Friday, September 19, 2014

Social Contracts, Community Circle, and Character Traits

New for this year each classroom has developed a social contract which highlights how the students and teachers wanted to be treated and will treat one another.  Social contracts are displayed in each classroom and are referred to by the entire class in times of question, conflict, and gathering.

Additionally, we are implementing Community Circles every day to share information, resolve conflict and promote Student Choice and Voice to assist our students in being active owners in their education and stakeholders in our school climate.

Continuing from last year is our reflection on Character Traits each month.  We review each character trait, discuss what it looks like, and reflect upon each trait when we gather together.  The character traits for each month are as follows:

September         Respect-Showing high regard for authority, other people, self,
                                property, and country. Treating others as you would want to be treated.
October               Responsibility-Being accountable in word and deed. Having a
                                sense of duty to fulfill tasks with reliability, dependability, and commitment.
November          Thankfulness - Feeling and expressing gratitude
December           Caring-Showing understanding of others by treating them with
                                kindness, compassion, generosity, and forgiveness.
January                Self-Discipline-Control of one's own words, actions, responses,
                                and/or emotions.
February              Citizenship-Being law abiding and involved in service to school,
                                community, and country.
March                   Honesty-Telling the truth, admitting wrongdoing and being
                                trustworthy.
April                      Courage-Doing the right thing when faced with difficulty instead of
                                following the crowd.
May/June           Fairness-Practicing justice, equity, and equality. Cooperating with
                                one another. Recognizing
                                Perseverance-Continuing a good course of action despite difficulty.