PBIS Orientation Notes and Graduation Requirements

PBIS Goals and Core Values (OCA)

  • PBIS goals for Ohio Connections Academy (OCA) focus on three primary areas for self-management and teamwork that are essential beyond high school:

    • Self-awareness: awareness of one’s inner life, including emotions, thoughts, behaviors, values, goals, strengths, challenges, etc.

    • Self-management: the ability to navigate and shift thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a healthy way to make decisions and reach goals benefiting oneself and others.

    • Responsible decision making: the ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms.

  • For grades 9–12, the simple guiding phrases are: be respectful, be responsible, and be engaged.

  • These PBIS goals are integrated into school practices and expectations throughout the year.

Live Lessons: What it Means to Be Respectful, Responsible, and Engaged

  • Respectful

    • Be positive and supportive to others

    • Stay on topic during conversations

    • Be considerate of peers’ opinions and thoughts

  • Responsible

    • Arrive on time and stay for the full session

    • Bring needed materials

    • Take notes when appropriate

  • Engaged

    • Respond to polls

    • Contribute to class discussions

    • Ask questions

    • Attend at least one live lesson per week (not just a recording)

Communication with Teachers

  • Respectful language and minimizing external distractions

  • Responsible behaviors:

    • Keep scheduled appointments

    • Come with needed materials

    • Read emails and review teacher feedback on graded assignments

    • Reach out for help when needed

    • Respond to teacher-initiated communication within one school day

  • Lesson completion (PBIS):

    • Respectful: attempt all assessment questions and parts; demonstrate academic integrity; maintain a positive growth mindset

    • Responsible: spend 0.50.5 credit on each lesson; follow modification notes; use message board resources; take notes; engage daily

    • Engagement: complete planner; lessons daily; keep overdue lessons below 1010; ask for help and use relearning policy when necessary

PBIS Data View, Prizes, and Instructional Integration

  • Monthly PBIS data view: students reflect and document how they implemented and reinforced PBIS core values of being respectful, responsible, and engaged

  • Prize drawings: monthly drawings to recognize students who consistently demonstrate PBIS values; winners announced publicly and prizes mailed

  • Integration into instruction: teachers intentionally incorporate PBIS principles into instructional practices, including live lessons, to promote a positive school culture

  • Synergy Squad activities: monthly opportunities for students to participate in activities aligned with PBIS, CRST (Culture Responsive Support Team), and SEL (Social-Emotional Learning)

    • A calendar with monthly activities will be provided

Synergy Squad Video and Engagement Ideas

  • The Synergy Squad video discusses collaboration and the synergy of PBIS, CRST, and SEL

  • Examples of engagement ideas discussed include clubs and activities beyond academics (e.g., esports, art club)

  • Emphasis on senior year engagement and connection to the school community

  • Field trips and family engagement activities are described as ways to stay connected beyond daily lessons

  • Padlet and school website resources (high school resources, field trips, and family engagement activities) are provided to help students learn how to participate

  • It’s encouraged to participate in activities that align with personal interests (e.g., esports, art) to feel connected and gain experiences useful for resumes, college applications, or career paths

  • SMART goal example for senior year: “to graduate” (specific, time-oriented, achievable)

Engagement in School Community: Field Trips, Clubs, and Senior Year Focus

  • Family engagement activities are described as field trips; registration and details are on the high school Padlet

  • Emphasis on social connection: opportunities to engage with peers and teachers, and to build a sense of community beyond daily classes

  • Real-world relevance: participation in clubs, field trips, and activities can enhance job applications, college applications, and career readiness

  • Senior year emphasis: senior experiences should be meaningful and fit individual preferences for connection and engagement

  • Example questions from students (chat discussions) illustrate interest in trying new activities (e.g., esports, government field trips)

Graduation Requirements Overview (Class of 2026 and Beyond)

  • The three main graduation requirements in Ohio Connections Academy (OCA):

    • Earn 2121 credits

    • Demonstrate competency in English and math

    • Earn two diploma seals (at least one must be a state seal)

  • Credits and coursework

    • Each class can earn a maximum of 0.50.5 credit per semester; year-long courses can earn up to 1.01.0 credit

    • Passing grade is 60 ext{%} or better for each semester

    • 21 total credits needed to graduate; at least 55 of those must be earned through OCA

    • Typical course progression maps out 4 years of English and math; 3 years of science and social studies; electives added as needed to reach 21 credits

  • Competency (end-of-course exams)

    • Must demonstrate competency in Algebra I and English II by achieving at least 684684 on each end-of-course exam

    • If competency is not met after two attempts, options include:

    • Military enlistment

    • College credit plus success in the same subject

    • Career readiness

    • Remediation-free score on ACT or SAT

  • Career Readiness option specifics

    • Foundational elements (one must be met):

    • Score proficient or higher on three Web exams in a career-technical pathway

    • Obtain 12 industry credentials

    • Complete a pre-apprenticeship program

    • Be accepted into a post-high school apprenticeship program

    • Earn a state-issued license for a vocation by passing an exam

    • Supporting elements (need two, with at least one foundational):

    • Complete 250 hours of work-based learning with a positive evaluation

    • Obtain the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal

    • Obtain a workforce readiness score on the WorkKeys Assessment

  • Diploma seals and readiness for life after high school

    • You must earn two diploma seals; at least one must be a state seal

    • Examples of seals include: Science, Citizenship, Industry Credential, Ohio Means Jobs, Honors Diploma, among others (12 total seals available)

    • Each seal has its own requirements; review your plan with your counselor

  • Transcript and progression planning

    • A progression plan on the transcript shows completed categories with checks when requirements are met (21 credits, testing, and two diploma seals)

    • The transcript also tracks course credits and can be accessed via the High School Transcript link in the user guidebook

  • End-of-course exams mapping to graduation requirements

    • A chart (not reproduced here) shows which exams contribute to meeting graduation requirements

  • Counselor support

    • Specific questions about graduation requirements should be directed to your school counselor

    • The assigned counselor can be seen on the student homepage under sections

Graduation Process, Planning, and Resources

  • Graduation data view (application for graduation)

    • Essential for ensuring your name appears correctly on your diploma and indicating post-graduation plans

    • Accessed only from your student account; instructions are shown on screen during orientations

    • Deadlines vary by cohort:

    • Winter graduates: by 11/111/1

    • Spring and Summer graduates: by 1/211/21

  • Post-graduation planning and resources

    • The twelfth grade Padlet contains planning resources

    • Virtual college visits are planned for the first semester, including four-year colleges, two-year colleges, vocational and trade schools

    • Planning includes keeping webmail, planner, and Padlet updated for upcoming visits and opportunities

  • Counselor roles and contacts

    • The senior counseling team provides guidance on graduation planning, college and career planning, and social-emotional needs

    • Contact via webmail, phone, or text; counselors are assigned by last name initials (e.g., Salyer, Keckley, Anderson, Warren, Wright)

  • Graduation ceremony planning and logistics

    • The Class of 2026 graduation ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, 06/06/202606/06/2026 at the Celeste Center, Ohio State Fairgrounds

    • Information will be shared via webmail and the twelfth grade Padlet

    • The Graduation committee coordinates details; more information about cap and gown ordering will be released in October

    • Cap and gown cost from the previous year was around 4545 (last year’s price; current pricing to be announced in October)

    • Financial assistance is available if needed; school can help with ordering if there are financial concerns

  • Cap and gown and decorations

    • Decorating your cap is allowed if school-appropriate; no formal approval needed

    • If decorations are not appropriate, you may be provided with a replacement cap

  • Important reminders for seniors

    • Check webmail regularly for updates and important information

    • The twelfth grade Padlet is a key resource for senior-year information

    • Graduation planning requires active engagement with counselors and staff

  • Technical notes from orientation

    • There were real-time questions and chat interactions during the session; some technical issues are acknowledged (e.g., attendance links, connectivity)

    • If a question is not answered in chat, students are encouraged to webmail teachers or counselors for a direct response

  • Final guidance and encouragement

    • The session encourages staying engaged, being kind to oneself and others, and maintaining momentum toward graduation and life after high school

Quick Reference: Key Numbers and Dates

  • Graduation credits and requirements

    • 2121 credits required

    • English and Math competency: end-of-course exams; minimum score 684684 on Algebra I and English II EOC

    • Fine arts: 11 credit

    • Core electives: 4.54.5 credits

    • Total elective credits: 4.54.5 + core credits to reach 2121

    • Promotion thresholds: from 9th to 10th = 55 credits; 10th to 11th = 1010 credits; 11th to 12th = 6060 credits (note: total credits required remains 2121 for graduation)

  • End-of-course exams (six)

    • Algebra I, English II, Geometry, Biology, American History, American Government

  • Graduation ceremony date and location

    • 06/06/202606/06/2026 at the Celeste Center, Ohio State Fairgrounds

  • Data view deadlines

    • Winter graduates: Nov 1

    • Spring/Summer graduates: Jan 21

  • Cap and gown cost (example from last year)

    • Approximately 4545 including shipping and taxes; current price to be announced in October

Possible Scenarios and Practical Implications

  • Demonstrating PBIS values can influence classroom dynamics, school culture, and readiness for life after high school by:

    • Encouraging respectful collaboration and reduced distractions

    • Fostering timely attendance and preparedness for lessons

    • Supporting engagement in live lessons and school activities

  • The competency requirement (684 on Algebra I and English II EOC) ensures students have a solid foundation before graduation; if not met, students should explore the four competency options with counselor support

  • Career Readiness pathway provides a structured alternative to traditional testing, combining foundational and supporting elements to certify readiness for work or further training

  • Diploma seals provide recognition for diverse strengths (science, citizenship, industry credentials, etc.) and encourage students to pursue additional certifications or experiences

  • Senior year planning emphasizes proactive communication with counselors and timely completion of required data views and graduation applications to avoid delays

  • Engagement beyond academics (Synergy Squad, field trips, clubs) is encouraged to build community, enhance resumes, and support personal growth

If you have specific questions about your own graduation plan or PBIS expectations, reach out to your assigned school counselor or your homeroom teacher. They can review your transcript, your credits, and your progress toward the three graduation requirements (21 credits, competency, and two diploma seals) and help tailor a plan for your senior year and beyond.