PBSIS Helping Schools Build Systems of Support




JANUARY 2025

The only dreams impossible to reach are the ones you never pursue.        
Michael Deckman

 

The NJ PBSIS team wishes you a joyful and healthy 2025!

 

Reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act of 2024 (H.R. 7213)

On 12/23/2024 President Biden signed the Autism CARES Act into law. Public Law 118-180 aims to improve surveillance, research, and training focused on people with autism and some other types of developmental disabilities.  Read more about  the Legislative history of the Act and the efforts of the Federal Autism Advisory Committee  at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Interagency Autism Coordination Committee

 

January 20 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

In January we celebrate the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the civil rights movement, past and present.  January provides an opportunity for reflection and for visioning.  As we approach January 20th, let’s honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy by fixing our gaze on a vision for just and inclusive schools. 

 

January is National Mentoring Month   

Did you know that youth who can identify at least one trusting adult has better outcomes?  Young people who have a trusting adult in their life are more likely to have positive school outcomes.  In January we consider the ways in which mentors can provide New Jersey children and youth with social support and encouragement.  Explore these resources to learn more:

Newly Released Guidance


NJ PBSIS Peer to Peer Resource Sharing
Thank you to Clifton Public Schools and Thomas Richards Early Childhood Center for sharing your innovations with us!

  •  District -Wide Ticket:  Are you a district person who travels school to school?  Looking for a streamlined way to participate in school-level incentive systems?  When visiting schools, district-wide personnel in Clifton Public Schools use a District Ticket.  The district ticket allows district-wide personnel (e.g., supervisors, Assistant Superintendnets) to recognize students efforts toward school and district norms and serves the same function as the school ticket or point system.

  •  Gratitude Turkey:  Staff at Thomas Richards Early Childhood Center asked staff, families and children to share something they feel grateful.  Gratitude sentiments were written on feathers and combined for a turkey display. View the picture here.

     

    2024-2025 Conferences Posted

    Looking to attend a conference this school year?  Visit the upcoming events page for MTSS related conferences happening in New Jersey and across the country this school year.