Paradise Valley Unified School District No.
69
Where Individual Excellence is Our Goal
Larkspur Elementary
School
2430 E. Larkspur
Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Gail Fleming, Ed.D.,
Principal
MAKE YOUR DAY CITIZENSHIP
PROGRAM AT LARKSPUR
Background Information:
We began
considering revisions in our discipline program early in 1990, as a
consequence of inappropriate student behavior which resulted in a large
number of referrals to the office and out of school suspensions. Our
teachers and parents were very concerned about this student behavior and
both groups were involved in the decision to develop a new system.
During the fall
of 1990, and the spring of 1991, our teachers and parents began the
research and visitations which led us to the Make Your Day citizenship
program. We observed in schools which were using the program, and we
talked to teachers and PTSA members as we considered alternatives. After
much study, we recommended that Make Your Day be established at Larkspur.
In September
1991, the classroom training began. We have since offered two all-school
parent information nights, individual grade level parent meetings during
program implementation, and parent orientation during back to school night
in each classroom during the 1992 - 1993 opening of school.
We find as we
use Make Your Day, that our children are taking responsibility for their
own behavior, learning communication skills with each other and with their
teachers, and making better choices about their behavior. We are also
pleased that parents are informed about their child's behavior on a daily
basis.
Our parent and teacher assessment
of the program confirms our belief about the benefits of the Make Your Day
citizenship program. We are excited to be able to offer our students the
opportunity to develop lifelong skills in taking responsibility, in making
choices and in effective communication.
|
Year |
|
Referrals to
Office |
No. of
students suspended |
No. of days
suspended |
|
1990-91 |
Year before
MYD |
1,300 |
41 |
65 |
|
1991-92 |
First Year |
250 |
23 |
45 |
|
1992-93 |
Second Year |
114 |
6 |
14 |
A review of the
above information demonstrates the dramatic changes which have occurred in
student citizenship at Larkspur since we implemented the Make Your Day
program. Parents are informed daily about their child's progress, students
have clear knowledge of what is expected and are encouraged to do the best
they can. We work hard to teach children that they can communicate with
each other when they have a problem, seek solutions together, help each
other and feel good about the choices they have made.
The Larkspur staff and I look
forward to working closely with each other and with you to help our
students be the best they can be.
Sincerely,
Gail Fleming, Ed.D
