Dear Walgrove Families and Staff,
So that we are all on the same page, here are a few reminders of routines and behavior expectations:
Pick-up and Drop-off gates are not assigned (were during previous years but not this year) but are recommended: K-1 and Alt Curriculum on Morningside; Grades 2-3 on Walgrove; and Grades 4-5 on Appleton. I recommend the same pick-up and drop-off gates. The STAR Gate is on Walgrove by the Auditorium and Cafeteria. We display our Lost and Found there daily from 2:30-6.
In the morning, I supervise students who arrive between 7:30 and 8:02 in the Quad. All students who are not being watched by their parents (or teachers) should be in the center of the Quad under or very near the comforting protection of the canopy. That way, I can keep my eyes on all and more greatly ensure everyone's safety. Please remember to refrain from standing or sitting on tables, climbing the trees, benches (or buildings!), or playing tag or soccer (or other ball games) in the Quad. Many students have PE right after breakfast so that is a great time to get out all wiggles.
Teachers manage Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) because that is State policy. Currently, most teachers bring their students to the Cafeteria where teachers are technically legally required to also add instructional components, since the State rule is that BIC happen during instructional minutes. Schools where 20% or more of the students qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch must have a BIC program. Teachers and their parent volunteers are responsible for teaching students to clean up after themselves and, when that is only somewhat successful, to clean up after the students. We work hard to not instead teach or model for students how to make a mess and then just walk away :)
During Lunch, K-1 eats in the Quad, and 2-3 and 4-5 eat in the Cafeteria. Once kids get their lunch, whether brought or sought, they sit and eat for the duration. They don't get up to fill water bottles in one location, toss trash in another and/or pick up forgotten things in yet another. If they need to use the restroom, Ms. Socorro or other supervising adult will escort them. This mindful practice prevents kids from getting up and running around (and getting up again and running around again), which becomes both a safety hazard and puncture of the calm. As you know, we have a large number of students with sensory challenges. Keeping things orderly and calm helps so many kids in many invisible ways. Also, we strive to develop skills, such as planning ahead, deferring gratification, socializing, and more.
Please refrain from running, skating, biking, scooting, engaging in martial arts, and/or ball games in the Quad or Cafeteria for safety reasons. Please save the running and ball games for the yard, and the biking and scooting for the yard on weekend Volunteer Days.
All students who are in the Wildlands or Garden should be with their teacher. The Wildlands and Edible Garden are learning environments. In the past (and this year) students have tried to catch lizards or bugs or to otherwise interfere. It is important that students explore alongside adult stewards of nature so they may also become stewards of nature.
All teachers teach lessons in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) each and every day. Most do Council daily, as well. We use Council as a way to resolve conflict. All staff have either been officially trained in Council by Joe Provisor of Circleways or provided a primer in Council by Joe's partner Mark Rosner.
Tech devices, such as phones, iPads, laptops and more are welcome at school but not to be used at school except at the teacher's invitation. They may not be used for recreation at any time during school, recess, lunch or the after school program. They are for emergencies and schoolwork (at least while at the school).
Our official Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (SW-PBIS) documents are here: https://principalkittelson.blogspot.com/2022/08/schoolwide-positive-behavioral.html
I hope this all makes sense. If anything does not, please feel free to come to any LSLC meeting. The LSLC is the official body that oversees student behavior.
Thank you!
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