The Falcon Way

What is The Falcon Way?

"The Falcon Way" is a part of Fairmount's Universal Language to help teach every student behavior expectations throughout the building. At Fairmount, just as we teach reading, writing and math skills, we believe that we must teach expected behaviors!

"The Falcon Way" is following the expectation of being a SAFE, RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE LEADER each and every day. All students hear these words each and every day, in every area of our building, and it is our hope to instill safety, respect, responsibility and leadership in each of our Falcons!

Falcon Behavior Expectations Matrix

The Behavior Expectations Matrix is at the heart of all behavior teaching at Fairmount. Part of the Falcon Way is teaching behavior expectations in much the same way that we teach math, reading and writing. The Matrix guides conversations with students to serve as teaching points, reminders before transitioning to a new area or task, and to diminish undesired behaviors through the use of positively stated universal language. Our Matrix is posted and accessible in all areas of the building as a reference for students and staff of our expected behaviors at Fairmount! You can check out Fairmount's Behavior Expectation Matrix below.

Teaching Behavior Expectations at Home

Just as we teach behavior expectations at Fairmount using our school Matrix, you can teach your Falcons the behavior expectations of your home using your very own Matrix! Below, you will find a Blank Home Matrix as well as a sample Home Matrix to help you with making your own behavior expectations.

Tips:

It's a good idea to involve your Falcons in the making of your expectations and rules. Ask your Falcons what they think the home expectations should be!

When writing your expectations, try to state them positively with the desired behavior. For instance, if you expect your Falcons to sit on the couches and chairs, try the verbiage, "Sit seat to seat on the couches and chairs" instead of "Don't stand on the furniture." Rather than "Don't take food off of other people's plates" try "Eat food from your own plate and ask for seconds."

Make sure your Matrix is visible and refer back to it often!

Universal Language and Signs

Fairmount's Staff uses universal language to teach behavior throughout our building. In addition, students have access to universal signs that can be seen in every learning area of Fairmount! This helps all staff to ensure that every Falcon is hearing the same message and expectations throughout their school day, regardless of their learning location.

Check out our Universal Signs! Turn your Falcons into teachers and have them teach you what each sign means and come up with how to use them as a family in your home!

Zones of Regulation and Chill Zones

Just as Fairmount teaches behavior expectations, our Falcon community also strives to teach emotional regulation and well-being to all students. Fairmount uses the Zones of Regulation to help children name and understand their emotions. Your family can use the Fairmount Zones sign to help with naming emotions as well!

Fairmount also has Chill Zones in every area of the building. Just like adults, when our Falcons experience big emotions, they sometimes need a minute away to calm down and think about the situation. Your family can use Fairmount's Chill Zone sign to set up a calming area in your home too!