At Mariners Elementary School, students are greeted by staff as they arrive on campus, at the gates, and at their classroom doors. These intentional daily interactions set the tone for a school where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

That simple welcome is a key part of Mariners’ culture and a reason it has earned Platinum recognition from the California Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coalition for three years in a row. The award recognizes schools that build strong, positive school climates through clear expectations and consistent support.

At the center of the school’s PBIS efforts is Mariners PRIDE, which stands for being Positive and Respectful and showing Integrity, Determination, and Excellence. These values are posted around campus and reinforced daily by teachers and staff, as well as students.

Students who demonstrate PRIDE are recognized in meaningful ways. Any adult on campus can give a PRIDE ticket to a student making good choices. Tickets can be exchanged for rewards such as raffle prizes, books from a PTA-sponsored vending machine, or the popular Ticket to Picnic, which allows students to enjoy lunch on the grass with a friend. School leaders say the intentional praise students receive matters most, as staff ensure students know exactly what actions led to the acknowledgment.

Each week at flag deck, members of student government take the lead in celebrating their peers. They announce recognitions, such as the flags that are awarded to classes that show strong behavior and effort during specialist times, including P.E., music, and science. Winning classes proudly display their flags for a week. Large stuffed marlins (in honor of the school mascot) are also awarded to one primary class and one upper-grade class for showing consistent positive behavior, which encourages teamwork and shared pride.

Members of student government also perform a short skit they write to model positive behaviors. For sixth-grader and ASB President Brooke Nodtvedt, these moments are important to building a positive vibe. “I want everyone to feel included when they’re at school,” she said. “Everyone should have the chance to be happy.”

That focus on building relationships shows that what Mariners staff is doing to promote a healthy school environment is working. Data collected over time shows fewer behavior referrals and steady improvement each year. “Respect and integrity are just as important as academics,” said Principal Amanda Estrada. “When expectations are clear, and students feel supported, our students can show their Mariners PRIDE every day.”

Assistant Principal Dr. Anthony Mercado said the PBIS program continues to evolve based on student needs. The PBIS team meets monthly to review data and make adjustments, such as reviewing language and strategies to make sure they reflect the positive environment the school is maintaining. “Everything we do revolves around relationship-building,” Dr. Mercado said. 

This year’s theme, “Same Team, One Dream,” reflects that shared effort. From students and teachers to families and staff, everyone plays a role. “We have high expectations, but we also have caring adults to support our students and ensure they know they belong here,” Ms. Estrada said. 

For students like ASB member and sixth-grader Nick Jennison, this support helps make Mariners a place they want to be. “If people are excited to be here, it makes the school a happy place. My job is to make everyone happy to be here,” he said.

At Mariners, building a positive school climate is an ongoing project shaped by listening, learning, and growing together. The ultimate reward is a school where students feel supported, safe, and happy.