Pleasantville Elementary
December 2015 Newsletter
Pleasantville Elementary - Growing Learners & Leaders
There's Some Coding Going on at P'ville Elementary!
This introduction to computer programming is happening in Mrs. Core's computers class. Kids at all grade levels have had opportunities to learn how to code, which could have long term benefits to Pleasantville students as they prepare for unknown future jobs. Student engagement during these lessons are at the highest level possible! Pictured above are students in Miss Wild's classroom trying to solve coding problems in partner groups. While one student works the computer ("the driver"), the partner (or "navigator") tells them what codes to input to see if their decisions get the desired results. The enthusiasm, problem solving and critical thinking involved are incredible to watch!
By the way, this isn't an isolated thing that they do at school. Your child can do this at home too at www.code.org - check it, and your child's amazing skills, out today!
January Reminders
Late Starts on Monday January 11th & 25th.
No School on January 4th and 18th (Teacher Work Day/Professional Development).
The 2nd Quarter/1st Semester ends on January 15th.
FAST testing (our reading screener) will begin on February 1st. Those results will be ready for parent-teacher conferences the following week (Feb. 9 & 11).
Update on Behavior Data
At Pleasantville Elementary, we follow the PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) model. Our school rules are simple: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe - better known as the Orange Pride Expectations.
When students do veer away from these school rules, they may receive a tally (warning) all the way up to a behavior referral form (a document sent home and recorded in the student's file). I'm pleased to announce that our behavior data is looking great thus far in 2015.
So far ...
97.4% of our 350 students have 0-2 referrals this year, 1.2% have 3-5 referrals, and 1.4% have 6 or more. Last year these percentages (same duration of time) would have been 93%, 5% & 2%, so we're seeing signs of strong improvement this year!
We hope to continue this success or to see even better results 2nd semester! Way to go kids!
Orange Pride Classroom of the Month: Mrs. Busick's 4th Grade Class
"Pennies for Pets": Service Learning Project at Pleasantville Elementary
Pleasantville Students & Staff Raise $250 for Charity
Bullying & Harassment
The State Board of Education has encouraged schools to adequately address and distinguish between typical adolescent cruelty and harassment. The State Board recognizes that immature behavior such as name-calling, taunting, and teasing, when done with no intent to physically harm or scar the other child’s psyche can usually be viewed as “typical adolescent cruelty” versus “harassment”. The State Board cautions schools not to be bound by a strict formula of what constitutes typical adolescent cruelty, as this can depend heavily on the circumstances surrounding the incident, as well as the age and the maturity of the students involved.
Bullying and Harassment of any type (student - student), (student – teacher, (teacher-student) will not be tolerated in the Pleasantville School District. Any type of bullying or harassment should be reported first to the guidance counselor (Mrs. Phillips, sphillips@pleasantville.k12.ia.us, or 848-0566). Inquiries, concerns or grievances related to bullying or harassment should be reported promptly to allow investigators the opportunity to investigate and intervene in a timely manner.
Harassment of students by other students will not be tolerated in the school district. This policy is in effect while students are on school grounds, school district property, or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school-owned and/or school-operated buses, vehicles or chartered buses; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.
Harassment, bullying and abuse are violations of school district policies, rules and regulations and, in some cases, may also be a violation of criminal or other laws. The school district has the authority to report students violating this rule to law enforcement officials. Students who feel that they have been harassed or bullied should:
Communicate to the harasser or bully that the student expects the behavior to stop, if the student is comfortable doing so. If the student needs assistance communicating with the harasser or bully, the student should ask a teacher, counselor or administrator to help.
If the harassment or bullying does not stop, or the student does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser or bully, the student should visit the guidance office and pick up our Bullying Report Form, which details:
o What, when and where it happened
o Who was involved;
o Exactly what was said or what the harasser or bully did;
o Witnesses to the harassment or bullying;
o What the student said or did, either at the time or later;
o How the student felt; and
o How the harasser or bully responded
Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Harassment or bullying on the basis of age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status or familial status includes conduct of a verbal or physical nature that is designed to embarrass, distress, agitate, disturb or trouble persons when:
Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or
property;
Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental
health;
Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic
performance; or
Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:
verbal, physical or written harassment or abuse;
pressure for sexual activity;
repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications:
suggesting or demanding sexual involvement, accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, achievements, etc.
Harassment or bullying is based upon factors other than sex includes, but is not limited to
verbal, physical, or written harassment or abuse;
repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, etc.;
demeaning jokes, stories, or activities
STUDENT-TO-STUDENT HARASSMENT CONSEQUENCES
Violations of the Student-to-Student Harassment Policy may result in detention or suspension depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and the student’s record. Students may be referred to Peer Mediation. Multiple violations may result in suspension or expulsion.Please take a look at the following video, provided by the Iowa Department of Education, which has helped shape this policy and the procedures the school uses to investigate and act upon reports of bullying or harassment.