Classroom Expectations

We do many PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support) activities as a classroom and as a school to encourage positive behavior choices. Our school motto is “It’s your choice. Make it a good one!”

Classroom and School Buckets

We have a school-wide character education program developed by our school counselor and a group of teachers. This program includes teaching frequent lessons that cover Ohio SEL standards, based on read alouds, activities and/or discussions.  Our school counselor will send home a question for your family to discuss the topic after the lesson. Early in the year, we use the texts, How Full Is Your Bucket for Kids and Have You Filled a Bucket Today? to encourage kindness and respect. We reinforce the theme of the books with a School Bucket and a Classroom Bucket. Each time we fill our Classroom Bucket, our class adds a scoop to the School Bucket. We have a “fun” day in our class each time we fill our Bucket. The WHOLE school has a “fun” day when the School Bucket is filled. Our Classroom Bucket is filled with smileys each time I find students doing something kind, respectful, and/ or making good choices.

Ticket System

Throughout the building, students will have the opportunity to earn golden tickets for their great choices each day. Students will write their names on their tickets and be entered into the building drawing for a special prize, or they can choose to save up their tickets to shop at the SOAR Shop at different points in the school year!

Logical Consequences/Strikes

I always talk to students about choices and make sure they understand why our different rules and expectations are in place. I find that students are much more attentive to expectations when they know the reasons behind them! We will work together to create and discuss the rules for our classroom the first few days of school. In addition, I spend time modeling and discussing how to positively handle conflicts with other students throughout the year, which always helps eliminate many issues. 

While students can earn tickets for their Bucket Filling choices, students earn "strikes" in our class for Bucket Dipping choices. We follow the "three strikes and you're out" rule, so if a child earns three strikes, additional “strikes" could result in one or more of the following consequences:

1. A logical consequence related to the behavior (example: practice walking up and down the hall due to running in the hallway)

2. Make up missed work at home or during a fun time

3. Parent Contact

4. Behavior Referral to Principal

Your first grader will notate in his or her daily behavior in agenda books as follows: 

3=Met the Standard/0-1 Strike

2= Working Toward Standard/2-3 Strikes

1=Limited Progress Toward Standard/More Than 3 Strikes 

*Please note - if a student struggles with a minor issue repeatedly, then the family will still be contacted so we can work together to make a plan/find a solution. If it is a major/safety issue, parents and administration will be involved right away.