Expectations of Behavior/ Social and Emotional Learning

What are the expectations of behavior?

W.L. Miller utilizes School Wide Positive Behavior Support. Like academic skills, we believe that behavioral expectations must be taught. Most students meet the expectations easily and others need additional supports in order to be successful. We have three expectations for all students in all settings: Be Safe, Be Responsible & Be Respectful. These expectations are taught to every child in each area and practiced the first week of school and repeated as necessary. Positive behavior is rewarded using Tiger Bucks and through our W.L.M. School Store. A behavior matrix is attached to this document.

Social and Emotional Learning

While we believe having common language and behavioral expectations throughout the school community is important, and rewards have their place, we also know that intrinsic motivation is the key to student success. Caring School Community (https://www.collaborativeclassroom.org/caring-school-community) is the curriculum we use to promote Social and Emotional Learning. We recognize that students experience greater academic success when they are an integral part of a supportive community that respects differences. Short lessons are taught in the format of class meetings. The core principles of this program include:

• Actively creating and supporting an inclusive, caring, and safe learning community.

• The integration of social and emotional learning into academic instruction.

• Lessons that build on and support students' intrinsic motivation.

• Learning situations that center on students’ thinking and action.

**A note on cell phones: While we understand and appreciate the need for students to have cell phones for before/after school activities, their use is not allowed in school. Cell phones should be turned off and stored in backpacks during the school day.