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We want to make sure that all staff is receiving updates to the blog.  Please ask around in your grade level to see if everyone is receiving our updates. If not, ask them to subscribe. We will update monthly to share ideas and keep everyone informed about our PBIS system.

Puma Pride Award Ceremony

Ms. Cabrera & Ms. Jones’s 

PUMA PRIDE AWARD Ceremony

  Each month, a student from each homeroom is recognized for the PUMA PRIDE AWARD.  The recipient of this award is a student who exemplifies the Character Trait of the month.  An administrator had the privilege of visiting Ms. Cabrera’s 4th grade classroom while she and Ms. Jones, the other dual language teacher, conducted their PUMA PRIDE AWARD ceremony.

  Ms. Cabrera reported that this ceremony had “a great impact on the relationships that they are building” in her class.  She said that her students are “appreciated and know that we really care about them.”   Ms. Jones also stated that these ceremonies have “helped to forge stronger relationships with parents and as a result better relationships with students.”  Parents have reported that they are used to only getting calls or notifications regarding negative behaviors.  They were thrilled to come to the school to actually see their kid be congratulated [for positive character traits] in front of a class.”  One student reported that it’s like having “a piece of home with her during the school day.”  Ms. Cabrera managed to keep the PUMA PRIDE AWARD a surprise from her student.  When he found out about it, he was happy to know that Ms. Cabrera communicated good things to his parents about him.  Ms. Cabrera highly recommends that teachers participate in PUMA PRIDE AWARD ceremonies.  She said that “it is a great way to begin building positive relationships with our students.”  She went on to say that this ceremony allows students to get know us (teachers), and gives teachers the opportunity to share the good things that students are doing.  Ms. Cabrera said, “Most of the time, they (students) don’t show it, but they appreciate that you took a few minutes of your personal time to call home.  I believe that those little details in our students’ lives make big changes-[it can be] as simple as an honest hug.”  Mrs. Jones also stated that this ceremony “can impact the mood/attitude of not only the recipients but the entire class...It does not seem like a big deal to you but can be such as big deal for the student and even the parent.”
  Our next PUMA PRIDE AWARD is scheduled for January 7,  2019.  Don’t miss that opportunity to build lasting relationships with your students and parents which can yield positive academic growth.

Ms, Miodusewski's Banding Ceremony

Mrs. Miodusewski’s Banding Ceremony

     Our Banding Ceremonies is an initiative that Polenta has implemented this school year to recognize students who have exhibited exemplary behavior throughout the quarter. Last quarter, Mrs. Miodusewski’s 2nd grade students celebrated their Banding Ceremony by joining hands to show their commitment to outstanding behavior.

     According to Mrs. Miodusewski, their Banding Ceremony allowed her the opportunity “to recognize each student for their contribution to the classroom.”  Each student was asked to come forward, and Mrs. Miodusewski explained specifically what that student had done to earn this honor.  In the future, Mrs. Miodusewski is considering allowing her students to share something positive about each other.  When asked about memorable comments or responses, her students reported that they liked the Banding Ceremony because this was a time to learn what they had done that was “good” or “excelled” in.  Mrs. Miodusewski recommends that all teachers participate in the Banding Ceremony because “it doesn’t take much time to reflect on each student and what they bring to the classroom.  It makes them feel like an individual who is recognized/celebrated by the class.”
     Our next school-wide Banding Ceremonies are scheduled for December 21, 2018.  Show a student that he/she is a valuable member of your class by participating in our Banding Ceremonies.  Remember to keep a list of all “Banded” students to ensure that these students are not overlooked during EOY Awards Ceremonies.

Kapusta's Morning Meeting

Morning Meetings In
 Mrs. Kapusta’s 5th Grade Class

     Morning Meetings can take on a different look in each classroom.  Yet, the purpose remains the same.  Morning Meetings are daily opportunities (usually lasting about 20 minutes) to set the tone for respectful learning; establish a climate of trust; motivate students to feel significant; create empathy and encourage collaboration; and support social, emotional, and academic learning (Responsive Classroom, Aug 12, 2015).  This edition of the PBIS/SEL blog highlights Morning Meetings in Mrs. Kapusta’s 5th grade class.  

(Powerpoint Presentation)

     In a recent interview with Mrs. Kapusta, she reported that Morning Meetings have been instrumental in creating a compassionate culture in her class.  She said, “fifth graders can be unkind to each other, and I think the kindness level in my class has improved over past years due to getting to know each other better during Morning Meeting. The students are more encouraging and tolerant of each other.”  For teachers who feel that Morning Meetings take away from their instructional time, Mrs. Kapusta incorporates core instruction into her Morning Meetings. “Probably, twice a week for our activity, I pull in math or science activities to enhance what we are discussing in class.  I usually let them work with a teammate.  For example, solve a word problem, how many equations can you make to equal 120, or unscramble science vocabulary words.” 

     Teachers are encouraged to tweak Morning Meetings to fit their students and routine.  Mrs. Kapusta said, “I found that it was easier for me, as well as the students to have consistency in the Morning Meeting.  For example, every Tuesday is "Tell Me Something Tuesday."  The students know what is coming up the next day, so they are ready to share.”

Finally, what do Mrs. Kapusta’s 5th Grade students have to say about Morning Meetings?
 (student responses)

•  "I think it helps a lot because it tells us what we are doing for the day and gives us fun activity before we learn."
• "It helps us to get to know each other. It makes you worry about other people's feelings."
• "It gives you time to wake up before we have to do math."
• "It lets you interact with people in your class."
• "You can share what you are thinking.  If someone has done something or gone to a place before, I can ask them about it if I want to go."
• "To help people know about other people, so they can be friends."

     As supported by research, Morning Meetings help to create a safe space where learning can take place.  If you need help in implementing, sustaining, or reviving your Morning Meetings, please reach to other teachers, like Mrs. Kapusta, throughout our school who are demonstrating success with Morning Meetings or contact our Teaching-Learning Coach, Kirsten Parker.   

December - Mandatory Training

All staff are required to view the presentations about Homelessness and the McKinney-Vento Act.  Then, fill out the two-question google form listed below the presentations to indicate that you have read it. Please do this before you leave for the holiday break. See Ms. King if you have any questions.

Why DoJo Helps

DoJo for Bus Dismissal

We created a "Buses" class on Dojo and made each bus number a student. We shared it with you all and you have to accept the invitation to see the class.  If someone is not listed on there, you can add them as a co-teacher as well. 

The teacher that is assigned to their bus is in charge of giving out Dojo points for that day.  They may use their phone or another device to give out Dojos.  Each bus can earn up to 5 points maximum daily. Each skill point is to be given out only once per day. For example, a bus may earn 1 point for sitting 2x2 once per day. 

The skills that each bus can earn a Dojo point for are:

• Sitting 2x2
• Voice Level 0
• No eating or drinking
• Bookbags Closed
• Having Self Control

The bus with the most Dojo points at the end of the week will earn an incentive to be in another classroom for dismissal one day the following week. In this classroom, they can watch a movie, have a dance party, play a game, etc.  

Counselor Connection - October

Our school counselors share a monthly newsletter. The month of October can be found here. 

Showcasing The Power of Morning Meetings

Featuring Mrs. Speight’s Homeroom

For the 2018-2019 School Year, Polenta Elementary School has chosen to implement Morning Meetings (MMs) in an effort to build positive relationships between students and their teachers. As shown by researchers, we have found that Morning Meetings help to establish a climate of trust; motivate students to feel significant; create empathy and encourage collaboration; and support social, emotional, and academic learning. For this edition of the PBIS/SEL Blog, we highlight the students of Mrs. Speight’s 3rd grade homeroom. Take a look at the 7 minute video of Mrs. Speight’s students during a Morning Meeting on 9/27/18 which lasted about 15 minutes. Afterwards, Mrs. Speight had the following to say:

What was the objective/goal of today’s MM?
Today we focused on making relationships, creating our classroom community, public speaking, building confidence, teamwork and promoting foundations to success.

How have MMs impacted you and your students?
Wow! Where do I begin? Morning Meetings have had a positive impact on my students as well as my classroom environment. Students who are known for being shy or lacking self confidence are now showing the opposite. Our Morning Meetings have really been the foundation of creating my classroom culture this year. The relationships and similarities students are finding in each and every one of their classmates is priceless.

Have you faced any challenges with MMs? If so, how have you and your students overcome those challenges?
The only challenge I can think of was at the beginning of the school year. We spent a while laying out the expectations, manners, appropriate comments, questions and behavior. Students were also getting to know everyone’s names. Morning Meetings were lasting about 30-35 minutes at the beginning of the year, and now consistently lasting 15-20.

Have you received any feedback from your parents regarding MMs?
Yes! “This year is night and day with her confidence level, Thank you!”  “She loves coming to school this year”  “He told me all about Morning Meeting and says it’s his favorite part of the day”

Please share any other thoughts or comments about MMs.
My students absolutely love Morning Meeting Time. They understand that Morning Meeting time is a time for everyone to come together and start their day off the right way! I always keep it New and Fresh!
Student comment: “Yay! Morning Meetings are my favorite part of the day”

What made your class "Puma Pride" ceremony special?

Share by commenting something that made your class ceremony special.

Example - Mrs. Malisa Jones' 3rd Grade Class - Student was recognized with the certificate.

Then, the other students were asked to share something about the child being recognized that showed that "month" trait.  The parent that attended the ceremony was moved to tears to hear the wonderful things that classmates said about her child, who was recognized for "Respect."

Incentives for PBIS & SEL

School-wide Rewards

“Banding” Ceremonies
Each nine weeks, teachers will recognize students from their homerooms who have exhibited exemplary behavior throughout the quarter.  At the end of each quarter, a class ceremony will be held, and these students will be issued a colorful wristband/bracelet provided by the school.  Admin will designate the date/time of “Banding” Ceremonies which will be held in classrooms.  Teachers are encouraged to post photos of their “banded” students on the wall/bulletin board outside of their classrooms.  If a student earns 4 bands during the school year, he or she will be recognized at grade-level End of Year (EOY) Awards Ceremonies; and the students’ names will be placed in a drawing for prizes.  Another perk for “banded” students is entitlement to certain privileges as specified by the teacher.
 Source: An adaptation of the George Cox Elem School model

 PUMA PRIDE AWARDS
Each month, a student will be recognized for the PUMA PRIDE AWARD.  The recipient of this award will be a student who exemplifies the Character Trait of the month.  Parents of these students will be invited to “Pop-in” into the classroom for this brief award ceremony or they will be sent a video/photo.

 Positive Office Referrals
We’re putting the “positive” back into Positive Office Referrals.  Using our Positive Office Referral forms, teachers as well as enhancement teachers, Instructional Assistants (T.A.’s), custodial staff, cafeteria staff, Admin, and office staff members can  immediately recognize students for their good behaviors. Once the staff member completes the form, the student will then be called to the office where he/she will receive a prize.  An administrator will call the parent to share the good news. Finally, the student will have the privilege of writing his/her name on the Wall of Honor which is located in the front lobby.
Source:  An adaptation of the Promoting the Positive with an Office Referral

Classroom Rewards - Class DOJO
All staff members will utilize the application Class DOJO, a free classroom communication App used to share reports between parents and teachers. This communication tool will allow us to celebrate the accomplishments of our students with parents.  Class DOJO allows parents to receive instant feedback on their child’s behavior. That way, parents can partner with the school in rewarding students for making positive choices. In addition, this App will allow teachers to share pictures and videos as well as receive instant messages from parents.

We’re Proud of Your Child! 
Parents can read and complete the “We’re Proud of Your Child” recognition. Embedded in the explanation for this award is a link to a form which will allow parents to share the accomplishments of their children outside of school. These may include recognitions in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, athletic or musical competitions, community achievements, or special honors. The parent and student will be asked to complete this form and then give it to the child’s teacher.  The school will then provide a written note of praise from the child’s teacher(s)/Admin or mention the student’s name on our school broadcast. ​​​