Arrowhead Elementary School students and staff members have been displaying the positive character traits and attributes described in their schoolwide character education program throughout the school year.
In celebration of the initiative and to help promote the program, the school’s fifth- and sixth-graders recently had the chance to create original designs depicting the phrase “Arrowhead Cares.” The submissions were judged internally, and two winners – Brianna Jimenez and Claire Cituk – were selected. The drawings of both students will be featured on commemorative 2014 Arrowhead Cares T-shirts.
Along with the district’s other schools, Arrowhead has been incorporating the character education program PBIS – Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports – into school activities and everyday experiences. Through the program, students are rewarded and praised for exhibiting positive behaviors in the hopes of encouraging similar behaviors in the future.
Find out what's happening in Three Villagewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
At Arrowhead, the staff has incorporated the districtwide PBIS initiative into its existing Rachel's Challenge program. Students who are “caught” demonstrating acts of kindness are given a paper chain of kindness link, which bears their name and the behavior displayed. Teachers connect these links in a display throughout the building, and at the end of the year the links are all connected for a schoolwide celebration.
“PBIS is very important, as it clearly outlines expectations and rules for the students within the classroom and throughout the entire school,” said Arrowhead PBIS committee chair Judy Forgione. “These behaviors are consistently encouraged and reinforced. Research proves that as a result, students will continue to engage in those positive behaviors. As educators, we need to nurture the child's academic as well as social and emotional needs.”
Find out what's happening in Three Villagewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Students and teachers had the chance to purchase Arrowhead Cares T-shirts. The school also plans to organize a special Arrowhead Cares day to celebrate character-building activities, at which time students and staff can wear their commemorative shirts.
The T-shirt design contest was organized by art teacher Rachel Condron with the help of student teacher Sabrina Cacciatore.
Photo provided by the Three Village Central School District
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
