Dear Reader:

Last week we held an all school assembly in honor of our students--more specifically to recognize our students for practicing our Janssen Way.   We took the time to acknowledge the efforts that our students put into the Janssen Way each and every day at school.  We showed them video samples of our How To Videos on the Janssen Way.  Our students were simply awesome in how respectful they were when adults presented and throughout the video clips.  Over 415 students in our large gym with no need to redirect or pause.

For me what was equally rewarding was the effect the assembly had on our staff.  Our staff were just as appreciative of the event, the recognition to our students, and the video clips.  As they were sitting with their students, I saw our staff's smiles and heard their laughter/applause in unison with our students'.  

Our Janssen Way has, is, and will continue to make a positive impact on our students, staff, and parents.  We believe it and see it, daily.  You too can see this impact...so if you can, pop in to see our Morning Paws or volunteer in your child's classroom.

Thank you,
Mr. Nikolaou

Dear Reader:
Our Janssen Way approach is only geared to the learning of our students.  Our staff members are continuously building their competency to best direct, guide, and facilitate student learning.  For our staff members at this time in the school year, the Classroom Matrix, is at the center of their learning.  The past week, came together for a training session--led by fellow staff members.  The premise for this training aligns with PBIS and the 4:1 ratio--4 acknowledgements:1 consequences.  Our facilitators did a fantastic job explaining a set of reward contingencies:  dependent, independent, and interdependent.  More importantly, our facilitators provided the setting to our remaining staff for them to make meaning through small group discussions on the intended learning.  Teachers' Classroom Matrices are formative processes that are being tweaked and boosted during the year.  With our staff members wanting to building their learning and understanding around the Classroom Matrix is another example of our commitment to grow as learners to better serve our students.
Mr. Nikolaou

I want to share two experiences that I believe our PBIS program has impacted the learning of our students to transfer their learning in community functions.  The first experience was during our all school Veterans' Day Program.  Our students easily transferred their understanding of being respectful when our veterans went through their ceremonial steps, including the rifle sequence outside at the end of the ceremony.  They were able to make meaning of the significance of being respectful throughout the program.  The second experience was during our Family Fun Night, during the selection of the prizes.  Our students practiced our body basics to the tee, just like they practice during our Morning Paws.  I am so proud of the students practice of the Janssen Way, especially in a social setting where the idea of winning prizes was so special to them.

Sincerely,
Mr. Nikolaou