by Sara Beth Williams–
Lichen K-8 in Citrus Heights was recently recognized with top honors from the California Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, (or PBIS), 2024–25 Recognition Program, for its efforts to create positive, supportive learning environments on campus.
Five schools in the San Juan Unified School District received Silver Implementation Awards, including Pershing Elementary, Del Paso Manor Elementary, Starr King K-8, Thomas Edison Language Institute, and Will Rogers Middle School.
Lichen K-8 earned the Gold Implementation Award for its “exceptional commitment” to PBIS principles, marking a milestone more than a decade in the making, the district announced on its website.
The program honors schools across California that implement PBIS strategies to promote safety, respect, and academic success for all students. Awards are given at four levels, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, based on a school’s implementation of PBIS practices.
At the heart of Lichen’s success is its “R.O.A.R.” motto, which stands for Responsible, Own your choices, Always safe, and Respectful and kind. The acronym is visible throughout the campus, on posters, in classrooms, and during assemblies, and serves as a daily reminder of the school’s behavioral expectations.
“Over the past 13 years, we’ve worked hard to make these principles part of our school culture,” said counselor Joyce Long to the San Juan Unified School District. “Focusing on R.O.A.R. has really changed the way students and staff interact.”
Seventh-grader Joseph, one of many students who can recite the R.O.A.R. expectations by heart, said the system makes school more rewarding.
Joseph said students can earn “Bear Bucks” for being responsible, completing classwork and being on time and added that it’s nice to hear his name announced over the intercom when his name is pulled for recognition.
Vice Principal Alissa Boyd explained that data plays a key role in the school’s approach and said that data from referrals is used to help determine what positive supports should be provided to students.
By analyzing behavior data and engaging students directly, staff ensure PBIS strategies meet the needs of everyone on campus, Long said staff is consistently collaborating both together and with students to bring in their voice and opinion on implemented supports.
Students and staff celebrated the Gold Award with pride, recognizing it as the culmination of years of teamwork and dedication, the district said.
The six honored schools will be recognized during the 10th Annual California PBIS Conference, held Oct. 8–10 in Sacramento.
