2008-09 School Year Theme: Building Effective Schools Together
By Mr. Carrillo, Principal
Each year the Rod Kelley staff and I focus on a theme for the students. Last year it was reading, which increased our API scores by 30 points. While the emphasis on reading will continue, this year’s theme is Building Effective Schools Together (BEST), a school-wide positive behavior support system.
The goal of BEST is to create a positive learning environment by communicating behavior expectations (both in class and during recess) to the students, and emphasizing positive reinforcement while minimizing negative behavior.
Character Traits
Each month a character trait will be introduced at an assembly where staff performs a skit to demonstrate the trait. The traits will then be reinforced in the classroom and throughout campus for the remainder of the year. For September the trait is Safety. The traits for the rest of the year are: Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, Trustworthiness, and Citizenship.
BEST focuses character education through Notable Knights, Attendance, Spirit Days, Playground Expectations, and Homework Expectations.
Notable Knights
Each week, each grade level will choose two students who demonstrated the character trait for the month. These students will receive the Notable Knight award, which includes a logo tag on a chain to wear with pride, a postcard mailed home to notify parents, and their name announced on the intercom on Friday of that week.
Perfect Attendance
To encourage perfect attendance there will be a monthly celebration where students will get the chance to participate in a special event, such as game day, view a movie or get a special healthy treat. Perfect attendance means no missed days, no tardies, and not leaving school before the end of the school day.
Rod Kelley Spirit Days
Each Friday, students and staff will be encouraged to wear their Rod Kelley t-shirts to earn spirit points for their grade level. - - - Rod Kelley pride!!
School and Playground Expectations
Since the BEST program is a school-wide effort, the staff taught all students the rules based on the Student Behavior Standards during the first week of school. The goal for the year is for students to know and apply the rules and for staff to recognize students’ efforts according to our character traits.
Homework Expectations
The BEST program even extends to homework and the staff is committed to new homework guidelines for this year, which are:
- Homework needs to be something the student can do INDEPENDENTLY!
- Homework is designed to reinforce what students have already learned.
- The amount of homework should not exceed 30 minutes for grades K-3 and 50 minutes grades 4-5.
On Fridays students who have completed their homework for the week will be able to participate in fun-filled games and activities in the form of an extra PE time. Students who do not complete and turn in their homework for the week will work in the classroom.
Quarterly Academic Awards Assemblies
We will continue to recognize students’ outstanding academic achievements. Please refer to the monthly school calendar for dates and times and join us.
The Rod Kelley School Pledge:
Each morning two student council members lead the entire student body in the flag salute and the Rod Kelley Pledge. This is our pledge:
“With serving hands and caring heart I make this pledge to do my part to be the best that I can be, for myself, my school, and my family, Rod Kelley pride.”
We hope through this concentrated effort to reinforce positive character traits, that we are developing good citizens at Rod Kelley School and in our Gilroy community. Please join us in this effort because it really does take a ‘village to raise a child.’
Rod Kelley School Wide Rules
Punctual & present
Respect self and others
Independent worker
Do your best
Excellence always