Passport Training

At Milaca Elementary, we want all students to be successful. When there are over 990 students in our building, and we want all students to clearly understand the expectations. To accomplish our goal, all of our students participate in our annual, "Passport Training". Entire classes travel to four locations. At each location is an "expert", a staff person, who goes over what our character traits look like in that area for respect, responsibility, honesty, citizenship, and voice level. Students have their "Passports" signed after respectfully participating at each station.

Passports should remain in the back of student planners.

Mr. Voshell, our principal, addressed hallway expectations

He appreciates a clean hallway

Mrs. Jennings runs our Planning Room. She talked about bathroom expectations

Mr. Meyer, our asst. principal, talked about the lunchroom expectations

Recess Supervisors addressed playground expectations

After visiting the four stations, the entire fourth grade met in Dahlager Theater in the high school. Our assistant principal, Mr. Meyer addressed the entire group. He reviewed our Passport Training, then talked about bullying.

Waiting for the presentation to begin

Mr. Meyer, "Expectations are serious ... for the entire year."

Mr. Meyer talked about drawings being held 4 times a year

Mr. Meyer said that bullying is aggressive behavior that involves unwanted action. It is a pattern of behavior repeated over time. There is an imbalance of power, where the bully is often bigger or tougher. He talked about changes, new strategies we are adding to our bully prevention program. Students are encouraged to stand up for themselves and "Take 3 before 4".

What does this mean? 

First, students need to use "CALM". 

C - cool down

A - assert yourself

L - look at person

M- mean what you say.

Then "Take 3" ...

Tell them what they are doing, how you feel, and what you want (to happen).

If Calm and "Take 3" don't work, then you "Take 4" - tell an adult.

Mr. Meyer used the following model to demonstrate the importance of telling ... He asked a volunteer to come up to the front of Dahlager Theater and lift the podium onto the stage. Soon, three students were helping. Sometimes, we need help to move change.

Students "moving" the podium as Mr. Meyer makes his point, we all need a little help ...

Mr. Meyer says we all have feelings. We all need to work together to watch out for each other, even people we may not know or always like. Bullying is not accepted or tolerated. When we work together, we can make a difference.

Mr. Meyer shared the consequences for bullying. To begin, students will miss lunch and recess. Next, students will have in-school suspension. Then, students will have out of school suspension. Finally, Officer Shaw, our police liason officer will be involved. Bullying is a type of harassment. As a ten year old, Mr. Shaw can bring charges for harassment. Students who are found to be bullying will also have daily "check-ins" and attend a Positive Behavior Class, where they will learn how to act and how to treat people.

Finally, students who do not have any Stop and Think 10s, Discipline Referrals, or Bus Tickets will be eligible for four BIG prize drawings taking place this year (once a quarter?). Prizes include $50-$100 gift certificates for Target or Toys R Us, a new bike, or even an MP3 player. Students who receive Character Postcards can be selected for Student of the Week, and other smaller prizes will be available.

Safety is important at Milaca Elementary. We care about our students. We are on the look out to catch our students following the expectations and demonstrating character.