BY NATALIE GILSTRAP
Special to the Monitor
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – As the new school year begins, the principal at McRae Elementary said that being clear on student expectations is one of the school’s top priorities this year.
“We’re going to focus on behavior this year,” said Tammy Winkler. “That’s going to be our major focus: being clear about our behavioral expectations.”
Winkler said one of the reasons why clarity is needed in the school is because times have changed. She added that the behavioral expectations at home and school were the same when she was a child. However, those expectations have changed over time.
“Kids go home to different rules,” she said. “Sometimes those two environments can be different. So, we are ensuring that we set them up for success. Everybody wants to know what’s expected of them, right? I mean, I know I do.”
Winkler said that students are given clear instructions of what is expected of them throughout the day.
“We have rules and guidelines posted throughout our school, so kids know how to act,” she said.
She said students are reminded of cafeteria rules, morning procedures, and sidewalk rules. In addition, teachers are encouraged to review their own rules and expectations for student behavior within their classrooms.
Winkler also said she revamped last year’s Maverick Pride Sheet into a new format.
“We had our Maverick Pride Sheet, where kids earned their five horseshoes for good behavior,” she recalled. “We changed it to Horsepower.”
The five characteristics of horsepower students are encouraged to demonstrate are being present and punctual, taking responsibility for their actions, displaying a winning attitude, engaging in learning, and having positive relationships with others.
When students demonstrate all five attributes, they are rewarded with a positive phone call home, candy, and a post on the school’s Facebook page.
Lastly, the school is also focusing on increasing its attendance levels.
Last year, the school increased its attendance rate from 85% to 92%.
This year, the school is aiming higher.
“Ninety-two was one of the highest attendance averages we’ve had here at McRae,” Winkler said, “We’re going to try to do 95% this year.”
One of the ways the school has implemented better attendance is by talking with students and families about being a part of the school family.
Winkler is preaching that learning is fun. Memorabilia from the 50s’, 60s’, 70s’, and 80s’ can be seen throughout the school from the front office to the hallway. This year’s school theme is: “Learning is Groovy at McCrae.”
