Latimer Lane School Relaunches Character Education Program

An announcement from Simsbury Public Schools:

Latimer Lane Elementary School has relaunched its character education program—and its principles have been incorporated into a new logo.

The relaunch was a team effort by students, staff, and parents. Principal Mike Luzietti said that the three character traits identified by these groups as the focal point of the revised program are Respect, Responsibility and Kindness. Said Luzietti, “Students brainstormed and talked with their peers about what this looks like in action and then shared with the whole school.”

Luzietti noted that the program is being branded as “The Latimer Way,” much like “The HJ Way” at the middle school, Henry James Memorial School (HJMS). Said Luzietti, “This is intended to help our students transition smoothly to HJMS.”

Students were also introduced to two forms of recognition for making positive decisions; the GOTCHA Ticket and the Class Leaf. Individual students can earn a GOTCHA Ticket from a staff member for displaying actions consistent with our character ideals. Each day, five staff members receive GOTCHA tickets and must give them away to a student within 24 hours.

Parents/guardians of these students will also receive a phone call home to inform them of their child’s good deed. This positive connection is expected to further support students in their efforts to show Respect, act Responsibly, and display Kindness.

An entire class can earn a Leaf from a staff member for displaying the same ideals. At the end of each 4-5 week period, the class who has received the most Leaves will be recognized. The first “Character Competition” ends on Feb. 16, and the class recognized for their decision making will have their choice of an extra recess or a class spirit day.

Latimer Lane has been engaging in a Month of Kindness to coincide with the re-launch. Each day, students are asked to do something to help spread kindness and positively affect others, such as to smile at five other students.

Said Luzietti, “Activities are student generated, student created, and student driven.”

In addition, grade specific lessons will be developed for each of the character ideals and will be implemented for the 2015-16 school year. Tiered behavioral supports will be outlined and implemented to support all students.