Atwater students are kind - they treat others well and demonstrate empathy in relationships.
Embedded Files
May Baskets
May Baskets
Atwater proudly encompasses a specific emphasis on kindness, empathy, and caring. These traits are threads that have been woven through the fabric of Atwater over the years. As a result of intentional planning, practice, and reflection, Atwater students have grown to be kind, empathetic members of our community. In a time of emergency virtual learning, this was proudly highlighted; our staff modified a long-standing tradition to spread kindness through the delivery of May Baskets. Many students used their knowledge on the importance of empathy and care to spread kindness within their own communities during this difficult time.
Crayola Grant - Atwater PERKS.m4v1st/2nd Grade PERKS Case Study
1st/2nd Grade PERKS Case Study
It matters to us that students feel ownership of the Atwater Habits of Character and Scholarship. Teachers want students to do more than recite what a trait means - they want children to be able to live the traits in various contexts. From classroom Crew experiences, to monitoring the PERKS throughout their day, to applying the PERKS on a rock climbing challenge, the first and second graders in this case study thoroughly explored how they could grow as friends and as a community of learners. Empathy and kindness were at the forefront, as noted in the children's reflective writing and as seen in the symbols the students chose for their final product.
Embracing Crew
Embracing Crew
Over multiple years of working with EL, Atwater progressively included multiple levels of Crew, as indicated by the Implementation Roadmap. Not only has the staff embraced classroom Crew, All School Crew, and Cross Age Crew, but it has also learned to leverage the power of Crew to help students live and apply the Design Principles and PERKS.
Classroom Crew
Classroom Crew
Cross-Age Crew
Cross-Age Crew
All-School Crew
All-School Crew
Senior Kindergarten (5K) Celebrations Project
Senior Kindergarten (5K) Celebrations Project
SK students each bring a visual representation of family celebrations to share with their peers. Showcased celebrations include family traditions, holidays, and favorite activities.
Crew Norms
Crew Norms
Classrooms create norms for their Crew collaboratively. These norms are posted in the classroom as a reference for all Crew members.
Monthly Design Principles
Monthly Design Principles
Our Atwater Crew learns about an EL design principle each month. These principles are showcased during All-School Crew as well as discussed in classroom Crew meetings.
Classroom Crew Space
Classroom Crew Space
Classroom Crew meeting spaces showcase the EL design principles as well as the Atwater PERKS.
Perks Continuum: Empathy
Perks Continuum: Kindness
PERKS Continuum
PERKS Continuum
Empathy and Kindness
Empathy and Kindness
As a school community, Atwater classrooms and hallways highlight The PERKS Continuum, which was developed to ensure a common understanding across the building of how each character trait lives and looks at Atwater. Beginning with a definition of the Habit, each trait is then broken down into developmentally appropriate character targets. This continuum allows students to take individual responsibility for their actions and hold themselves accountable for the growth they wish to achieve. Teachers and students use this continuum for formal reflection throughout the year, often monthly, and it is a key component of the goal-setting done during Crew.
School Perceptions Survey
School Perceptions Survey
Each spring, all Shorewood students grades 4-12 take part of an annual survey. The School Perceptions survey is our district’s tool for gathering quantitative data related to character and wellness. Several questions on the survey connect directly to the Atwater PERKS, including the question to the left, “I feel sorry for others when they are hurting” The scoring is on a 4.0 scale, 1.0 being low and 4.0 being high. Atwater has maintained a high-score over the last 4 years of collecting schools perceptions data.
The PERKS During Student Focus Groups
The PERKS During Student Focus Groups
We have asked students about the PERKS and how they are used throughout Atwater over the past several years during our mid-year review student focus groups. Some of the responses from different years and grade bands are included below.
2018-2019 : 5K, 1st and 2nd grade students
2019-2020 : 5K, 1st and 2nd grade students
2020-2021 : 3rd and 4th grade students
“I feel like you won't be bullied. People don't use words or physical force to bring you down and hurt you because of your beliefs or identity”
“I feel like you won't be bullied. People don't use words or physical force to bring you down and hurt you because of your beliefs or identity”
- Marcus, 5th grader
- Marcus, 5th grader
Page updated
Report abuse