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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.