November 28-December 2

HONESTY/CARING

December kicks off the next character trait "Caring." This time of year is perfect to instill the idea of how to show kindness and compassion towards themselves and others. Please spend at least 15 minutes during your "Specials" block to teach them this trait.

Motivational Video to show upper grade students:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcruIov45bI

Motivational Video to show primary students:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwelE8yyY0U

"One person caring about another, represents life's greatest value"

Important Dates

• Back to School: Monday, Nov. 28th 
• Family Math Night:  Wednesday, Nov. 30th
• Pajama Day: Friday, Dec. 2nd

PBIS News

Good News Referrals: 8

Disicipline Referrals: 42

PBIS Staff Spotlight...

Christin Hopp, Speech/Language Pathologist








Each week we will shine the PBIS spotlight on an amazing member of the Markham community. Although we play different roles and serve different functions in our school community, we ALL are responsible for supporting a positive, inclusive school climate!  Read on to find out Christin's take on positive behavior supports and interventions. 

                       

1. Your job as a Speech/Language Pathologist means that you see kids of all ages and work with teachers at all grade levels.  Do you notice anything in terms of behavior that may be different from younger/older grades ?

I think defiance is the behavior that most affects my role, especially with the older kids, In younger students, its more hyperactivity. I personally don't see any bullying occur, but I know it does happen.

2. Have you worked at another school  that uses PBIS or similar school wide practices?

No. But I do think it provides incentives for students with challenging behavior, as well as building their confidence. I like knowing that adults focus on "catching kids being good", rather than focusing on the bad.

3. What are some reasons that you have given students Paws?  What specific behaviors did you reinforce?

Working hard with me, completing a task well, waiting patiently in line, using kind words. 

4. PBIS requires that the whole school be active and participate in implementing its components - regardless of job duty.  Do you think that this approach will benefit students? If so, why?

ABSOLUTELY! Kids know that they don't just have to "behave" for their teacher, but for all adults in all settings - not just if you know you could get in trouble. I think this helps with carryover to other "real life" settings. 

5. About how many Paws do estimate you give students per week… and why do you think you use the PAWS to recognize your students at such a high rate??

Probably 15-20.

6. Is there anything about the way that Markham approaches/implements PBIS that you would change? 

What if kids could give other kids PAWS? Or if classrooms could nominate another student to receive a "PAW of the Week"? I think that the peer-peer aspect could be great.  If students could help each other and be rewarded, it would help make that type of behavior more of a habit.

7.  Imagine that you are able to receive Paws as an adult for good behavior.  What reward would you choose to spend your Paws on, if the # of Paws did not matter?

(ex: favorite food, a trip to ______, a day in bed, etc.)

Dyson hair dryer. And speech therapy materials for my awesome kiddos. 

Citizenship Awards...

This month is flying by.  Please remember to choose ONE student in your classroom that has exemplified Honesty ALL MONTH.  Click on the Blue Responsibility link to list your student NOW.  Other students you would like to recognize can be praised by using Good News Referrals and PAWS, which each staff member has received.

Timberwolf Tip...

Traveling Timberwolf Trophies

Rolando passed his timberwolf statuette to Jose Bermudez because of his dedication to the school and his willingness to help.

Hilda Millan honored Michael Milligan with a timberwolf statuette, saying he had earned it for "*Always encouraging others to be the best they can be *Always lending a hand or giving others advice *Always being up for a challenge and not letting life get you down *Always having such vibrant spirit/energy"

Markham Shout Outs....

Our translators have been superb. They have been extremely supportive in relaying positives and room for improvement comments to our parents. My parents have been appreciative of them

Cindy, Danesa, Megan, Emily, Marcela, and Melissa: Thank you for advocating for your students even when parents don't show up the first or second time. You are persistent in obtaining support for your students!

Rosie has been a huge support not just for me but for my students as well.

Whenever I need anything done or a helping hand, Miss Kathy is always willing. I so appreciate her giving heart and how kind she is to me and my students.

Alicia Marin: Alicia is here early in the morning every day preparing an awesome day for her students. Those students learn so much and both parents and children are happy to be in her class. Every time I go into her class, it is fun to be there. A great model for me.

Marcela: Thanks for making a manageable study list for the Spelling Bee.

Thank you to the volunteers who came out to Science Night last week! It wouldn't have been possible without your support.

All the yard staff: For taking care of the students and also for being compassionate of the teachers.

Thank you to Heather, Shannon, Bobbie, and Rafael for taking care of me in the office today. I am so thankful to work with people who care for me like family :)

Bobbie: I appreciate you for all of the work you put into planning conferences (and cleaning up all of the conference messes)

Rafael: I think the sentiment of inviting staff who don't have any plans to your home for Thanksgiving is really kind and wonderful :)

Let out a happy "howl" here -  Markham's Staff is HOWLing....