Astatula Elementary School is celebrating a milestone year after being named a 2024–25 Florida PBIS Silver Model School while also earning the Gold STEAM School designation for the ninth consecutive year.

The dual honors recognize the school’s dedication to both academic innovation and creating a supportive, positive learning environment for all students.

The Florida Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) project recognized Astatula for its efforts to improve student outcomes and school climate through evidence-based strategies. The PBIS framework focuses on building skills, strengthening systems, acknowledging positive behaviors and using data to identify student needs.

Last summer, Astatula staff attended a PBIS conference and formed a team to develop schoolwide expectations and a shared language for positive behavior. Since then, the school has introduced programs such as Class of the Week, Lunch with a Friend, Pawsitive Behavior Referrals (students sent to the office for something good), Lunch Bunch drawings with administrators, TOWER of POWER, Cafeteria Shout-outs and Bobcat Bucks in specials classes.

In addition to recognizing positive behavior, the school also increased its focus on supporting students who struggle. Staff members collaborate to identify strategies to help students cope and succeed, from formal counseling to simple daily check-ins with a trusted adult.

“This was our first year attempting to reach model school status, and we made it,” Assistant Principal Jan Zeiger says. “The success comes from teamwork and the shared belief that recognizing positive behavior changes school culture.”

Along with the PBIS recognition, Astatula Elementary once again earned the Gold STEAM School award, a distinction it has maintained for nearly a decade. To qualify, schools must demonstrate excellence in integrating science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) at every grade level and meet extensive requirements such as hosting STEAM Nights, participating in competitions, and ensuring full student participation in science and engineering fairs.

For more information about Astatula Elementary and its PBIS and STEAM initiatives, visit ael.lake.k12.fl.us.