The 3 Big Rocks of PBIS: Expectations, Relationships & Culture
Tue Feb 03 2026
In this episode, we explore how Samuel Walker Houston Elementary in Huntsville ISD leverages PBIS and MTSS to create a positive and inclusive school environment. Assistant Principal Anthony Williams shares actionable strategies for systems, relationship building, and student engagement that are transforming their school community.
Samuel Walker Houston Elementary was one of our Momentum Award winners this year. They were recognized for their momentum in the area of PBIS and MTSS.
Resources:
Article: PBIS: More than Points and Parties
Tier 1 Behavior Guide
Branching Minds Momentum Awards
Capturing Kids Hearts
PBIS
Samuel Walker Houston Elementary School Website
Takeaways:
The importance of building capacity in teachers for classroom managementHow PBIS guiding principles, like "Big Rocks," align staff and student behaviorUsing classroom expectations, rewards, and recognition to reinforce positive behaviorThe innovative badge challenge system that promotes collective student achievementData-driven approaches to reducing office discipline referralsThe significance of strong relationships and speaking with purposeThe long-term commitment needed to implement effective school-wide systemsStrategies for beginning or reinvigorating PBIS and MTSS programs
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!
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In this episode, we explore how Samuel Walker Houston Elementary in Huntsville ISD leverages PBIS and MTSS to create a positive and inclusive school environment. Assistant Principal Anthony Williams shares actionable strategies for systems, relationship building, and student engagement that are transforming their school community. Samuel Walker Houston Elementary was one of our Momentum Award winners this year. They were recognized for their momentum in the area of PBIS and MTSS. Resources: Article: PBIS: More than Points and Parties Tier 1 Behavior Guide Branching Minds Momentum Awards Capturing Kids Hearts PBIS Samuel Walker Houston Elementary School Website Takeaways: The importance of building capacity in teachers for classroom managementHow PBIS guiding principles, like "Big Rocks," align staff and student behaviorUsing classroom expectations, rewards, and recognition to reinforce positive behaviorThe innovative badge challenge system that promotes collective student achievementData-driven approaches to reducing office discipline referralsThe significance of strong relationships and speaking with purposeThe long-term commitment needed to implement effective school-wide systemsStrategies for beginning or reinvigorating PBIS and MTSS programs Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!