(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – December 3, 2024) — Jefferson Silva High School is transforming student success through a culture of positivity and mentorship, led by Principal Edgar Rincon. In his second year as principal, Rincon and his team have implemented PBIS Rewards. This innovative program emphasizes recognizing and reinforcing positive behavior, creating a nurturing and supportive school environment.
The Jefferson Silva community has gone beyond simply adopting PBIS—they have tailored it to reflect their unique identity. Drawing inspiration from their Silver Foxes mascot, the school crafted an acronym to embody their core values: F - Focused, O - Optimistic, X - Xceptional, E - Educated, and S - Successful. These principles are not just campus rules—they form the foundation of the school’s vibrant culture.
“Our goal is to promote positive behavior and focus on the good things that are happening at our beautiful campus,” Rincon explained. “If you ask our kids, they’ll tell you exactly what being a Silver Fox means. They’ll even shout out the acronyms at our football games or in the hallways, and they’ll proudly say, ‘We’re Focused, Optimistic, Xceptional, Educated, and Successful.’”
Vibrant posters displaying the F.O.X.E.S. acronym now brighten hallways and classrooms, serving as daily reminders of these values. Senior Isabella Fraire noted how the initiative has positively shaped the campus culture. “Overall, I believe the F.O.X.E.S. acronym has contributed positively to our campus’s culture and sense of belonging,” Fraire said. “It reminds us that we can be great students and great people if we follow these expectations.”
PBIS, which stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support, adds a fun and interactive layer to the school’s culture. Students earn “Fox Funds” or points for demonstrating positive behaviors, such as helping others, showing kindness, or achieving perfect attendance. Teachers and staff distribute these points, which students can redeem for rewards at the school store.
“I believe PBIS Rewards, will be a great addition to our campus as it promotes healthy habits for students,” Fraire added. “With this program students will have more motivation to wear their school ID and attend school; overall this will also promote safety and academic performance on our campus.”
Student Activities Manager Angelica Lechuga echoed this sentiment. “The students are excited about PBIS Rewards. It feels personal to them, and it creates camaraderie,” Lechuga said.
Adding a technological edge, PBIS includes a daily emotional check-in feature through an app. Students report how they feel at the start of the day, selecting green (ready to conquer the day), yellow (feeling stressed), or red (upset). This system allows counselors to proactively support students who may need extra care and attention.
“The foundation of PBIS is emphasizing positive behavior,” Rincon said. “We’ve seen its success in other schools, and now we’re demonstrating it can work just as effectively in high schools.”
Full implementation of PBIS at Jefferson Silva is scheduled for December, but the system is already gaining traction. Teachers are integrating the program into their classrooms, and its additional functionality, such as attendance tracking, is providing valuable data to further improve student outcomes.
The school isn’t stopping at PBIS. Jefferson Silva has also introduced a mentor program to support at-risk students. Eighteen teachers, including Rincon, have volunteered to serve as mentors, regularly checking in with students to provide guidance, encouragement, and connection. “This is about impacting students’ lives in meaningful ways,” Rincon explained. “We want every student to feel valued, supported, and inspired by their education.”
With these transformative initiatives, Jefferson Silva High School is exemplifying how positivity and personal connections can drive student success. Under Rincon’s leadership, the campus is proving that the right support system can inspire and empower every student to thrive.
To learn more about Jefferson Silva High School click here.
