Principal's Message
Last week I wrote in the Principal’s Post about the Behavior Interventions that we use to create a productive and supportive school environment. I outlined some of the things that we do to have Clear, Consistent Behavior Expectations and a System of Positive Reinforcements that help build community. Unfortunately when working with children, we also need systems in place for correcting unwanted behavior. This week I will be writing about the Interventions and Support we use when school rules are violated. I will also share with you how we collect and analyse our disciplinary data and how we use this to inform our decisions around behavior expectations.
Really the idea behind PBIS is that we teach behavior like we teach any other subject. If a student is struggling, we don’t punish them, we provide intervention and support. If a student wasn’t getting a math concept, we wouldn’t give them trash duty, we’d give them more support, reteach, give more practice, etc. We have worked very hard to apply that to a behavior intervention and how disciplinary actions should be opportunities to learn and grow for our mistakes.
Some of the intervention or disciplinary measures that we have put into place over the last few years have helped reinforce the idea that we expect students to follow our school rules and to act in a manner that does not impede the learning of other students. In addition to our lunchtime detentions, we added after school detention on Wednesdays. During detention, students do two things. First, we do restorative work. We ask our students to think about who may have been harmed by their actions and how they can make things right. This might include an apology, but it could also mean a little community service or fixing what was broken. Next, we ask our students to reflect on their behavior. They must write about why they were assigned a consequence and what might they do differently in the future to avoid “getting in trouble.”
We have also put a number of procedures in place to increase communication between students, teachers and administration. Last year, we implemented a Student Incident Report Form where students can report an incident that is concerning to them in a way that remains confidential. We know how important confidentiality is to middle school students. Once a report is made, an investigation takes place and Restorative Practices are engaged.
We have a similar process for teachers. When a teacher writes a disciplinary referral for a student, the administration is immediately alerted so that problem behavior can be addressed in real time. The system we use keeps data on every written referral. Our staff regularly reviews this data to examine the effectiveness of assigned consequences and to look out for patterns of behavior. If an intervention is ineffective, we employ a different approach and continue to monitor the situation. At the end of each trimester we take a look at our referral process and discuss strategies to best support our students in making good decisions.
California Education Code dictates many of the consequences that we must administer when students violate specific rules or laws. Unfortunately we still must suspend or expel students for certain infractions. We are extremely proud of the fact that we have a very low suspension rate in San Carlos. This is not because unwanted behavior is left unaddressed, but because of the hard work we do around PBIS. We believe that we have created a culture where our students thrive because we believe in their ability to learn and to show us their best selves.
If you happen to see a police car on campus, it does not mean that an incident has occured. We have a School Resource Officer (SRO) who is dedicated to building relationships with our students. He believes in community policing and wants to be proactive in his approach to working with teenagers. Our SRO enjoys stopping by school frequently in order to check in and to provide whatever kind of support we need.
You might want to read this article about how to discipline a boy. It's directed towards parents of boys but could easily apply to girls too. There are some good tips in here and I like the perspective about disciplining opposed to punishing. I also like the reminder to stay consistent. When adults change their minds, or do not follow through on a threat, it confuses our children or worse yet, makes them lose trust in us.
https://grownandflown.com/how-punish-teenage-boy/
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If you are the parent of an 8th Grader and are considering Sequoia please check out this link Parent Information Night at Sequoia.
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Thanks so much to those parents who have volunteered to help supervise during lunch. It's great to have extra adult eyes on campus and we've heard a lot of feedback from them about how much they enjoy seeing what goes on during lunch. If you'd like to volunteer to come in (you're welcome to come just once or as often as you'd like), please sign up. Fall trimester sign-ups can be found here. Winter trimester sign-ups can be found here. We'll send out a new list for spring in 2019.
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Tom Domer
Principal
Mustang Roundup
Arroyo CMS PTA
November PTA Meeting:
We look forward to seeing everyone at the next PTA meeting on November 14! Please note due to scheduling conflicts, the time has changed to 8:45am. We apologize for the inconvenience but hope that you can still join us!
Sign-up for Your 2018-2019 PTA Membership
There's still time to sign up for your Central Arroyo PTA membership. Membership is just $20 per family or $10 per individual.
Becoming a member offers the opportunity to contribute to important discussions that impact your children’s experience at school; meet other parents and build community; and partner with the CMS/Arroyo school community to ensure a safe, welcoming, and fun learning environment.
Joining the PTA is an easy way to show your support for the school and does not require a large time commitment – there is no obligation to attend meetings or volunteer for events. If you are interested in becoming more involved, you can always attend the monthly meetings or choose from the many volunteer opportunities available throughout the year.
Sign up for your PTA membership here.
Already signed up? Pick up your 2018-2019 Membership Cards in the office.
PTA Teacher Grants: Spotlight on Meagan Vizier, Education Specialist
Did you know that the PTA allocates 30% of our its budget for teacher grants? Meagan Vizier spends the bulk of her PTA funds on high-interest books and audiobooks for the students in her English Language Arts classes. At this year's Book Fair, Ms. Vizier worked with students to identify books they’d like to add to the classroom library. Students have enjoyed reading the new novels and sports books this year. Last year, a student was able to read all eleven Diary of a Wimpy Kid books last year by listening on Audible and following along with the book. Another student discovered a love of mysteries and is currently reading his second novel by April Henry. Ms. Vizier also uses PTA funds to subscribe to Scholastic Action Magazine. Both Arroyo and Central students enjoy the readers’ theater plays and high-interest articles.
Thank you Ms. Vizier for encouraging your students' love of learning and literature in this way! We encourage families to make a PTA DONATION to support our teachers in initiatives like these.
Registration is Now Open for All New Incoming Students for 2019-2020 School Year
Registration has opened for all new incoming students for the 2019-2020 school year! To register, visit the District Office. If you have questions regarding registration kindergarten or transitional kindergarten, please plan to attend the Kindergarten Information Night for 2019-2020 on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 from 6:30-8:00PM in Central Middle School’s Gym (757 Cedar Street). The Kindergarten Information Night is designed to provide parents/guardians with information about the San Carlos School District, preschool, transitional kindergarten and will go in depth about the kindergarten program. Parents new to the district in other grade levels are welcome to attend. Should you have any questions about this event or the registration process please contact the District Office at 650-508-7333.
ROPES Registration Will Be Closing on Friday
Registration for ROPES (Rite Of Passage ExperienceS) will be closing on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Register for a individual project here: https://www.scsdk8.org/apps/form/form.SANCESD.r4S2QvY.27O
Register for a group project here: https://www.scsdk8.org/apps/form/form.SANCESD.r4S7UzF.1lh
If you are not familiar with the ROPES program or just want more information, please visit the website at http://www.scsdk8.org/learning/project-based-learning/ropes/. For additional questions, please speak with your school principal, teacher or email the District Office at [email protected].
T.I.D.E High School - Parent and Student Information Night to be Held on November 29th
We invite you to learn about Sequoia Union High School District's new school, T.I.D.E (Technology, Innovation, Design, Engineering) Academy. This is the first public high school, within the Peninsula, to focus on training students to be the future of Silicon Valley. Teachers at T.I.D.E Academy will develop the critical skills and aspirations of each student through the intimate attention of a small school setting. All curriculum will be STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, and Math) with project-based and interdisciplinary learning as a focal point. T.I.D.E Academy is projected to open in August 2019 and will start with the founding class of approximately 100 ninth graders. If you would like more information about this new school, please join us for a parent and student informational meeting on November 29th at 6pm at Central Middle School
SCSD Athletics
Please use the DISTRICT LINK https://www.scsdsports.org for information on SCSD Athletics. Call 415-334-3333 or email [email protected] with any questions.
SCEF
SCEF Day is November 7
Wear green and show your support for SCEF!
Donate at: www.scefkids.org/donate
Every donation supports vital programs like libraries, PE, Music, Band and Orchestra , Middle School Electives and more.
Make a positive impact on the everyday learning experience of every child in our San Carlos public schools.
8th Annual Halloween Candy Buy-Back
Enjoy some of your Halloween treats and then donate the rest! Drop-off your Halloween Candy at your school’s office until November 7th. Local dentists Drs. Amin, Chang and Kaher will donate $1 per pound of wrapped candy to SCEF, and Operation Gratitude with Estes Express Shipping will ship the candy to our troops overseas.
Support our troops and support your school!
Get Your Faculty and Friends Concert Tickets Now!
https://www.scefkids.org/events
On November 9th, join our SCSD music teachers, local musicians and community members for an evening of live music. This popular event, held at St. Charles Church in San Carlos, is great for the whole family. Refreshments will be available for sale at intermission. Support SCEF, music in our schools and enjoy our local musicians.
Sports Basement
On Thursday, November 15th, Sports Basement is inviting everyone in the San Carlos School District to a very special shopping day. Come see the new store in Redwood City, at 202 Walnut (in the old Toys R Us location), sign up for Basementeers and receive 20% off your entire purchase all day long! SCEF is a beneficiary of their Basementeer program & will receive 10% of all sales.
There is a reception at 6pm.
Thank You Silver Sponsors
Our heartfelt thanks to our Silver Sponsors:
Brien Shamp Boot Camp, Dragonfly Investments Group, Harvest Furniture, Hummingbird Music School, Jacklyn Kurth Orthodontics, John & Lorena Baer, John McAfee-State Farm, Lisa Noble Photography, Mindful Bodies, Moquin, North Wall Builders, Pope Dental Implant Specialist, Wendy Wood Design.
Community Partners
- No updates this week
High School Happenings
Sequoia High School
Shadow Program
A shadow day is an opportunity for eighth grade students to spend the day at Sequoia and experience firsthand what it’s like to be a member of the Sequoia family.
Students have an opportunity to observe Sequoia High School for the day, and there is a Parent Information Session the morning your student shadows.
For more information and to sign up see link below (spaces are filling up quickly)
8th Grade Welcome Night
November 14, 2018 - 6:00 PM Carrington Hall
Visit Classrooms and Meet Department Chairs
Q and A with extracurricular leaders
International Baccalaureate (IB) Informational Meeting
January 15, 2018 - 6:00 PM - Carrington Hall (Spanish Presentation @ College Career Center)
Presentation from IB Program Coordinator about IB: an honors program that challenges students to reach their fullest academic potential, while developing both as students and global citizens
See sample course loads for 9th-12th grades
Campus Tours
November 10, 2018 and January 26, 2019, Front of School
Approximately 30 minute tours led by current Sequoia Leadership students
Tours will depart between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. No advanced sign-ups necessary
Highlights points of interest on campus and provides answers to frequently asked questions
Performing Arts
Fall Musical The Drowsy Chaperone: November 10, 11, 16 and 17 @ Carrington Hall
Spring Play The Children's Hour: March 8, 9, & 10, 2019 @ Carrington Hall
Fall Concert: October 23 @ Carrington Hall (7:00 pm)
Open House
Thursday, March 28, 2019 -7:00-8:30 PM
Open to Current and Prospective Students
Sequoia Day/Sequoia Stampede
Saturday, April 13, 2019 (9:00 AM)
Freshman Welcome Night
Wednesday, April 25 @ MPR 6:30-8:30 PM
Also, for more information about Sequoia and all of our programs, please visit our website at http://www.sequoiahs.org/index.html
Carlmont High School
Attached please find the October Carlmont Corner & a detailed flyer about Shadowing at Carlmont. Shadow registration will be available through our website beginning on October 8th.
http://www.carlmonths.org/Parents/8th-Grade-Transition/index.html
INFORMATION
• Carlmont High School website: http://carlmonths.org/
• Sequoia Union High School District website: http://www.seq.org/
MIDDLE SCHOOL LIAISONS
• Central, Charter, & Tierra Linda: Chris Cook [email protected]
• Nesbit, Ralston & Non-Feeder: Carol Castro [email protected]
• For non-feeder school ONLY: email [email protected] to join mailing list
Summit/Everest High School
For more information go to summitps.org
Design Tech High School
http://www.designtechhighschool.org/