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Behavior and Expectations

At Strawberry Point, we believe that all children are capable of being successful and that it is our responsibility to help children grow academically, socially and emotionally. For this to happen, it is important that we provide a positive, joyful, engaging and safe environment that is supportive and conducive to learning.

 

Strawberry Point subscribes to a responsive and restorative classroom approach. Our approach teaches students to choose socially and morally responsible actions. Our goals are to:

  • Establish a calm, orderly and safe environment for learning
  • Help students develop self-control and self-regulation
  • Teach students to be responsible, contributing members of our community
  • Promote respectful, kind and healthy student-staff and student-student interactions

 

responsive approach to teaching is based on the belief that integrating academic and social-emotional skills creates an environment where students can do their best learning. In addition, a restorative approach is all about building community and strengthening relationships. Restorative approaches are based on the idea that when we feel part of a supportive community, we respect others in that community and become accountable to it.  Restorative practices focus on repairing harm through inclusive processes that engage all stakeholders and nurture their intrinsic desire to treat others with care and respect.

 

The use of positive behavior practices supports students in their development of self-control, self-regulation and positive relationships. By involving students in the development of classroom agreements that set forth clear social and behavioral expectations, and by directly teaching students about those expectations, our goal is to have a positive atmosphere for optimal learning.

 

At Strawberry Point, we are committed to teach, reinforce, and acknowledge appropriate student behaviors. At all times, staff and students are expected to:              

A cartoon stork carries a yellow banner stating: "Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible... Be Kinder than necessary!" against a teal background.

Posters situated around school (e.g. classrooms, lunch area, restrooms, playground, library, walkways etc.) to help promote a safe and effective learning environment. Here are some examples:

Illustration of art studio expectations: respect, responsibility, and safety tips with playful storks, promoting kindness and teamwork.

Colorful poster outlining music class expectations: be respectful, responsible, and safe, featuring playful stork illustrations.

Poster outlining walkway expectations: be respectful, responsible, and safe, illustrated with cartoon storks.

Throughout the school year, students will be taught how to behave in accordance with the four expectations. 

  • Be Safe
  • Be Respectful
  • Be Responsible
  • Be Kind

Recognizing, acknowledging and reinforcing positive behavior is one of the best ways to encourage appropriate behavior. We anchor good behavior through a range of reinforcements. For example, students can earn a Snowy Ticket for exhibiting behavior expectations.

A cartoon thumbs-up graphic with "You got a 'Like!'" text, checkboxes for qualities: Responsible, Respectful, Safe, Kind, and space for name.

Even with clear expectations and positive reinforcement, there are times when students need support in making good choices. Clear communication on behavior issues with parents/guardians is critical. We recognize the importance of timely communication between home and school to maintain a safe and caring environment that promotes and encourages learning. We will work in partnership with parents/guardians to ensure that they are fully involved in helping students learn from their mistakes, adjust behavior and celebrate successful changes in behavior.

 

Making Better Choices reflection forms will be used to communicate between home and school when issues arise. If a form comes home, please discuss your child’s behavior and reflection with them, and return the form to the teacher the next day.

A school reflection form titled "Making Better Choices," prompting students to evaluate their behavior and plan for improvement.

 

Please encourage your child(ren) to engage in positive behaviors and aim for success everyday!

Please read the Mill Valley Elementary School District Behavior Policy for a detailed explanation of our approach and procedures.