Dear Roadrunner Families,
It may still feel really hot outside but we are officially entering the fall months. At school we are busy! We are more than half way into quarter one. Students have learned all of our rules and routines and are creating their academic goals. At Riggs we really strive to design instruction that meets the needs of each individual learner. We have made it a school-wide goal this year to deliver tier two instruction for all of our students that need a little extra. That means there will be small groups, sharing of students, or even intervention with our reading teacher. Student learning is our priority, and we want everyone to feel successful. If you are worried about your child's progress, please reach out to the classroom teacher so we can offer support.
At Riggs we have also started a new program called PBIS. This is an evidenced-based program. PBIS is a proactive approach schools use to improve school safety and promote positive behavior. The focus of PBIS is prevention and learning desired expectations. We as a school have decided that our focus will be on RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, SAFETY, AND COMPASSION. We will spend all year reviewing what it looks like and sounds like in order to follow these expectations around the campus. Students will receive CARE tickets when they are caught doing the right thing. These CARE tickets will be saved and can be used to "purchase" items off of our CARE cart. Below is a QR code if you would like to help support the purchase of CARE cart items. Ask your student how many tickets they have earned so far this year.
We have also adopted a voice level system throughout the school. When we need students to be silent we will ask for a level 0. Students' levels move up from there at a whisper (1), partner talk(2), Table Voice(3), and Outside Voice(4). Letting students know the expectation before tasks has proven to be very beneficial. This also has allowed common language between all staff. Try it out at home. If you are on the phone or talking, ask your child to be at a level zero and see how they respond. Some parents have already shared that it has been a game changer for their home.
I hope you all have an amazing September. Please reach out if we can help in anyway!
Warmly,
Jamie Lander
