Woodhull Students Caught Being Good
Woodhull School Principal Mary Stokkers likes to boast about her staff and students and the proactive, positive school climate they have worked to create.
"We make sure everyone knows the positive way to act in all situations," Mrs. Stokkers said. "Our teachers are such great role models and they teach character education in daily lessons."
"Eagle Expectations" helps guide students in the classroom and cafeteria, at recess and on the bus. It's a set of behavior expectations that are reinforced each day by every adult in the building.
"We celebrate good deeds by highlighting exemplary behaviors and we believe others will follow," Mrs. Stokkers said. It's a school-wide initiative that requires the support and active participation of every teacher and paraprofessional on the staff.
Woodhull's Dignity Act team consisting of Assistant Principal Jarrett Stein, school psychologist Cynthia Fletcher and social worker Vilma Matos made a presentation to staff and students early in the school year "about what it means to be a good friend and classmate and stick your neck out for others by stopping any bullying and by demonstrating positive behaviors," Mrs. Stokkers said.
The Woodhull philosophy as defined through "Eagle Expectations" is in effect every day at all times and school officials are on the lookout for youngsters meeting the behavioral goals.
"We are watching and 'catching' students doing the right thing," Mrs. Stokkers said. "It is very powerful to cite good behaviors rather than pointing out negatives. We need to encourage the 'five-to-one principle' of praise, compliment and describe what a student did well five times more often than pointing out the negative and being punitive. Praise goes a long way to encourage or improve behaviors."
Mr. Stein explained the concept of "Eagle Expectations" to students at two September assemblies. Dr. Fletcher and Ms. Matos trained every staff member in the Eagle behaviors that are expected of students along with the intricacies of the recently enacted state Dignity Act. Teachers are ready to promote the behavioral expectations. "They are on board with our program," Mrs. Stokkers said.
Sixth grade teacher Heather Flaherty presented each student on bus No. 11 that were "caught being good" with a special award. "Each day when she gets her students on the bus, the driver tells her how good they are, sitting in their seats and talking to their neighbors," Mrs. Stokkers said. "They are doing the right thing every day and we notice and celebrate that here at Woodhull."