Ralph Stearley promotes “Panda Pride” with PBIS initiative
OKINAWA, JAPAN – The Student Council at Ralph Stearley Primary school is promoting school spirit and positive behavior with a special student-centered video, which promotes the school’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative.
At Ralph Stearley Primary School, Panda PRIDE stands for:
- Personal Safety
- Respect
- Integrity
- Determination
- Empathy
In the video, students can be heard sharing positive affirmations, such as “I am helpful,” “I am Kind,” and “I am a leader.”
“These affirmations are a way to cultivate positivity and growth mindset in our youngest learners,” said Ms. Salina Cedeno, student council sponsor, adding they were chosen by current first grade members of Student Council. “We brainstormed, scoured the Internet and had lots of discussion. These specific affirmations were chosen by them because they truly believe this about every student in our school. When students see themselves as smart, kind and helpful leaders at such a young age it boosts their self-confidence and builds a sense of community. These learners become the change makers and problem solvers of our world.”
Fourteen first graders participated in the project, which will be presented to all students at the start of the 2025-26 school year along with an affirmations checklist to help teachers be more cognizant of using the terms with their students so this can become part of the school language.
“Second semester, the affirmations will be changed to meet the needs of many of our learners at that point of the school year – more confident and motivated, and more willing to take risks in their learning,” Cedeno said.
