Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) is utilized to teach and affirm positive adult and student behavior as part of the larger Wish School culture and climate. Wish Students accumulate PAWS as a reward and affirmation for their positive behaviors.
PAWS
P - Practice Kindness
A - Always Be Respectful
W - Work Hard
S - Stay Safe
UConn HNS, as an aligned and contributing partner @ Wish School, integrates PBIS and PAWS within all educational programs and school-wide collaborations. UConn HNS staff also serve as the lead facilitators for “Thriving Thursdays” which operates as a rotation of school-wide initiatives that occurs every Thursday to celebrate different Wish School stakeholders through investments such as Staff Appreciation, Student Lunch Bunch, Classroom Recesses, Classroom Snacks, and more.
The PBIS School Store is offered once per month during “Thriving Thursday” to every Wish School Student/Classroom. In addition to the prizes available for students to purchase using their PAWS during the PBIS School Store a, a special opportunity is offered to purchase an entire class recess with UConn (Cost=100 PAWS).
On this UConn HNS “Thriving Thursday” @ Wish School, we were able to engage with students to learn more about their interests and suggestions regarding: THE PLAYGROUND @ WISH SCHOOL
Students
During the 10/02 PBIS School Store, 4 Wish School Classrooms purchased a UConn Recess. During these recesses, held just one week later on 10/09, the opportunity was available to engage even more with Wish School Students in grades 1st, 3rd, and 5th at they were out having fun and playing at Recess. Making sure to not interrupt students’ fun play time, we asked one specific question and took down their responses in less than 30 seconds per student!
Students: If you were in charge and could pick one thing to add to the playground @ Wish School - What would be your Top One Pick?
SWINGS!!!
By Far The Top Choice! - Now (And Back Then)
Now – in 2025 with students attending school and playing during recess at Wish School on Vine Street, by far the top choice for a new addition to the playground:
“Swings” = 44% of responses (40 of 91 votes)
And Back Then - in 2020 right before COVID shutdown public schools and spaces - while students were attending school and playing during recess at Wish School on Barbour Street, they were asked the same one question – See more with “Playgrounds - Recess”
“Swings” = 60% of responses (42 of 71 votes)
Others Receiving Votes
“Trampoline” received 9 votes – a distant second place. With apologies to Wish School Students – without even actually asking - all legal teams involved shared that we will not be able to pursue adding Trampolines at Wish School.
Four other top choices received 2 votes (ex: Slides, Seesaw, Parkour, and a Swimming Pool!)
23 other top choices receiving just 1 vote (ex: Basketballs, Soccer Balls, Volleyballs, Basketball Hoops, Soccer Goals, Volleyball Nets, and a Roller-Coaster!)
Closing Analysis - Actions are Available
#1 - “One Size DOES NOT Fit All”
One noteworthy trend was that 8 students top choices focused on different sizes with playground equipment. Examples include shorter (Monkey bars), longer (Slides), and bigger (Spin Seats). Across PreK-5th grades, available playground equipment will need to vary by size.
#2 - “Benches & Trees”
Some students simply wanted more beautiful and comfortable places to rest and relax as part of their Wish School playground and recess experience. Maybe we can’t support Trampolines, Swimming Pools, and Roller Coasters, but a few more “Benches & Trees” seem fair, peaceful, and possible.
#3 - “Please Keep in Mind”
- 29 different top choices were shared by Wish School Students, indicating a wide range of recess options and playground interests
- At the same time, across 91 total responses, Please Keep in Mind, not one student responded with “Nothing” or “Please do not make any new additions to the playground @ Wish School”
- Wish Students want and deserve more playground options at their school. We can do more and better!