Dear Families,
The staff at Elementary South continues to work hard to create a safe and orderly environment where learning can take place. We feel it is imperative for children to feel safe in their school and surroundings. In order to do so, we are excited to introduce our new school-wide behavior system to help us achieve this goal.
Elementary South has adapted the Above the Line program developed by consultant Corwin Kronenberg. There are three categories:
If a student acts inappropriately, or “Below the Line”, the teacher will give that student a choice. “Do you want a consequence, or do you want to fix it?” Generally, a student will choose to “fix it”. The student is asked to brainstorm ways they can fix or repair the harm that they have caused. Best of all, it allows us the opportunity to explicitly teach replacement behaviors for inappropriate actions. For example, if a student makes fun of a classmate, the fix it plan may include writing a letter to the child listing three specific things they like about him or her. A staff member will follow-up and make sure that the plan was carried out. In the event the plan was not completed, the offending student forfeits their opportunity to fix the problem, and instead receives a consequence determined by the staff member. Finally, if the student engages in a Bottom Line Behavior, an office visit will ensue.
Enclosed in this letter, you will find examples of the different behaviors in each category. We ask for your support in our efforts. Please discuss the Above the Line Behavior System with your child and share your own expectations for their behavior at school. Your positive reinforcement is very important to our success
We are looking forward to a wonderful school year filled with social, emotional and academic growth.
Jill Martin and Christy Hunter – Administration - Hawthorn Elementary South
The staff at Elementary South continues to work hard to create a safe and orderly environment where learning can take place. We feel it is imperative for children to feel safe in their school and surroundings. In order to do so, we are excited to introduce our new school-wide behavior system to help us achieve this goal.
Elementary South has adapted the Above the Line program developed by consultant Corwin Kronenberg. There are three categories:
- Above the Line – behavior is appropriate, acceptable
- Below the Line – behavior is inappropriate
- Bottom Line – serious rule infraction, violation of district policy
If a student acts inappropriately, or “Below the Line”, the teacher will give that student a choice. “Do you want a consequence, or do you want to fix it?” Generally, a student will choose to “fix it”. The student is asked to brainstorm ways they can fix or repair the harm that they have caused. Best of all, it allows us the opportunity to explicitly teach replacement behaviors for inappropriate actions. For example, if a student makes fun of a classmate, the fix it plan may include writing a letter to the child listing three specific things they like about him or her. A staff member will follow-up and make sure that the plan was carried out. In the event the plan was not completed, the offending student forfeits their opportunity to fix the problem, and instead receives a consequence determined by the staff member. Finally, if the student engages in a Bottom Line Behavior, an office visit will ensue.
Enclosed in this letter, you will find examples of the different behaviors in each category. We ask for your support in our efforts. Please discuss the Above the Line Behavior System with your child and share your own expectations for their behavior at school. Your positive reinforcement is very important to our success
We are looking forward to a wonderful school year filled with social, emotional and academic growth.
Jill Martin and Christy Hunter – Administration - Hawthorn Elementary South