Mandela Falcons RISE: Building a positive school culture together

Last Monday, the Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School community came together for a powerful PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Assembly that celebrated the values guiding their journey toward a positive and supportive environment. NMHZ’s rollout of PBIS has been deliberate and intentional, ensuring that every step connects meaningfully to students’ daily experiences.

During the assembly, staff helped students link the words of their daily pledge—challenging them to RISE (Responsible, Integrity, Safe, Exceptional)—to the expectations that shape school culture. The space was vibrant with artwork created in art class, featuring inspiring messages like “Be Kind,” “Peace,” “No Bullying” and “Encourage Others,” reflecting the spirit of the school community.

Students reviewed the core purpose of PBIS: celebrating positivity, believing in themselves as scholars and individuals, and understanding that while expectations matter, recognition and rewards are part of the journey. Highlights included the Sixth Grade Players, who used role-play to demonstrate both poor and positive examples of behavior, and a surprise visit from the beloved mascot, the Falcon!

Students and staff left the assembly energized and united, confident that the Falcons will continue to RISE to every occasion as they move forward into the rest of the school year.