Primary Interaction Program

What is PIP?
PIP is a weekly opportunity to help children kindergarten through third grade build resiliency and self esteem through classroom lessons and/or small group experiences, or one-on-one activity room sessions.

How are students selected for this program?
The staff at each school recommends students whom they feel might benefit from the program. Teachers provide input through a brief screening of all students in first through third grades in the first semester.   Kindergarten children are screened in the second semester.   A parent or school administrator may also refer students. The final selection steps involve a phone call to parents, followed by a written permission form being sent home.  Parents must give written approval before a child can participate in the program.

 

What are the components of the PIP Program?
At 17 sites the PIP program is called FOCUS - Focus on Children Understanding Self-Esteem – and consists of three components:  small groups, playground, and classroom presentations (five 30-minue lessons for all K-3 classrooms).  The well researched Esteem Builders curriculum will be used for small groups and classroom lessons. With parent permission, small group instruction is available for students.  Groups are composed of 2-4 students who meet together 30 minutes each week for 12 weeks with a Student Services Assistant.  This program is supervised by an elementary counselor.

Topics covered are:

Security - students see school is a safe environment where they can learn and feel safe

Selfhood - students gain a strong sense of individuality recognizing their unique qualities

Affiliation - students see themselves in relationships to others, gaining a sense of belonging and an ability to cooperate and share

Mission - students are able to set realistic and achievable goals and follow through on plans with a sense of purpose and future

Competence - students become aware of their own strengths and acknowledge personal success

 

At two sites the program is called Activity Room. Activity Room sessions provide the student with one-on-one non-directive play time. This play time is supervised by a trained PUSD staff member.