Southside Elementary School in Fernandina Beach has earned a Gold Level Model School designation from the Florida Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Project for the 2025-2026 school year.

The school announced the recognition on Friday, Sept. 4, crediting students, staff and families for building a culture around four expectations: Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Kind and Be Respectful. The school described the achievement as a reflection of intentional work happening every day to teach, model and celebrate positive behaviors.

Gold Ranks Second-Highest in State's PBIS System

Gold is the second-highest tier in the state's PBIS recognition system, above Bronze and Silver and below Platinum. PBIS is an evidence-based framework for improving student outcomes and is the only student-behavior approach called for by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The school serves pre-K through second grade. Monica Weber is principal, with Portia Carty as assistant principal.

Recognition Follows an A School Grade

The recognition caps a strong stretch for the campus. Southside earned an A school grade in the Florida Department of Education's most recent accountability results, according to a Nassau County School District announcement published July 21. The district ranked No. 2 out of Florida's 67 school districts.