RAMS PBS
Spring 2008 Info:
As discussed below during our Feb. 18 collaboration day the following procedures were finalized.
Student_Behavior_Intervention_Process.pdf (25 KB) 
SWIS_definitions_BEATTIE.pdf (40 KB)
Beattie_Referral_Form.pdf (20 KB)
RESPECT_TEACHING_MATRIX__1.pdf (54 KB)
RAMS_notes_final_12_18_07__2_.pdf (53 KB)
Fall 2007 Info:
As you know, we are implementing several strategies this year that are a part of Positive Behavior Support, PBS. Last spring we introduced our school’s acronym, RAMS. These letters represent Respect Always Means Success. As a staff, we created a “teaching matrix” ( RESPECT_TEACHING_MATRIX_.pdf ) to guide our work with the children in teaching and reinforcing what exactly respect looks like in and around school. As you’ll see, these are grouped in four categories: Respect for self, others, learning, and our environment (essentially, our surroundings). In our grade level units, teachers are having conversations with their students about specific, age-appropriate examples of these expectations.
Because these behaviors closely align with character development, we will focus on one location strand (those appearing across the top of the matrix) each month in our newsletter. This communication will serve a similar function as our previous character education calendars.
In August we want to thank you for reminding your son/daughter of these four expectations regarding arrivals and dismissals from school:
- Respect for self can be shown by being on time to school and leaving promptly
- Respect for others can be shown letting others go where they need to go
- Respect for learning can be shown by having homework and materials prepared
- Respect for the environment can be shown by having supplies organized
In September we want to share with you examples of specific ways we are teaching behavior expectations for our second area of focus for respect, the classroom:
- Respect for self is shown by students focusing on giving their best effort
- Respect for others can be shown by staying on task
- Respect for learning can be shown by taking academic risks and allowing others to do so as well
- Respect for the environment can be shown by keeping the work area clean and by being careful with supplies and materials
In October our third focus area for showing respect at school is the playground. Our school-wide approach for demonstrating respect is as follows:
- SELF: follow the safety rules
- OTHERS: take turns and share
- LEARNING: have fun while allowing everyone to play
- ENVIRONMENT: be responsible for taking care of equipment
In November we want to let you know what our teaching matrix indicates are ways for kids to be respectful regarding the bathrooms at school.
- SELF – Wash hands and be clean
- OTHERS – Respect others’ privacy
- LEARNING – Return to class quickly and use quiet voices
- ENVIRONMENT - Conserve supplies and throw trash away
In January we started distributing RAMS or blue notes. Students earn one of these notes by getting "caught" showing behavior that exemplifies the respect our our PBS RAMS matrix. RAMS notes are collected for unit drawings and school wide drawings (students get to eat with the principal and invite a friend).
Feb 14 - Our efforts with Positive Behavior Support continue to be…positive! In the fall I wrote about the first four areas of school we focus on with our school-wide behavior matrix, and now I want to mention three more. The fifth category of the matrix that has specific desired behaviors outlined is in our transitions. Staff members have worked with children in being organized with materials and in being prompt as we move from one class setting to another. We also have taught expectations about respectful behavior in the hallways when transitioning, primarily in moving quietly. Closely related to that are the expected behaviors for when students are by the coat racks. We continue to stress the importance of being respectful of others’ property. Recognizing the positive behaviors the children show by distributing RAMS notes reinforces their good work, and the kids like the recognition.
During the collaboration day Monday, 2/18, we worked on our next step in PBS, a school-wide discipline referral sheet and the processes to implement that. We also had an opportunity in the afternoon to host grade level teachers here from other elementaries in our feeder system for teachers to share best practices in instruction and assessment.
Here are photos of the first RAMS lunch with Mr. Aldern:
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