Monte Vista School offers the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, which prepares students for college and career readiness by teaching them essential academic and life skills.

Through AVID, students learn critical thinking, organization, collaboration, and communication skills that are essential for success in higher education and the workforce.

Capturing Kids' Hearts is a philosophy and program focused on building strong, positive relationships between school staff and the community they serve to foster a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Capturing Kids’ Hearts Practices at Monte Vista

• Every student is greeted warmly by name at the door with a handshake, high five, or eye contact to build trust and connection.
• Staff greet one another positively throughout the day to model respectful relationships.
• Every classroom co-creates a Social Contract during the first week of school.
• The contract outlines how students and teachers agree to treat each other.
• Students help hold each other accountable using non-verbal cues and questions like:
  • “Are you being respectful right now?”
  • “Are you following our Social Contract?”
• Used as a reflective tool to redirect misbehavior in a respectful, non-punitive way:
  • What are you doing?
  • What are you supposed to be doing?
  • Are you doing it?
  • What are you going to do about it?
• Classes begin with a quick "Good Things" share-out, where students or staff mention something positive happening in their lives.
• Builds optimism and a positive classroom climate.
• Students and staff give each other specific, sincere affirmations in writing or aloud.
• Builds self-worth, empathy, and trust in the classroom community.
• Focus on restoration, not punishment.
• Students reflect on their actions and how they impact the group, often through private coaching moments.
• Students track their behavior, goals, and affirmations in personal journals or leadership notebooks (if applicable).
• Supports ownership and accountability.
• Staff are trained to build emotional safety, not just structure.
• Teachers check in on students individually and follow up when students are absent or withdrawn.

PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Intervention Supports. It is a means to intentionally teach students school-wide and classroom expectations so that all students can learn how to:

• Identify and reflect on their own behaviors and emotions 
• Communicate their needs effectively and respectfully with adults and each other 
• Problem solve effectively 

Core PBIS Practices at Monte Vista – Clearly Defined Expectations

• School-wide behavior expectations are posted in all areas
• Expectations are taught explicitly during the first few weeks of school and revisited throughout the year.
• Eagle Tickets or other school tokens are used to recognize positive behaviors aligned to expectations.
• Students can exchange tickets for classroom privileges, school store items, or participate in raffles or assemblies.
• A behavior matrix outlines how expectations look in specific settings (cafeteria, hallways, restrooms, etc.).
• Teachers and staff refer to the matrix when giving feedback.
• Student of the Month and Caught Being Good shout-outs during assemblies or on bulletin boards.
• Positive phone calls, postcards, or emails sent home to celebrate student behavior.
• Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) for students needing extra support and accountability.
• Behavior contracts, mentoring, or SEL skill groups with the counselor or support staff.
• Ongoing staff development on PBIS strategies, trauma-informed practices, and de-escalation.
• Common language and responses to behavior schoolwide.
• Office discipline referral data is reviewed monthly to identify trends and areas needing reteaching.
• PBIS team uses data to adjust supports or launch schoolwide campaigns (e.g., reducing tardies or improving hallway behavior).
• Monthly or quarterly PBIS celebrations (e.g., movie day, game time, dance parties) for students who meet behavior goals.
• Spirit weeks and SEL-focused assemblies promote school pride and community.

At Monte Vista, we will STRIVE to:

• Support one another
• Take ownership of our learning
• Respect all voices
• Inspire others
• Value diversity
• Engage in every opportunity to grow