Principal's Corner April 11th, 2012

From the Desk of Mrs. Richter…..

The focus for our April newsletter is teaching children manners.  A child’s development is learning how to interact with the world around him or her.  Manners are one aspect of learning and growing. 

                  Clovis is a PBIS school.  We are currently in year two of PBIS implementation.  Every Monday our students learn “Cool Tools”.  These are lessons, or “tools”, used to help our students learn about behavior expectations.  The past few weeks we have been working on manners.  Here are a few examples of the lessons learned in our “Cool Tools”:

1. Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency.  They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

2. If you need to get someone’s attention right away, the phrase “excuse me” is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

3. Do not comment on other people’s physical characteristics unless, of course, it’s to compliment them, which is always welcome.

4. When people ask how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

5. When you have spent time at your friend’s house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

6. Knock on closed doors--and wait to see if there’s a response--before entering.

7. When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

8. Be appreciative and say “thank you” for any gift you receive.  In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

9. Don’t call people mean names.

10. Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

11. Even if a play or an assembly is not entertaining to you, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested.  The performers and presenters are doing their best.

12. If you bump into somebody, immediately say, “Excuse me.”

13. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

14. As you walk through the door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

15. When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

16. When someone helps you, say “thank you.” That person will likely want to help you again. 

We encourage you to reinforce these concepts at home with your child. 

Your Partner in Education,

Mrs. Richter