Pax-It Notes 

Pax-It Notes is based upon the concepts found in the universal school-based PeaceBuilders model (Embry, et. al., 1996; Flannery, et. al., 2003) and the concepts of tootling (Skinner, et. al., 2000).

When a youth demonstrates a positive action it is reinforced by a positive note being sent to the youth, their parent and/or school. It is a modification of “catching someone doing good.” The Pax-It Note is an NCR three copy half-paged note that is filled out when a teacher, school official, law enforcement officer, business person, parent or other adult witnesses a youth “doing good.” A copy of the note is given to the youth, a second copy is given to an external recognition source (parent, teacher, etc.) and a third copy is kept for data tracking purposes.

This positive reinforcement of good behavior has been shown to shift norms, reduce violence, and reduce other risk factors associated with alcohol, tobacco and other substance use (Gable, A., 2002; Jurbergs, et. al., 2007; McCain & Kelley, 1994).

Local high school graphics art classes are currently developing templates for the actual Pax-It Notes which will be customized to each school district in the county. Some local school systems are already utilizing their own version of Pax-It Notes, but they will switch to the student developed notes once they are produced. State Farm Insurance is printing the Pax-It Notes.

Schools will be the primary deliverer of notes, but there are plans to expand the notes to businesses, neighborhoods, families, and other venues where youth have an opportunity to “do good.” A simultaneous marketing campaign will occur to promote witnessed good behaviors in the media, school buildings and businesses and recognize individual youth.