge and reward students who are “caught” making positive choices. Students can redeem their Gotcha tickets for gift certificates from local eateries or a gold token to use in the book vending machine. Victoria’s guiding expectations are reflected in its SOAR mantra — Show kindness, Own your actions, Always do your best, and Respect yourself and others — which is reinforced through a schoolwide matrix of expected behaviors.

Wilson Elementary School - At Wilson, Wildcat ROARS — Responsibility, Ownership, Attitude, Respect, and Safety — serve as the foundation for positive behavior across campus. Students demonstrating these traits earn Wildcat Tickets, which can be redeemed for toys and trinkets in the ROARS Store. Positive choices are also celebrated at monthly Wildcat Awards Assemblies, where students are recognized for their academic and character achievements in front of their families and teachers. Murals, newsletters, chants, and staff modeling behavior expectations keep ROARS visible and reinforced daily. By using data, restorative practices, and proactive strategies, Wilson makes sure that ROARS remains central to its school culture.

All NMUSD schools continue to build consistent classroom eco-systems that promote positive behavior, strengthen connections, and enhance both academic and social success. The district values the support of the Newport-Mesa community in creating safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments where all students can thrive.