Paws’ Laws --- A Chart of Behavioral Expectations

The Northeast staff has developed Paws’ Laws, which are three short rules that we expect everyone in our Northeast community to abide by. They are:

¨ BE HERE, BE READY

¨ BE RESPECTFUL

¨ BE SAFE

It is our goal to make the understanding of the Paws’ Laws as clear and easy for the students as possible. The behavior matrix included in this booklet shows you the actual rules for various places in the school and on the school grounds. In a positive manner, the matrix tells students what to do and how to behave in order to abide by these three rules in the numerous areas of our school. The matrix will be posted in each classroom, and in areas around the school. Each teacher will then create, with the students, the behavioral expectations for his/her classroom. The classroom expectations will be sent home during the first week of school.

Please take time to go over and review this matrix with your child(ren). You will see that our expectations are simple and respectful of other human beings. We continually reinforce our expectations in preparing the students for life. We suggest placing the matrix in a visible spot in your home so your family can refer to it when necessary. We also request that when family members are visiting our school that they respect the process by following the expectations we enforce with our students.

Cool Tool – Lesson plans used to teach the behavior expectations

One of the most important parts of the PBIS system is that behavioral skills and expectations are taught directly to the students. The lessons will teach all the students what is expected of them and how they are to behave. All students will be taught Cool Tools that will impact our school and are based upon the needs of our students. You will find a list of the Cool Tools for this year at the back of this booklet with a brief description of behavior emphasized in the lesson.

Paw Slips – A Reward System

Another part of the PBIS system is the use of consistent positive reinforcement of appropriate behavior. All staff members who observe students following the Paws’ Laws will issue paw slips. All students should be receiving slips for demonstrating good behavior. Students can earn paw slips in all areas of the school (classroom, lunchroom, playground, etc.) and from all staff members. Research shows us that positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to not only change poor behavior, but also to maintain appropriate behavior. The Northeast staff is committed to making sure that all students who demonstrate positive behaviors will receive paw slips.

Every infraction-free day earns your child a point toward the next Northeast celebration. Every student must earn 80% of the possible points to participate in the entire celebration and 75% to earn half of the celebration. Anything less than 75% means your child will miss the celebration completely. Having your child keep a record of his/her points will assist your child in knowing how much of the celebration he/she earned.