Pow Wow Principals Press
Feb 2, 2018
BEHAVIOR DATA
True transparency is that we have something to celebrate and something to reflect on.
Last year we had only 49 referrals overall at this point, this year we currently have 84 overall. As you can see below we had a huge spike in October. I'm hoping the strong stance early on will pay off as the year continues.
There was a HUGE amount of kids out at the Snow Cone with FRIENDS PBS event, which means our Tier One behavior is going strong!!!
We can do this!!!!!!!!
Current Behavior Data
Last Year December and January ODR Data
School Improvement Plan
Helpful Hints for Parent-Teacher Conferences
1. Be Prepared
Conferences are definitely a time to share information with parents and to work on solving any challenges the student is facing as a team. However, any major problems, whether the child is struggling academically, behaviorally, or socially, should be communicated to the parent before the conference time. As you know, it's always best to communicate ongoing issues with parents early, so you can work together to help the child. Unveiling them for the first time at a conference is not the best way to handle these types of issues.
Another way to be prepared is to write out notes about each child beforehand including information from assessments (like reading fluency, comprehension, knowledge of math facts, etc), as well as strengths that I notice in the child and areas which are challenges. It's really nice to have that information ready and in front of me so I can remember exactly what I wanted to say for each child, without having to think of it on the fly.
** Have a follow-up action step ready for families to support students at home (ex. Kahn academy, Reading A-Z readers to send home, sight word or multiplication flashcards, etc.).
2. Be Warm and Welcoming
From the moment you open the classroom door, you want parents to feel comfortable and welcomed into your classroom. A friendly smile and greeting help establish a warm atmosphere for the conference. As far as where to sit, I think it's best if you don't sit at your desk and pull up some chairs around it, as the desk can be viewed as a type of barrier and might feel intimidating to parents. Sitting at a group of desks together or at a table with the same sized chairs works really well and makes it feel more like a conversation for everyone involved.
3. Include the Student
I always love to have the students attend parent-teacher conferences and have found them to be extremely successful for the students that I've taught. Having students attend conferences makes them part of the conversation and helps them take more ownership for learning and for behavior.
Before the conference, I give my students specific reflection forms to fill out, so each child is able to give some input about how he/she views classroom learning, behavior, and personal character traits so far this year. I really like to give kids the opportunity to reflect about themselves because I think it brings things into their awareness more and hopefully prods them on to continue the good work or to make a few changes to improve.
At the conference, I ask the student to go over what he/she has written on the reflection form and we all listen and make comments about what the child has to say. I think it is always amazing how insightful and how spot on students are about their own strengths and challenges, for the most part.
4. Keep the Conference as Positive as Possible
Keeping the tone of the conference positive is important. Don't get me wrong, there are times when you'll need to discuss some difficult behavior issues or some really deep academic issues... This type of conversation is never easy but if you take a "let's work together approach" to whatever the problem is and enlist the parent's help as part of a team effort, rather than viewing them as an adversary, this goes a long way.
Another thing that helps is to offer concrete suggestions for what can be done to make the situation better. Getting the student's input and buy-in when you can is beneficial too. One thing I like to do is to start with some positives, sandwich in the challenging area(s) and then end with a positive. I try not to have more issues to discuss than the positives that I've mentioned to try to balance things out.
Also, remembering to keep it as positive as it can be with no shaming and blaming but more of a matter of fact..."This is what I am seeing/noticing, what can we do to make this better?" kind of attitude, has always been really effective for me.
5. Be a Good Listener
Parent-Teacher Conferences are not just times for teachers to share information about the child, but it is a great opportunity for teachers to learn more about our students by listening to parents. I like to always leave some time at the end of the conference to ask parents if they have any questions or if there was something we didn't cover that they'd like to talk about. When parents feel that we genuinely care for their child and care about them, they will offer their support freely.
One thing I like to do is to keep a notepad handy during the conference so I can write notes about things I need to do. It might be something to remember to do or something to look into but these notes help jog my memory after the conferences are over.
6. End the Conference Well
After parents have all of their questions answered (if they had any), I give them some forms to take with them (assessments page, the student reflection page, a few samples of work, and the report card).
As they walk out, I like the student to show his/her parents a few art pieces he/she has done on the way out of the classroom. The parents usually ooh and ah and it gives the conference a nice warm and fuzzy ending.
Congrats to Ms. Larkin, our #VBEVIP! Enjoy your special parking spot, and keep making those nominations on Twitter!
Updates from Ms. Navarro
Hello Teachers,
Greetings from Ms. Navarro and PBIS,
You are cordially invited to our next PBIS meeting on February 9 from 7:45-8:15 in Ms. Norwood's room. We will be going over our current discipline data, PBIS monthly events and thr criteria for students to attend them. These PBIS events are a great opportunity to encourage our students to stay on their best behavior and make good choices. Only students that have followed the VIBE all month should be allowed to attend. Students who have earned a minor infraction may NOT go. Specials teachers, your feedback on behaviors will also be considered for student attendance to these events. Kuddos to the grade levels that kept all students accountable and took the opportunity to have them reflect on their choices. If you have questions or would like clarification on what behaviors violate the code of conduct, I encourage you to attend our next PBIS monthly meeting, bring your questions and suggestions. I hope to see you all there! :)
Science Fair - Ms. Keeley
We had a great turnout for science fair this past weekend. On Saturday students presented projects to the judges and on Sunday the award ceremony took place. A big thank you to students, parents, and teachers for all your help. Our awards are listed below. Please congratulate these students when you see them
Fourth Grade
3rd Place: Mariah Martinez & Kaniya Hudson – Vero Beach Elementary
The Motivated Young Scientist Award (cash award and certificate):
Anthony Rubino – Vero Beach Elementary
Girls in Science Award (cash award and certificate):
Tamiya Pringle Thompson & Violet Echols – Vero Beach Elementary
Jessica Chambers & Mia Martinez – Vero Beach Elementary
Budding Scientist Award (cash award and certificate):
Arely Simon-Barrera & Thomas Bueno – Vero Beach Elementary