The Classroom Chronicle – News from East Hill Elementary School – Jan. 24

Volume 6, Issue 4

What do consequences look like in a Conscious Discipline school?

If a child misbehaves at East Hill, there are consequences for that behavior. Our consequences are reasonable, respectful and relevant to the misbehavior, as much as possible. Consequences include: loss of recess, loss of lunch with friends, removal from classroom or grade-level activities (e.g. Fun Friday), reflection time, drafting an apology letter, in or out of school suspension.

East Hill teachers worked together to create a procedure book focused on misbehaviors and skill building. This allows everyone to be on the same page.

Here is an example from our procedure book:

Misbehavior – Student uses inappropriate language

Teacher’s first response – “You may use safe and comfortable words to express your feelings.” “You may ask for help to find safe words to express your feelings.”

Then the teacher says – “You may not use hurtful words.”

Conscious Discipline skill-building activities to do in the classroom:

  • Practice statements with safe language
  • Role playing with appropriate language
  • Time machine – “go back” in time, how could you have said it differently?
  • Visual commitment student—student makes a commitment to only use safe language

Consequence and skill building:

  • Communicate with family
  • Student spends recess in “Pause Paws” – what we used to call detention for reflection
  • Skill building sheet

Parent/Guardian discussion about safety procedures at East Hill – Please join us on Monday, 1/22, at 6:30 p.m. in the East Hill Library. We will discuss and seek feedback about safety procedures implemented at East Hill School.

East Hill School: Upcoming Events

  • Week of 1/22 – 1/26 – Mrs. Barkac from Conscious Discipline will be in all of our classrooms working with students and teachers on Conscious Discipline activities.
  • Jan. 22 – iReady mid-year assessment testing window  The testing window opens and grade levels will participate as time opens up in the computer lab
  •  Jan. 22 – Parent discussion and feedback session regarding safety procedures  East Hill Library. Join us to discuss safety procedures at East Hill School!
  • Jan. 25 , 7 p.m. – Board of Education Meeting, Canajoharie HS
  • Feb. 1 – Report Cards issued
  • Feb. 7 – New Dimensions in Health Care dental program for 1st graders
  • Feb. 8, 7 p.m. – Board of Education Meeting, Canajoharie HS
  • Feb. 12, 3:15 p.m. – PTA Meeting, East Hill Library
  • Feb. 19-23 – February Vacation, School Closed
  • Feb. 26 – School resumes
  • March 3 – All County Performance
  • March 24 – Family Fun Day!