Jacquelyn Aversa

The Casey Park School Community was eager to "fall" into a new school year.

Turning over a new leaf proved to be challenging, as well as exciting. A multiple of our old "leaves" were still intact such as Casey Park's stellar Character Education Program. Judy Gelston did a wonderful job highlighting the impressive way our school carries out this initiative in a past Citizen column.

Therefore, it made sense to "fall" back on what was already working. Consequently, the Character Education Committee that met this July planned to enhance the existing program for the 2005-2006 school year, to ensure a smooth transition for our students. The enthusiastic committee members included: Genie Colby, Judy Gelston, Stefan Kowalski, Beth Liberatore, Audrey McNally, Kathy Partlow, Nancy Platt and our principal, Phyllis Price.

Utilizing research from Genie Colby's daughter, Sarah, who is finishing her doctorate, the committee decided to incorporate elements from Positive Behavioral Supports into our current Character Education system. Simply put, Positive Behavioral Supports is a method to eliminate challenging and disruptive behaviors and developing pro-social skills by establishing a series of pro-active and positive methods to students in all settings.

The goal of turning over this new "leaf" is joining two quality programs in order to equip our students in all facets of the school day, both academically and socially.

In order to make the program a reality, Mrs. Price suggested we hit the ground running. Therefore, the plan was initiated the first and second week of school.

The essential points of the plan stated that we all have the same rules which are posted throughout the building, and in all classrooms.

The rules include: be respectful, be responsible, be prepared, follow directions, and, hands and feet to yourself.

Next, all students will hear the same rules from the same voices. Finally, the rules will be delivered in a positive manner. The plan was designated to fit in the typical school day with the least disruption to the academic schedule.

Grade levels traveled to specific areas from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9, through Friday, Sept. 16, and were immersed in positive character traits relating to each rule and in each area. The areas included: the auditorium, cafeteria, hallway, playground, bus, and outside.

The special area teachers and aides presented the behavioral expectations at each station. Each team did a remarkable job remodeling what each targeted behavior needs to look and sound like. In a few cases, Oscars could have been awarded for the team's performances. Lastly, to solidify the Positive Behavioral Supports the special area and library teachers reinforced the expectations on the first day of classes with all students. The Casey Park School Community is looking forward to the daily implementation of components from the Positive Behavioral Supports. We are eager to have our students "fall" for the desired attributes and ultimately the empowerment the program provides. We hope taking a positive "leaf" from someone's book will occur daily.

Jacquelyn Aversa is a fifth-grade teacher at Casey Park Elementary School