CC#118: Innovative Strategies for Effective PBIS in High Schools w/ Dr. Danelle Ambrosia - State College Area HS - PA APOY 2026

In this episode of Cool Coffee, 2026 Pennsylvania Assistant Principal of the Year, Dr. Danielle Ambrosia, shares her insights on implementing and evolving PBIS in a high school setting. Discover how her team has successfully fostered a positive school culture through innovative strategies like mental health summits, recognition coins, and transparent leadership. Yes, PBIS works in the high schools too! Connect with the Dr. Ambrosia ----------------------------------------------------- Contact Cool Coffee host, Principal Rick Sola: [email protected] or [email protected] The mission of the Kansas Principals Association, an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE. Provide Cool Coffee feedback! Click HERE to share thoughts and suggestions--including guests to have on the show! Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes! Connect with Cool Coffee on... Follow us on X: @KSPrincipals; @KPACoolCoffee Facebook: KSPrincipals Contact host Principal Rick Sola: [email protected] or [email protected] -------------------------------------------------------- Chapters 00:00 Introduction to PBIS and Dr. Danielle Ambrosia 01:09 The Evolution of PBIS at State College Area High School 02:09 Initial Challenges and Lessons Learned 05:00 Student Engagement and Feedback in PBIS 07:40 Mental Health Summits: A New Approach 10:08 Building a Positive Framework for PBIS 13:22 Creating a Culture of Transparency and Support 14:08 Understanding Student Needs and Preferences 18:28 Inclusive Reward Systems in PBIS 20:51 The Importance of Validation in Education 23:00 Overcoming Resistance to PBIS 26:02 Consistency in Discipline Practices 28:42 Reinvesting in PBIS Each Year 31:20 Celebrating Successes and Innovations 36:11 Recognizing the Unsung Heroes