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Mandela Falcons RISE: Building a positive school culture together

Student raising hand and waving to Falcon mascot
Mandela Falcons RISE: Building a positive school culture together

Last Monday, the Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School community came together for a powerful PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Assembly that celebrated the values guiding their journey toward a positive and supportive environment. NMHZ’s rollout of PBIS has been deliberate and intentional, ensuring that every step connects meaningfully to students’ daily experiences.

During the assembly, staff helped students link the words of their daily pledge—challenging them to RISE (Responsible, Integrity, Safe, Exceptional)—to the expectations that shape school culture. The space was vibrant with artwork created in art class, featuring inspiring messages like “Be Kind,” “Peace,” “No Bullying” and “Encourage Others,” reflecting the spirit of the school community.

Students reviewed the core purpose of PBIS: celebrating positivity, believing in themselves as scholars and individuals, and understanding that while expectations matter, recognition and rewards are part of the journey. Highlights included the Sixth Grade Players, who used role-play to demonstrate both poor and positive examples of behavior, and a surprise visit from the beloved mascot, the Falcon!

Students and staff left the assembly energized and united, confident that the Falcons will continue to RISE to every occasion as they move forward into the rest of the school year.

Mascot walking into assembly
NMHZ students at assembly
Student raising hand and waving to Falcon mascot
Group of students sitting around table/
Teachers and assistant principal together


 

 

A classroom setting with a teacher in a cowboy costume engaging with a group of young students seated on the floor, surrounded by educational materials and displays on the walls.
NMHZ students learn about expressing love to themselves with dragon-themed book

Social emotional learning was underway at Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School, as kindergarten and first-grade students learned about love and how to show love to themselves — with the help of dinosaurs. The School Counseling Department read "When I Feel Loved," by Paula Bowles and spoke to the students about how saying nice words and affirmations are beautiful ways of expressing love to themselves. The activity concluded with each student finding a dragon egg, and inside, was their own positive affirmation.

 
Students on the 100th day of school.
1st Grade 100th Day Activities at NMHZ

First Graders at Nelson Mandela Hosea Zollicoffer School celebrated the 100th Day a little early, but in style! Scholars had the option to dress as 100-year-olds, and some definitely dressed the part.

Students stand in front of displays
Cyberbullying is real: Nelson Mandela students learn about online responsibility

Students at Nelson Mandela / Hosea Zollicoffer School were reminded of a simple but powerful message: Cyber bullying is real The school hosted a cyber bullying awareness assembly February 26 for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade scholars, focusing on the responsibility that comes with social media and digital communication. In an age when technology is always within reach, Assistant Principal Tanganyika Lindner-Brown said it is easy for students — and adults — to forget that every click carries weight.

A group of people, both adults and children, are seated around a table in a school gymnasium, enjoying a meal together.
Mindful Workshop Activity: Wind Chimes & Yoga Class

Families had the opportunity to participate in a relaxing and creative mindful workshop Tuesday afternoon hosted by Parent Liaison Pamela Valdovinos, along with school counselor & yoga instructor Ms. Trombetta. Families designed and decorated their very own wind chimes, adding personal colors and styles before taking them home. Parents also enjoyed a calming yoga session focused on deep breathing and stress relief.

Group shot of students and teachers with gingerbread houses.
NMHZ students create gingerbread houses after reading about them

After completing a weeks-long study of gingerbread-themed books, Simone Oliver’s second grade class at Nelson Mandela/Hosea Zollicoffer School celebrated with a gingerbread house making party. The children were excited to bring the stories to life by designing and decorating their own gingerbread houses.