Families,
This week we implemented the PBIS system in the classroom. This stands for Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports. The children having been learning the three most important aspects of the PBIS system, which are, Respect, Responsibility and Safety. We use a color chart system in the classroom Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red. The day starts on green and the idea is to stay there. If I catch extra positive behaviors the children can move up to Blue. Yellow is a second warning for the day. Orange is the third warning with a note home (Think Sheet), sometimes there is a call from the teacher, depending on the situation. Red is a visit to the office with a phone call home from the teacher and or administrator.
This week I had to send my first think sheets home and make a couple of phone calls home. I don’t want this to be a division between me and your child. I want us to work together as a team to have your child come to school with a positive ready to learn attitude. Kindergarten is a tough because your child is transitioning from play to structure. I try to fit in as many brain breaks and play breaks as I am allowed to to help them stay healthy and positive, but they also need to know when it is time to learn it is time to stop, breathe and listen. Kindergarten is a lot different from when we were little, but with your help we can make learning fun and positive. Rules are going to follow us through life and this is the time your child will learn that with broken rules there are consequences. I am on your child’s side as an advocate for helping them learn and grow to become a productive, respectable adult one day. I tell them every day…you are my kiddos at school until you leave and grow and become adults one day! They will always be my kids as they are yours and we can work together to help them be positive learners and human beings.

Want to ask your kiddos about an exciting book we are reading about bullying and making friends? Ask them about the book, “The Recess Queen.”

We are really working on being good friends and helping each other this week. We have had some challenges but we are getting there. Your children are being encouraged to write about their feelings. Right now we do this by drawing. I encourage you to get a note pad for your child and have them write in it every night. They can share how they feel by showing you a picture of their day. Soon those drawings will turn into words. Have fun writing!