By Press Times Staff

PULASKI – Six schools within the Pulaski Community School District (PCSD) were recently recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin RtI (Response to Intervention) Center for the implementation of its Positive Behavioral Intervention Systems (PBIS) to help close student achievement gaps.

All five PCSD elementary schools – Glenbrook, Fairview, Sunnyside, Lannoye and Hillcrest – received a silver-level recognition, with Pulaski High School receiving a bronze-level recognition.

“We commend our school community for this accomplishment and shared success in wrapping around our students to continue their growth in being safe, responsible and respectful learners at PCSD,” Superintendent Allison Space said. “It is a wonderful effort shown by all of our buildings of the dedication they have each and every day to build strong character and resilience skills in our students.”

Jenny Gracyalny, executive director of teaching and learning, said district schools have worked hard toward full implementation and fidelity.

“In Tier 1 (universal) and Tier 2, as well as in other areas of reading and math with the RtI, framework including universal instruction, interventions and extensions for learning,” she said. “This is a testament to the extensive work of our teachers, counselors and administrators who are striving for high levels of learning for all students.”

Gracyalny said by establishing equitable, multi-level systems of supports, PCSD is:

• Increasing the consistency of effective instruction for all students.

• Building staff knowledge and skills to support all learners.

• Using data to more quickly identify and provide support for students.

• Shifting to a proactive culture that supports stronger relationships with students, their families and our communities.

DPI officials said this recognition program encourages schools and districts during the construction of their systems, helps celebrate progress toward full implementation and continues to build increasing levels of student support in additional subject areas.

The Wisconsin RtI Center was created to assist Wisconsin’s educational systems to build capacity, adopt and implement high-quality practices, make informed decisions, ensure sustainability of efforts, and increase success for all students.

The PBIS Network operates within the Wisconsin RtI Center with a specific focus on behavior.