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School community benefits from 'Pride'
(by Kathryn A. Burger - May 28, 2008)
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Staff Photo by Kathryn A. Burger
Meadowbrook Elementary School Principal Richard Spirito introduced the ‘Meadowbrook Pride’ program earlier this year to encourage and reinforce positive behaviors in all the students in the kindergarten through fourth grade school. He is pictured in the school lobby with the display of recent winners of the ‘Pride Winner’ award as well as student-created posters that colorfully illustrate the program’s goals.
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Kindness, respect, responsibility, effort, honesty. These aren’t academic subjects but at
Meadowbrook
Elementary School , they are much a part of the curriculum as math, reading and science.
“Meadowbrook Pride,” a program developed by Principal Richard Spirito, encourages students to act respectfully toward friends, fellow students and school personnel. “Students are also challenged to behave responsibly by being prepared for class, completing assignments, and studying for tests,” he said. “They are also encouraged to be kind to others and to show pride in their school by caring for their environment.”
To be selected as a monthly winner, a student must consistently demonstrate these positive behaviors, Spirito said. “We honor students who exhibit these characteristics on a daily basis.”
As with any school-wide initiative, the support of faculty, staff and parents is essential, and Spirito has it. The program was introduced earlier this year and he made it clear that it wasn’t because the students lacked these skills, but rather to encourage them to continue to display positive behavior. “I know the parents have done a wonderful job of instilling these values in their children. Our hope is to continue this trend,” he said.
The school holds monthly assemblies at which student accomplishments are acknowledged. Those chosen as Pride Winners are announced at these school-wide events and the students have no idea who has been picked until the names are announced. The winners each receive a certificate and “Pride” buttons and have their picture posted in the display case in the lobby for an entire month.
To encourage students to take pride in their school and themselves, classroom discussions about the importance of behaving respectfully, being kind to others, doing their best and taking responsibility for their actions help reinforce the goals of the program. Spirito said the issues of bullying and harassment are also addressed.
Although in his first year at Meadowbrook, it is his third year in the
Hillsdale
School District . He was assistant principal at
George
G.
White
Middle School for two years before coming to Meadowbrook. “We feel we have wonderful children in Hillsdale and hope to continue to encourage students to work hard and to be the best people they can be.”
The program is thriving. More than 60 students have been named “Pride Winners,” having satisfied the rigorous standards the program requires. Spirito said, “We are confident that this program will continue to have a positive impact on our students and in turn make our school an even better place. These values will help our children now as well as in later life.”
Kathryn A. Burger's e-mail address is burger@northjersey.com.
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