Mary H. Matula Elementary School

Character Education Program

Student Components

The 3R’s: Respect, Responsibility and the Right to Learn is the umbrella that we use for all school-wide efforts. We emphasize a different character trait each month. Those traits include: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness, Honest, Self-Control, Integrity and Cooperation.

We believe that these traits affect life choices and behavior. We articulate our expectations with staff and students through these traits. Our students hear us use these terms daily as we interact with each other.

Character Education Mission Statement:

Mary H. Matula Elementary School strives to encourage the development of good character in each individual and the community as a whole. This will be achieved through the staff teaching and modeling positive character traits with an emphasis on respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring. Students will learn what actions show good character and will be able to recognize good choices in self and others. Enhancing these skills will help our students choose the path of good character throughout their lives.

Instruction

It is important that these traits are taught throughout our school day. While they are often taught through mini-lessons they are consistently addressed in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, health, physical education, music as well as lunch, recess and assemblies.

Trait of the Month

The trait of the month provides a focus for that trait although the 3R’s are constant throughout our school.

The trait of the month is displayed in each classroom and the hallways.

The trait of the month is announced during our closed circuit TV morning announcements.

The traits are written in our school newsletters to community and parents.

Snoopy Poster Program

Weekly Snoopy Posters are hung throughout the hallways. The posters emphasize different aspects of the character traits.

Student of the Quarter

Voted on by students, all staff, and our bus drivers.

Students are recognized quarterly at an evening PTO meeting.

Character Slips

Students are “caught” showing a character trait. The adult (staff and bus drivers) completes the character slip. The student puts the slip in the Star Jar. On Friday we will recognize all students who earned character slips that week through Clap for Character. Some character slips will be read various days to provide examples of ways to show good character. Each student, after receiving their first slip, receives a sticker telling everyone that they are a character slip winner.

Awards Program

Hall of Fame is for students in grades 2, 3, 4, and 5. If the child receives an “A” or “Consistently Demonstrating” in Reading,Math, Science and Social Studies (they need 3 of 4 A’s), they earn the Hall of Fame incentive

Personal Responsibility is for students in grades 1 thru 5. The student must earn all “3’s” on the Learner Characteristic Section of the report card. Each marking period has a different incentive.

Attendance: Students in grades PreK - 5 who only miss 1 or less days of school are eligible for the quarterly attendance incentives. A yearlong incentive for 1 or less days is in place, too.

Matula Pledge: Members of our student council a few years ago wrote our Matula pledge. It is said each day after the Pledge of Allegiance on the morning announcements.

Matula Pledge

As a Matula student and or staff member, I will uphold the three “R’s”:

Respect, Responsibility, and the Right to Learn.

I will work hard to show Matula manners

and always conduct myself in a way that

will make others proud.

Flag Risers: Our cub scout students coordinate the rising of our flags each day. Our Building Service Manager assists with this program.

Just Say No Club: One of our teachers coordinates our Just Say No Club. Students in grades third through fifth stay after school to plan activities. Countywide activities are participated in also.

Dress for Success Program: Our voluntary uniform program is for all students and staff. It consists of blue or khaki bottoms and a white or blue top. Classroom and school incentives are in place to encourage participation.

Matula Student Ambassadors: Twelve students in grades 3, 4 and 5 are our ambassadors. These students serve as hosts/hostesses when Matula has visitors. Students also plan monthly school spirit days and assist in school wide events such as Grandparent Day.

Popcorn With Principal: Once each quarter, student ambassadors meet with the Principal. Suggestions, comments and concerns from the students’ perspective are discussed over popcorn and soda.

Guidance Lessons: Guidance Counselor does classroom lessons at all grade levels. Topics include social skills, cooperation, bullying, respect and friendship.

Reading Buddies: A few teachers coordinate our Reading Buddies. Classes are buddied up with another class.

Come on Down

Exemplary BCR's are hung in the classroom. Each morning classrooms are called on the morning announcements. Any student in those classrooms who have a BCR hanging on the "Come on Down Board" go to the office for a prize.

Mary H. Matula Elementary School

Character Education Program

Staff Components

We believe that in order to have a successful Character Education Program, it must first start with adults. We are the models our children see for hours every day. This includes all staff.

The 3R’s and Trait of the Month:

It applies to us, too!

Staff Development

Staff members are asked to give input for the staff development plan for the year.

Special guest speakers as well as ILT members and staff will address staff

needs.

Friday Focus

The Friday Focus serves several purposes.

1. It is all electronic. It’s completed weekly and emailed to all staff each Friday morning.

2. Many “business” items are covered in the reminder section.

3. The “Heartbeat” section describes positive acts and actions by staff.

4. The “Rising to the Top” section describes excellent teaching strategies, displays, lessons, etc.

5. The Friday Focus contains upcoming events and a calendar to help staff be organized.

Connections Committee

This team of staff members provides opportunities for special events for staff.

Conferences

Each year staff is selected to attend Character Education Conferences. Employees share with staff ideas, tips, etc.

Mary H. Matula Elementary School

Character Education Program

Parent/Community Components

Parent Volunteer of the Quarter

The Parent Volunteer Coordinator randomly selects 2 parent volunteers each quarter. The parents are recognized at the Student of the Quarter recognition.

Volunteer Programs

Volunteer opportunities are plentiful at Matula. We encourage parents and the community to join us on a daily basis as well as for special events.

Family Nights

Our PTO works with Matula staff to sponsor several family nights. Some of these nights include: Winter Wonderland, Book Swap/Ice Cream Social, and Fall Fiesta. These events serve as a great opportunity for families to interact with staff in a fun and positive setting.

Community Partnerships

A variety of activities are planned in conjunction with the community. We have created several partnerships with many LaPlata businesses (Kiwanis, Rotary, Carvel, Outback Steak House, etc)

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