Character
Claim #2 Evidence
Fox Creek students embody courage, respect, compassion and integrity. These relational habits of character are evident in their daily interactions and how they conduct themselves in and outside of the classroom.
Student Discipline Trends
"I feel safe at Fox Creek because I have so many people who support me. It's a place where I can be myself and I'm not put down for it." Emma, 6th grade
For the past four years Fox Creek students greater depth in Crew. Through our work plan we have set yearly goals to expand Crew beyond the classroom wall and into every reach of our campus. Through Crew, our students are utilizing a stronger understanding of our Habits of Character as well as a greater appreciation for the uniqueness of others. We have experienced a steady decline in significant behavior issues that normally result in in-school or out-of-school suspension.
Habits of Character Tracking
"My listening criteria helps me show respect and I get to work on my integrity. A goal I'm working on is not sitting next to my friends, it just makes me be focused. It helps me learn more about the thing that we're studying about because I'm thinking and I'm listening to the teacher whenever she's talking." Santiago, 2nd grade
Across grade levels, students are realizing the importance of honoring our Fox Creek Habits of Character. Students are becoming more aware of the impact the Habits of Character have on their academic success. In second grade, respect and integrity are demonstrated through their Listening Criteria. In fourth grade students are working on demonstrating integrity by transitioning quickly and quietly throughout their day. They work hard to create the criteria for what is expected, as well as recognize and track behaviors that align with our HOC. From this, students take full ownership of their behaviors, make plans to improve as a learner, and celebrate the success of reaching goals individually and as a crew.
Second grade students create a criteria list to show respectful behaviors as listeners. They self-assess their listening and give themselves a score along with setting a goal. The teachers also score and comment on each child's listening criteria reflection. Students continually monitor their listening criteria throughout their day to help them be the best learners they can be. |
Fourth grade students recognized a need for quicker transitions throughout their day. Together, they collaborated to build a rubric that focused on taking ownership of their actions during transition times by showing integrity. Transitioning with integrity allows fourth graders to have more learning time throughout their day.
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Click on the video above to see Elliot (kindergarten) sharing his self initiated Respect book.
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It is so compelling to see how all of our students internalize our habits of character. When we hear kids using the language out on the playground and in the cafeteria, we know we are making a difference. Our kindergarten teachers begin the work with our students from day one developing crew plans, using the language of the habits, and modeling all the time. Our little friend Elliot decided that this was important enough that he needed to go home one evening and write a book for his class to let them know more about the habits of character. Elliot was so excited to share his thoughts and was very eager to read his book to anyone and everyone! |
Crew Notes
“Crew notes are pretty cool because it’s hard to show some of the Habits of Character and so it’s really nice to be recognized for your hard work and to know that others see how hard you are working and that you are a good person.” Rita, 6th grader
Two years ago we began the concept of crew notes. These are notes that are written by students and staff to students and staff. The crew notes recognize when crew mates are exemplifying our Habits of Character in ways that really go above and beyond our expectations. After the note is written, it is given to the classroom teacher. Prior to our monthly North Star assembly, crew notes are gathered and the class votes on two that best represent what we are looking for in regards to outstanding citizens and students of great character. The chosen notes are then read aloud at the North Star assembly so that students are publicly recognized. You can just hear the gasps and excitement in the room when a child’s name is announced. Afterwards the child is given the actual note so that they can take it home and share it with his/her family. Many students hold on to the notes for evidence of growth towards character goals they have set for themselves.
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The North Star assembly is our largest community gathering. A special part of this gathering includes Link Crew students publicly sharing crew notes to celebrate students that are modeling our Habits of Character beyond what is expected. Click on the video above to see a sampling of our North Star community meeting where crew notes are shared.
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Classroom Norms
“The line in our class pledge/norms poster that has the greatest impact upon me is, do our best work and participate. When you do your best work, you can learn new things. When you participate and get involved in activities and with Crew, it just makes you a better person." Ava, 3rd Grade
At the beginning of every school year, each classroom collaborates to create norms that follow our habits of character describing how to treat one another and the things around us. These norms are agreed upon by the entire class so that everyone is able to feel safe and accepted.
During our art class this year I broke down how to earn a smiley face into four simple criteria. We have our classroom norms and our clean up responsibilities that's a lot of information so breaking down how to earn a smiley face down into four simple criteria has allowed for a clear understanding of what is expected. More classes have had success in showing respect to one another. Students have been showing integrity and have had the courage to correct some behavior that does not meet the criteria. Because of this more classes are getting their smiley faces and reaching the palette rewards.