Commitment to Social & Emotional Learning

We Are the BBMS OWLS:

Positive Behavioral Intervention Systems (PBIS)

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a dynamic and student-centered approach used across New York City Public Schools to create vibrant, supportive, and joyful learning environments. At its core, PBIS is rooted in the belief that students thrive when expectations are clear, consistent, and celebrated. Rather than focusing on consequences alone, PBIS emphasizes teaching, modeling, and recognizing positive behaviors—helping students feel empowered, confident, and ready to succeed.

The power of PBIS lies in its proactive approach. By setting clear expectations and celebrating students when they meet them, schools foster a culture of respect, safety, and belonging. Students understand exactly what is expected of them in every space, and they are motivated to make positive choices because those actions are acknowledged and valued. This results in stronger relationships, increased engagement, and a school community where every child feels seen and supported.

At the Bilingual Bicultural Mini School (BBMS), PBIS is brought to life in exciting and meaningful ways every single day. Our schoolwide system is built around our OWLS values: Only Good Choices, We are Kind, Love of Learning, and Safe.

These core principles guide everything we do and are at the heart of our school culture.

Students eagerly participate in our PBIS system by earning OWLS tickets whenever they demonstrate these positive behaviors. Whether it’s showing kindness to a peer, staying focused during learning, making safe choices in the hallway, or going above and beyond in the classroom, students are recognized and celebrated in real time. This creates a positive energy throughout the building, where students are motivated to do their best and support one another.

Clear expectations are reinforced across all areas of the school through PBIS behavior matrices. These matrices outline what OWLS values look like in classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces such as the auditorium and gymnasium. Because expectations are consistent and visible, students develop a strong understanding of how to make great choices wherever they are, building independence and confidence.

One of the most exciting highlights of the week at BBMS is Fun Friday—a celebration that students look forward to with enthusiasm! At the end of each week, students exchange their hard-earned OWLS tickets for prizes. A vibrant display of toys and trinkets is set up, giving students the chance to choose something special as a reward for their positive behavior. The excitement, pride, and joy that fill the room during Fun Friday are truly contagious—students beam with accomplishment and can’t wait to participate again the following week.

Adding to the excitement, our beloved BBMS Owl mascot visits classrooms and spaces throughout the school year, reminding students to make OWLS choices and celebrating their success. The owl helps build school spirit and keeps students engaged in a fun and meaningful way.

PBIS at the Bilingual Bicultural Mini School is more than a system—it is a celebration of who we are as a community. It brings students together, reinforces positive habits, and creates a joyful, supportive environment where every child is excited to learn, grow, and shine.

RULER

RULER is a powerful, research-based approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) used in many New York City Public Schools to help students build self-awareness, manage their emotions, and develop strong relationships. The acronym RULER stands for five essential emotional intelligence skills: Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions.
 
These skills are intentionally taught and practiced so that students can better understand themselves and others, navigate challenges, and engage more fully in learning. The rationale behind RULER is grounded in the belief that when students feel emotionally supported and understood, they are more focused, confident, and ready to succeed academically and socially.
 
At the Bilingual Bicultural Mini School (BBMS), RULER is an integral part of our school culture and is woven into daily routines in meaningful and engaging ways. One of the most visible and impactful tools we use is the Mood Meter, which is displayed in every classroom. The Mood Meter provides students with a simple and accessible way to identify and communicate how they are feeling across a range of emotions.
 
Each day, students participate in regular emotional check-ins using the Mood Meter. This practice empowers students to pause, reflect, and name their feelings—an essential step in building emotional awareness. These daily check-ins also allow teachers to quickly understand the emotional climate of their classrooms and respond in real time. Whether a student is feeling excited, anxious, tired, or frustrated, teachers are able to provide immediate support, adjust instruction as needed, or offer strategies to help students regulate their emotions and stay engaged in learning.
 
This responsive approach ensures that no student’s needs go unnoticed. In addition to classroom support, our school counselors are readily available to provide additional guidance and intervention when needed. This collaborative system strengthens our ability to care for the “whole child,” ensuring that students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn each day.
 
RULER at BBMS helps create a calm, caring, and respectful environment where emotions are acknowledged and valued. Students develop a shared language around feelings, which improves communication, reduces conflict, and strengthens relationships among peers and adults. Over time, students become more self-aware, more empathetic, and more confident in managing their emotions.
 
By integrating RULER into our daily practice, the Bilingual Bicultural Mini School fosters a community where students not only grow academically, but also develop the essential life skills needed to thrive in school and beyond.

OWLS of the Month & OWLS Speak Up at the Bilingual Bicultural Mini School

At the Bilingual Bicultural Mini School (BBMS), we are proud to celebrate student growth, character, and voice through meaningful schoolwide initiatives that reinforce our OWLS values: Only Good Choices, We are Kind, Love of Learning, and Safe. Two of our most impactful practices—OWLS of the Month and OWLS Speak Up—highlight our commitment to recognizing positive behavior while ensuring every student feels heard, valued, and supported.

Each month, our school community comes together to celebrate outstanding students through the OWLS of the Month award. Teachers thoughtfully select one student who exemplifies one of our OWLS core values, with each month focusing on a different category. These students are recognized during our Student of the Month assembly, a special moment that brings joy, pride, and a strong sense of community across the school.

Students who receive the OWLS of the Month award are honored with a certificate, and their accomplishments are proudly displayed as their photograph is posted near the main office. This visible recognition not only celebrates the individual student but also inspires others to strive toward making positive choices, demonstrating kindness, embracing a love of learning, and maintaining a safe environment. It creates a culture where positive behavior is valued, celebrated, and modeled for all.

Complementing our recognition system is the OWLS Speak Up initiative, which ensures that every student has a safe and supportive way to express themselves. At BBMS, we understand that not all students are ready to share their thoughts or concerns out loud. OWLS Speak Up provides a confidential and accessible outlet for students to communicate feelings of discomfort, concerns, or incidents that may be affecting them.

Each classroom is equipped with a designated OWLS Speak Up box, along with age-appropriate forms that students can complete. These forms guide students in sharing what happened and how they feel in a structured and supportive way. Once completed, students place their forms in the box, knowing their voice matters and will be heard.

Teachers review each submission privately and take thoughtful, appropriate action to address the concern. This process ensures that students feel safe, respected, and supported, while also allowing staff to respond promptly and effectively. The OWLS Speak Up system empowers students to advocate for themselves, builds trust between students and adults, and reinforces a culture of care and responsiveness throughout the school.

Together, OWLS of the Month and OWLS Speak Up reflect the heart of the Bilingual Bicultural Mini School—where we celebrate student success, uplift student voice, and create a learning environment grounded in respect, safety, and belonging.