It was fabulous to have Franklin’s Social Worker and Positive Behavior Support Coach, Mandy, as a presenter at the meeting. Parents had the opportunity to meet her and to establish an extremely valuable connection. Mandy talked to the group about behavior management and about Franklin’s new self-management curriculum, The Zones of Regulation. She said students at Franklin learn self-control skills to be in the best state of alertness of both the body and emotions for a specific situation. The lessons and learning activities are designed to help the students recognize when they are in the different zones as well as learn how to use strategies to change or stay in the zone they are in. Ellen, 1st grade teacher, had some of her students demonstrate some of the self-regulating tools used by the students. They asked the parents to join and practice the self-regulating techniques. Mandy stressed the point that there are no “bad” or “naughty” zones. She said we all experiences all of the zones at one time or another. The Zones of Regulation is intended to be neutral and not communicate judgment.
Mandy also talked about the importance of identifying the size of a problem before reacting. Small problem = Small reaction. She gave examples of how to handle different situations. She encouraged parents to help their children identify and communicate their feelings (zone), identify the size of their problems, and to try The Zones of Regulation approach at home. She asked the parents to be a model for their children by pointing out their own triggers and the tools they might use to self-regulate.
Mandy answered the questions parents had related to The Zones of Regulation, and behavior in general:
Is The Zones of Regulation curriculum used at both schools?
What are the problem resolution steps the kids learn at school?
What is a student to do when he/she has a problem during recess?
Are there supervisors on the playground and lunch?
Are the supervisors parent volunteers or teachers?
Procedures the school has to handle behavior issues?
Are parents notified of all behavior issues?
What behavior issues are noted on Infinite Campus/OASYS?
Are incidents noted on OASYS permanent?
Do parents have access to OASYS records?
Will the student who responds to a physical altercation with a kick or punch be also in trouble, even if he/she didn’t start it?
How are suspensions determined?
My daughter has been bullied by a classmate. Teacher has been informed. Bullying has not stopped. What do I do?
Comments from the group:
Behavior management techniques are very different now compared to the ones used by our parents when we were growing up.
Nowadays children have more power and this can be good and bad. Empowerment brings confidence. Being too confident, too cocky, can be disrespectful. Sometimes our children threaten to call the police on us when we give them consequences for misbehaving.
Sometimes we tell our children we are letting his/her teacher know when they misbehave at home, and they immediately turn behavior around 🙂
Each family received a copy of the MMSD Behavior Education Plan and a District Policy Guide to take home.
Franklin Parents proceeded to fill out the Parent Teacher Conference Survey.
The meeting ended with a post National Election debrief. Parents had requested ideas on how to talk with their children about the issue. They were informed that at school we have let the students express their feelings and fears. Some teachers already talked with those students who seemed most stressed and worried about the possible deportation of their parents. Parents were reminded that adult actions and attitudes influence children. It was noted to parents that not all people who voted for our new president elect support his immigration views. Some voted for him because they believed he represented the anti-establishment stance and some others went for the conservative party because they believed it aligned with their religious beliefs. Bigotry is not a national value, it will not be accepted by the majority, and will not be tolerated at our schools. We are to respect the democratic process of this country.
Suggestions when talking with your children…
- Tell your children only what they need to know. Tell the truth. Don’t exaggerate the facts.
- Minimize the time they spend watching TV. Sometimes the news can cause children to feel confused and overwhelmed. Be with them when the watch TV to provide supervision and feedback.
- Make them feel safe. Don’t talk about the terrible things that MIGHT happen.
- Explain how candidates make all kinds of promises that they may or may not be able to fulfill if elected.
- Be honest but optimistic.
Parents were informed all Franklin/Randall staff, as well as the PTO stand along their side, and are willing to help them and their children in any way possible!