December 12- December 16

It's the season for CARING!  Do not forget to take at least 15 minutes this week to teach this month's character trait. AND complete the student survey for students.

People in the community can show generosity to strangers in the community. This man paid $1000 for strangers in the drive thru of Chick-Fil-A
https://youtu.be/bzVRWIe4dOs

Have your students show one act of kindness this week:
*Play with someone new at recess
*Help pick up trash in the cafeteria
*Give an adult on campus or in the community a compliment
*Hold the door open for someone going into the office

Please refer to your PBIS handbook for lesson ideas!

Important Dates

Saturday, Dec. 10th: Super Saturday, 8am

Tuesday, Dec. 13th: ELD PD (3-6, 2nd Reach), 3pm in Room 9
Wednesday, Dec.14th:  Staff Meeting 

Thursday, Dec. 15th: Winter Festival, 5pm-7pm




Response to Concerns:

Concern: The library is cluttered and PTO uses is it during reading times.

I spoke with Janine about the library being used by PTO during reading times. She told me she understood the concern and would relay the message to Michelle. We also discussed how to unclutter the library which is a tall task considering the limited space and the amount of books. We also talked about the feasibility of  moving the library to another more central location that has more room for the growing collection. These discussions will continue as we begin planning for the new academic school year.

Concern: There is a lack of transparency as far as who gets to go to GLAD training.

I have asked Luci to spearhead our GLAD initiative since she knows the trainers. She will be looking at:
1. experience
2. grade level

Food On Campus

Please remind your students that Takis and hot chips are not allowed at school.

Backpacks

Please remind your students to leave their backpacks in class during recess and lunch.

Passes for Back 40

All students must have a pass to go to the Back 40 after 8:15am.  If students do not have a pass, they will not be allowed to the Back 40 without an adult escort.

Referrals 

Good News referrals need to be given directly to Shannon. Please do not put them in Alicia's or Rafael's boxes.

Character Violation forms are the new referrals you are to use when documenting and referring negative behaviors. Please use these new forms only since they are in line with the SWIS data system. The use of one referral aligned to SWIS is a PBIS Tier I expectation.  Click this link for a copy.

Toys for Tots

The 349th Air Mobility Wing from Travis will be on campus on December 15th at 9AM to carry out Operation Teddy Bear. They will be handing out teddy bears to all kindergarten classes.


Trainings Coming Up

Dec 13-Kindergarten BAW Modified Lesson Study PD*  1-3PM or 3:30-5:30PM @ESC board room

Dec 13- ELD Professional Development grades 2-6 in room 9 from 3:00-5:00*

*(Please note these trainings are required)

There will be a staff meeting on December 14th at 3:15PM We will be discussing the Reaccch and Spice programs.

PBIS News

Certificated Staff of the Year:  Jose Bermudez
Classified Staff of the Year:  Bobbie Strange

Congratulations to all of our candidates:  Sally Poe, Stephanie S, Danessa, Stephanie J, Lisa, Jose, and Bobbie.  We see and appreciate all of your dedication, hard work, long hours, and sacrifice for Markham.  We honor you and continue to reap the benefits of every thing you do.

Site Safety Survey

We are gearing up to complete our Site Safety Plan. Please complete the Safety Survey by 12/16 so that we can gather data to determine our site safety needs and data regarding whether or not we are meeting our site safety goals from the 2016-2017 school year. If you have suggestions, please be sure that your suggestions ONLY address SITE SAFETY in regards to students, staff, and families. To access the survey, click on the link above labeled "Safety Survey".

Discipline Data for the month of December

Good News Referrals:  41
Disicipline Referrals: 21

PBIS  Spotlight...

*When searching for inspiring ideas, we happened to stumble upon this funny clip from a School Prinicpal who works in the South - his YouTube channel is worth checking out!  Here he is, plugging his new novel, "50 Shades of Sharpie": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ksx2HoLzFc

This week our spotlight is shining in a different light.  While we usually highlight a staff member individually, this time we would like to show you what awesome ideas OTHER schools and staff have come up with to foster positive school climates and behavioral success!

1. Commercials, news clips, and songs.

Some schools have produced short "news" spots, commercials, or song parodies to encourage particpation and engagement in their PBIS efforts.  Is this something that you think our students would like to see or particpate in? Take a look at some examples and let us know your thoughts in the comments section!! If enough folks are interested, this would be a great way to either wrap up the year OR kick it off in August 2017 (*gasp*)!

 Local Pride - Will C. Wood PBIS video (copy & paste to browser):  http://www.solanocoe.net/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=14580596

School Rules: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32BsjDVwdIU 

Paw Shop Prizes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCffB6eBlCE 

So put your thinking caps on - help brainstorm engaging, creative ways to get our positive Timberwolf pride across!!! 

2. The PBIS Comittee at Markham  was formed after Solano County Office of Education received a grant allocating funds for training, implementation, and management of PBIS Tiers 1-3. But did you know that other local schools were also selected? Fairmont ES, Vaca Pena, Will C. Wood and Padan  are engaged in the same school-wide practices as Markham.  Click to find out what Fairmont and Padan are up to:

Fairmont: http://fairmont.schoolloop.com/pbis 

Padan: https://padan.schoolloop.com/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1229222832170

3. Can you relate to the experiences and feedback that an Art teacher in North Carolina shared?

Is there a need for PBIS?

"As the art teacher who saw every student in the building once a week, I quickly learned how valuable it would be to have a consistent set of rules and consequences across the school that would be enforced by all teachers and staff and understood by all students."

Think about "before PBIS" and "After PBIS" in your school.  What was it like before?

"Different teachers had different behavior systems that they used in their classrooms, including clip charts, scholar dollars, and others. Some included positive reinforcement, some relied mostly on negative reinforcement, and overall, the actions that resulted in certain rewards or consequences varied greatly from classroom to classroom. This made it difficult for all teachers and staff to hold all students accountable for their behavior."

How did your school struggle implementing PBIS?

"Aside from hanging the PBIS matrix posters around school, we also had a “kickoff” for the program in the form of a school-wide assembly. Teachers from each grade level team performed skits modeling appropriate and inappropriate behavior in each area of the school. After the kickoff assembly, we wanted to continue with weekly classroom lessons that would build knowledge in respect, responsibility and safety. However, we did not have any resources for these lessons, as PBIS is not meant to be a scripted curriculum. Teachers did not have the time to create them given their already heavy workloads, so unfortunately, the only time the matrix and its contents were explicitly taught and discussed was at this assembly."

What did you find difficult to work through - as a school - when it came to reinforcing behavior and the use of slips/tokens/tickets/Paws?

"While we made an effort to get all teachers on the same page, there was some confusion and difference of opinion as to what warranted a slip. Some teachers were giving out slips when they saw behaviors that were explicitly listed on the matrix, like throwing away all of their trash in the cafeteria. Other teachers thought these behaviors were expected and therefore didn’t deserve slips. They thought only “above and beyond” behaviors should be praised, such as throwing away someone else’s trash without being asked. Still other teachers were giving out slips to their entire class for completing their homework.  We really had to spend time collaborating to get on the same page." 

Do any of this teachers insights echo any of your own? If so, leave a comment and let the team know! It is our hope that we can support each and every staff member become familiar and comfortable using Markham's PBIS Components.  Thank you for all that you do to facilitate a positive school climate for all students!

Citizenship Awards...

This month is flying by.  Please remember to choose ONE student in your classroom that has exemplified  Caring MONTH.  Click on the Citizenship Awards 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...

Awesome read from Edutopia - Let's steer away from punitive practices, and move towards a restorative mindset!

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/why-restorative-practices-benefit-all-students-maurice-elias

Keep the classroom calm during indoor recess (well, as calm as it can be) with some of these *minimal* prep ideas!

• Card games - http://www.deliacreates.com/40-card-games-kids/
• Character trait coloring pages - http://www.doodle-art-alley.com/word-coloring-pages.html
• Why not trick our kids into practicing math with a fun game during recess - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/5-Math-Games-Every-Classroom-Needs-to-Play-1619935 

Markham Shout Outs....

Thank you Bobbie for decorating the office and making it feel like Christmas!!!

Teresa was very sick and came to work the next day even though she was not at 100% Thank you Teresa for your commitment to our school!

Mady- Thank you for your work with our Student Council and the candy gram initiative!

Alicia B- She is supportive of me and my class.

Alex H- For sharing her wonderful ideas and creations she makes!

Stephanie Sanders is a very helpful person she is always there when I need her.

Alicia B- She is a very nice and kind person. I always responds my email. ;-)

Norma Guerrero is been a big help for me. She is always giving me wonderful advises to improve my teaching skill.

Yesenia- Shout out to you for being the first class to complete the Student Survey

Karen- Thank you for covering the groups of our absent intervention teachers so our students don't miss out on their groups.

Natalie- I love your calm demeanor with your students.

Welcome back Luci! Thanks for jumping right in and helping us to strengthen our program.

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

December 5- December 9

CARING

Our character trait for the month is CARING!  Please take at least 15 minutes this week to present one of the lesson activities in your PBIS handbook!

Important Dates

• Leadership 12/5
• Staff Meeting 12/7
• Evacuation Drill 12/9 apprx. 10:00 am- nomination for students due
• Super Saturday 12/10

PBIS News

Check in/Check out:

Purpose- To prevent students who are acting out from escalation and provide them with more frequent feedback on their behavior to prevent future problem behavior

Who- Students who do not respond to Tier I school-wide interventions, students with repeated referrals, students seeking adult attention; low level behavior

Steps-  1. Referral based upon discipline data 2. Parent/Teacher/Tier II Meeting  3. Student Check in/out daily with written feedback  4. Positive Incentives for 80%+  5. Graduation once behavior improves

How-  Explicitly teaching expected behavior to student, structured prompts for appropriate behavior, opportunities to practice and positive feedback, strategies for fading support as new skills are gained, system for communicating with families, and regular data for monitoring student progress

Discipline Data from 11/28

Good News Referrals: 11 
Disicipline Referrals: 8

PBIS Staff Spotlight...

Andrea Lara Garcia, 
Support Staff
GOTR Coach

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 Andrea's take on positive behavior supports and interventions. 

                       

1. Your job as Support Staff/Yard Duty 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?

Mostly I see lots of roughhousing and horseplay in younger grades.  With older students, it is mainly using profanity.

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

When  I see students going out of their way to help - trash, assisting/escorting another student to the office, those kinds of things. 

3. 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?

I do think it benefits students.  Kids get excited about earning PAWS and the PAW shop - it helps them to care about their school overall. By reinforcing our 3 expectations, kids know that they can expect to earn PAWs for good behavior instead of bad behavior.

What I like most about my role here (when it comes to addressing behavior), is that every day is a new day for all of us.  If a student had a bad day yesterday, I reinforce with them that today is a fresh start and that they are able  to make better choices today.

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

Sometimes I feel that the kids who are shy can be overlooked, and that the students with  either really good, or else really bad, behavior are focused on more.  I think that PBIS works very well for students with existing behavior issues, but maybe not so much for those that consistently are good.

5.  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.)

Well, I would use my PAWs to buy gift cards to Nugget, Safeway, or Lucky - that way all of the support staff wouldn't have to worry about lunch each day :)

THANK YOU, ANDREA, FOR ALL THAT YOU DO AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE TIMBERWOLF COMMUNITY!!!

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...

The learning spaces we create directly shape our students into the individuals we want them to become. An extensive amount of research shows that there is a strong relationship between a school's social environment and students' learning and growth (Schaps). 

When students’ basic psychological needs (safety, belonging, autonomy, and competence) are satisfied, they are more likely to: 

• Become engaged in school (school bonding)
• Act in accord with school goals and values
• Develop social skills and understanding
• Contribute to the school and the community

When schools fail to meet students’ needs for belonging, competence, and autonomy, students are more likely to become:

• Less motivated
• More alienated
• 
  
• Poorer academic performers

Here is the link to the original article - 
https://www.collaborativeclassroom.org/research-articles-and-papers-the-role-of-supportive-school-environments-in-promoting-academic-success 

Markham Shout Outs....

Alicia Blacknell- Alicia was available and willing to help if I needed her.

Karen, Diana, Jessica, Emily, Alex, Jose- I want to appreciate their hard work on planning and carrying out our Math Night. I am very proud of our staff for stepping up and working hard to create great opportunities for our parents to be involved in their children's learning!


Karen Sellers and The EXCEL Team- You are doing an awesome job giving support to our kindergarteners. The growth that they have made since the beginning of the year is positively phenomenal. We can really see it here in class. Thank you for all your hard work and thinking.

Gina Herrera- Gina, you are so great with the students in TK. You know exactly how to support them and me so that we can get the best out of our students. In addition, thank you for all the help you give on your own time to our kindergarten class.

Erin Leggett and Andrea Lara- I am so lucky to have gotten the chance to coach GOTR with Embracing Erin and Ambitious Andrea. Its hard to believe that 10 weeks have gone by!!! Tuesdays and Thursdays w. GOTR were truly the highlights of my week, and while this is bc of the incredible girls for SURE, it is also bc of everything that you both bring to our program. I truly could not think of two more amazing women to coach with, and am so thankful that our paths crossed through GOTR!!! XOXO - Loco Lisa

Tootie "Ninja" Thompson- Tootie is like a ninja. On the surface, shes incredibly kind and committed and an MVP @ Markham. But then her ninja skills come out at random times, and you are doubled over in laughter or beyond amazed when she works with students who have significant learning and behavior needs. She is authentic, creative, hilarious, compassionate, incredibly smart, and giving of her time and energy (even when you know she has none left:). YOU ROCK, TOOTIE!

The 5th and 6th Grade Teams- The 5th and 6th grade level teams are (to quote the students) LIT. Seriously, they are like the Dream Team. They're like the mid 90's Philadelphia Phillies (as in Kruk, Dykstra, Daulton, Schilling era) - totally in sync with each other, bringing 100% every day, shutting down the haters (ok the last one was a stretch, but you get my drift). I watch them take behavior and classroom management to new heights, and creatively solve student problems. These teams treat students respectfully and with regard, which is reflected in student performance and motivation. I have never worked in a school where 5th and 6th graders show up EARLY to class just for extra time (wether academic or 1:1) with their teacher. You can tell that the 5th/6th graders love being a part of their class, and it is like a mini Markham community. Keep up the great work!!!!

Stephanie Jones- She is always there to help me.

Mr. Soler and Heaher- Thank you so much, Mr. Soler, for purchasing the PreReferral Intervention Manuals (PRIM) for each grade level. I distributed them this week at grade level collaboration, and I know that they will be a resource that keeps on giving!!! We are appreciative of your support on all fronts - thank you!

And Heather, thank you for ordering/tracking these - I know its just one of the many gazillion things you do in a day, but it felt like Christmas when you told me they were here:)

Alex H, Emily, Dorothy, Hilda, Omar, Nakaren, Carly, Laura, Maddie, Hannah, Jennie Rae, Gabby, Heather, Cortney, Jessica, Samantha, Teresa, Erin Lujan, Cindy, Yesenia, Megan, Shannon, Nakaren, Christin, Stephanie S, Mr. Vanhoy, and Karen S for subscribing to the blog on time.  

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

Staff Reminders 

ELD visits

Denise Fracchia and friends would like to come out to see how our ELD template implementation is going. I realize that for some of you, you have not started using the ELD template. If at all possible, please begin working with it as best you can. We need to make sure that we are complying with the legal mandate to teach ELD in a protected block. The the dates that the DO team will be here are: Monday December 5th and Friday December 9th.

GLAD Training

There is a another wave of GLAD training that will get underway in March, Those attending during this wave are:
Cortney Baker
Karen Guy
Laura Vanhoy
Natalie Sylvester
Hilda Millan
Erin Leggett

I will continue to send teachers to GLAD training next year until all that desire the training receive it.

Staff Retreat

I have asked Alicia to begin planning for a staff retreat in Lake Tahoe this summer.  My desire is to give teachers a special time for GLAD unit planning and for planning as a grade level. I would also like to do a few fun activities together as a staff. Details to follow!

Parent and Student Survey

There will be a survey going out to parents and students beginning on December 5th. Parents will receive a link to a google form that is a survey of our school. We will have the link on the web site as well as send it out via email and text. We plan to have computers set up in the office to assist parents that do not have a computer. A paper survey will also be available. Students in grades 1-6 will take their survey on a google form on their computer at school. Please take time to allow your students to take the survey before December 22nd. December will be the data gathering period and January will be the data analysis period. February will be the action period in which we begin to respond to results of the data.

School Site Council 

We had a very productive first meeting. For more details and minutes see below:

Site Council Meeting Notes-click here

Parent Teacher Conferences

I am amazed with how many parents attended their child's conference.

We had only 40 no shows for a school of 903 students. This means that 96% of our parents attended their child's conference! Absolutely fantastic! Great job to all of you for doing your utmost to get your parents in!!!! This is a sign of high parent involvement.

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....

Week of 11/14-11/18

HONESTY

The purpose of this blog is to keep staff informed of discipline data, Character Trait lessons, Tips regarding behavior, important events and other information regarding PBIS.  This newsletter is drafted by staff for staff.  If there is anything you'd like to see added, please let a PBIS team member know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvRbPr6MqjI  The Empty Pot

Behavior at Markham: The month of November

Good News Referrals: 5

Discipline Referrals: 38

Area	Data	Next Steps
Time	12:00; 1:00
Location	Classroom; Playground
Day of the Week	Monday; Wednesday
Problem Behavior	Minor:  Contact/Disrespect
Grade	6th
Number of Referrals	38

Important Dates

• Conference Minimum Days (12:50 dismissal): Nov. 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
• Lockdown Drill:  November 18 around 11:00
• Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 21-24

Timberwolf Tip...

Check out this article on Wellbeing:  Developing Empathy, Emotional Awareness, and Empathy


There are already awesome resources provided in you Character Train Handbooks, but here are some other anchor text ideas that can support you in teaching our students about honesty!!!



Markham Shout Outs....

Erin Legget:  You did such an awesome job making the best of a bad situation. Way to think on your feet and improvise!

6th grade teachers:  Throwing a BBQ to reward your students for their hard work! Motivating 6th graders can be hard but they were so excited for their special lunch.

Let out a happy "howl" here -  Markham's Staff is HOWLing....https://goo.gl/forms/8Du8VfJR4n55rs9S2

Week of 11/7-11/11

HONESTY

At parent conferences this week, share Markham's 3 Be's with your families. 

Be safe.  Be respectful.  Be responsible.

In the classroom, remember to reserve 15 minutes this week to teach our character trait of the month: HONESTY!  Please refer to your PBIS handbook for lesson ideas!

                                             "No legacy is so rich as honesty"- Shakespeare

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojqCFt5uwrc (great social experiment to show students)

Important Dates

EXPLORIT: November 7, 5:30-7:30
Evacuation Drill:  November 8 around 10:00 am (no buckets/no strike team)
Upper Grade Family Meeting:  November 8 at 3:00

Conference Minimum Days (12:50 dismissal): Nov. 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Lockdown Drill:  November 18 around 11:00

Behavior at Markham: The month of November

Good News Referrals: 0

Discipline Referrals:  2

The majority of referrals are due to minor physical contact and minor disrespect to peers or staff.

Behaviors occur mostly on the playground and classroom.

Most referrals occur at 2:00pm.

Three students have three or more referrals

More referrals are written on Thursdays than on any other day of the week.

Second and Sixth grade students have received the most referrals.

PBIS News

This article addresses Identity Based Bullying.  This occurs when bullying occurs based upon who a person is, their appearance, or other identifying factors.  There are 3 quick tips you can use almost immediately to curb this negative behavior, teach tolerance, and increase the peace at Markham:  https://www.edutopia.org/article/what-is-identity-based-bullying-jinnie-spiegler

PBIS Staff Spotlight...

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 Diana's take on positive behavior supports and interventions. 

                                                               

LISA FERNANDEZ, SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

1.  You seem to give a lot of PAWS for good behavior.  Do you see a difference in the behavior of your students overall?

Its interesting - I do see a change in student behavior since the beginning of the school year, but what I really have noticed is a change in adult behavior! Personally, I think that the time I spend "catching good" student behavior has changed my approach toward addressing negative behavior. I try to make enough "deposits" in students "bank accounts" (by giving PAWS), so that when I need to make a "withdrawal" and address negative behavior, I can do so without breaking the bank, so to speak. 

2. You must see a range of student behavior as a psychologist – what is an example of a really challenging student behavior that you have encountered, and what did you do to address it?

That's tough! You are right - I do see a spectrum of behavior, both positive and negative. I think one of the more difficult student behaviors for me to address is when students are "disrespectful" to others (staff or peers).  Being blatantly disrespectful to others is an intentional thing that can cause emotional reactions. Its hard to give a "consequence" for being disrespectful that makes logical sense to a student. If a student calls a teacher names, traditionally the consequence might be to go to the principals office, to call home, etc. But those things don't address the actual behavior itself - that requires an honest, 1:1 conversation with the student and teacher, which can be hard. 

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

Waiting patiently in the PAW Shop line, asking another student how they can help them, smiling kindly, being a role model for younger students, giving praise to others

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?

I really, really do think this approach will benefit students. If kids see that ALL the adults at their school are on the same page, and know that any adult they interact with could "catch them being good", then they are more likely to want to demonstrate good behavior.

5. How many Paws do estimate you give students per week?

Hmm. I try to give between 5-10 PAWS every day. 

6.  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.)

I would spend my PAWS on bribing the weather man.  I would LOVE to have one more day of 80 degree weather so that I could have a final beach day!

Timberwolf thoughts on....BEHAVIOR

Timberwolf Tip...

Check out this link for ready to use PBIS Tips.  Just a click away... literally
http://polkdhsd7.sharpschool.com/staff_directory/p_b_s_behavior_intervention/

Markham Shout Outs....

Stephanie Sanders- For being willing to jump in and help wherever needed
Jennie Rae- She has been handed an all consuming group of kids for her first year - and I have seen her continue to keep her head high and not give up on them ❤️
Jose Bermudez and Rosie Romo - A big thank you for taking my class when I had an unexpected absence and no sub!
Shout out to all of the teachers who inspired their students to get a third of the year growth!
To our experienced teachers- A big thank you to our experienced teachers who helped our new colleagues with their report card and conferences!
Stephanie Sanders- For putting together the guides for report cards and conferences
Karen S- For preparing the excel lists ahead of time so teachers have time to review their data
Teachers who came to SSTs prepared. It really shows how much you care about supporting your students!
Sunshine for throwing Cindy's baby shower!
Jose, Sylvia, and Sunshine for organizing a staff breakfast next week.
Lisa and Alicia B- Thank you for organizing the girls' Lunch Bunch. They loved being a part of the pack!
All the teachers who participated in the Door Decorating Contest- You are all so creative! Thanks for participating and I loved seeing what you came up with!
Stephanie S thank you for assisting me with having courageous conversations this week.

Let out a happy "howl" here -  Markham's Staff is HOWLing....https://goo.gl/forms/8Du8VfJR4n55rs9S2