Cherry Elementary Nominated for a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools Award
Friday, December 8, 2017
John H. Cherry Elementary School has been nominated for a Capturing
Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools award for the 2017-2018 school year
by the Flippen Group. In 2016, school administrators began an initiative to transform the campus into an
emotionally safe and relationally connected place for students, staff, and
parents to come together with a love for learning.
After researching programs used by many of the
nation’s most successful schools, Cherry Elementary chose to join hands with
the Flippen Group to bring Capturing Kids’ HeartsⓇ to its campus. Teachers and staff have continued to learn the
processes needed to connect students with their peers and adults on campus and
to create classrooms where students are excited to learn every day. As a result
of implementing Capturing Kids’ Hearts, the school has experienced a decrease in disciplinary incidents, and an overall increase in campus climate and culture.
Over the next several months, a Flippen Group
site team will visit Cherry Elementary to observe the progress taking place
and decide whether the campus qualifies to become a recipient of this year’s Capturing
Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools awards.
Since 1990, campuses across the country have
experienced amazing outcomes with Capturing Kids’ Hearts tools and
processes, creating the socio-emotional safety conducive to learning. Flippen
Group provides educators the skills they need to change the trajectory of
students’ lives. Openness replaces defensiveness. Judging and feelings
of being judged are replaced with acceptance and real connectedness to
the school. “Discipline problems nearly non-existent,” and “Academic
achievement constantly improving,” are common feedback following Capturing
Kids’ Hearts implementation.
Through the National Showcase Schools awards,
Flippen Group seeks to recognize and celebrate schools that go the extra mile
each day, building an environment where students and staff feel safe and
connected. Flippen Group believes the unsung heroes who produce exemplary
outcomes in schools and pave the way for other schools to follow need and
deserve recognition for a job well done.
Capturing Kids’ Hearts campuses across the country are considered for this award based
on the following criteria: 1) nomination based on observation, 2) level of
implementation of Capturing Kids’ Hearts processes by all staff as
measured by online surveys, and 3) data demonstrating that Capturing Kids’
Hearts has made a significant improvement in attendance, discipline,
climate/culture, or academics.
Since the nomination period is now closed,
Flippen Group teams will begin conducting site visits to nominated campuses to
gather additional quantitative and qualitative data and interview students,
teachers, administrators, and parents. They will compile a matrix of key
measurements from the campus observation. Finally, they will conduct an
additional survey to collect feedback regarding the perceived climate and
culture of the campus and its conduciveness to learning. Following the site
visit, the selection team will review all accumulated data and select the
campuses to be this year’s recipients of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts National
Showcase Schools awards.
The Flippen Group is proud to recognize the
outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in
the lives of our children. As they identify these outstanding schools, campus
leaders, and teachers each year, please join in celebrating some of the most
skilled and effective educators in the country!
For more information about the Capturing
Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools awards, contact:
Tanya Peterson
Flippen Group
Office Phone: 1-800-316-4311
Office Fax: 1-877-941-4700
info@flippengroup.com
Student Council Delivers Donations to Crisis Center
Friday, November 3, 2017
On Friday, November 3rd, our Student Council delivered boxes of donations collected from Cherry Elementary students. This was a project led by Counselor Ashley Hagg, as part of our annual Red Ribbon Week festivities in October. Over the course of a week, students donated much-needed supplies including soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, hair brushes, and other necessary items to help the women and children who rely on services provided by our local Crisis Center. We are so appreciative of the kindness shown by our students and their families, showing support for our community, and we are proud of the Student Council for helping lead this cause.
ONE Can Make a Difference
Friday, October 27, 2017
In our Guidance Lessons this week, I wanted to talk to the students about how they can impact the day of their peers and teachers based on the words that they use. We read the Starfish story and talked about how the little boy in the story makes a difference in the lives of the starfish he tosses back into the ocean, even if he can't save them all.
During our lesson, the students sat at a table and put their names on their starfish. At each signal I gave them, they passed their starfish paper to the right and the students at their table wrote something kind about the student. We passed our papers around the table until it arrived back at the original owner. Then, I took the papers and sent them to a new table. We did this a few times so that the students had a chance to write kind things about each other.
When we had completed a few rounds, I had the students read the name of a student and choose one kind word about the student to tell the whole class. It was amazing to watch the faces of the students as their kind words were read aloud. Our first instinct when we hear kind words about ourselves is to shy away, disagree, or come up with an excuse but I challenged the students to just sit and listen to all of the wonderful things said about their classmates.
I don't know about you, but when I receive a note, letter, or kind word from someone else, it feels as though a spark is lit. I feel extra motivate to continue doing what I am doing or ensure that I am showcasing that positive attribute. Sometimes it is easy to pick on the negatives instead of letting the positives shine. As the students got their papers back and read the kind words their peers had said about them, I feel as though it gave them a sense of self worth. The smiles truly said it all.
My hope with this lesson is that students see how it feels to receive affirmations and in return will give those affirmations to their peers more frequently.
Mrs. Hagg
Cherry School Counselor
My hope with this lesson is that students see how it feels to receive affirmations and in return will give those affirmations to their peers more frequently.
Mrs. Hagg
Cherry School Counselor
School Accountability & Creativity
Sunday, October 22, 2017
This post is an edited and updated version of a blog Mrs. Dodd wrote in February of 2014 titled "Public Education."
One of the greatest arguments against public education is our use of high-stakes standardized testing. As educators, we get it. We really do. We may even join in with parents while you express your distaste with the state and federal governments' emphasis on high-stakes testing for children (as young as 3rd grade in Texas, with increasing requirements all the way down to Pre-Kindergarten). Believe it or not, there aren't many teachers and principals who dream about the excitement and fun of a standardized test. Parents, most of us are on your side when it comes to these things. We see the stress on students, teachers, and families which may result from these assessments.
However, we also know that standardized tests are vital for the accountability of the thousands of school districts across this great nation. We need to be certain that ALL children are receiving the best education possible, and that means assessing kids each year to be sure that our schools/teachers/administrators stay on track. This is just the nature of the beast.
I've recently read a few articles about the increasing standards in public education, and how it is destroying the creativity of our youth. My generation remembers having art and music (and sometimes even health) in elementary school, and typing class may have begun in junior high. This is no longer the standard. Now the biggest focus for our youngest students, it seems, is on reading. It is commonplace for kindergarten students to be reading and learning the basics of grammar and writing. By first grade, I see students writing entire paragraphs with complete sentences and proper grammar and punctuation. One of the articles I read was making the argument that the extreme academic focus in kindergarten was damaging our childrens' natural curiosity and love of school. I disagree. Although it saddens me to see less emphasis on art and music in schools, I, for one, am so excited when a kindergarten student comes to my office to show me how she can read (and comprehend) a book! It is even more thrilling when that same child beams with pride (and the twelve other five- and six-year-olds lined up behind her, awaiting their turns to show off to the principal as well).
With these changes in requirements and the ever-tightening time constraints, the responsibility now rests on parents to nurture a child's creativity through extra-curricular activities (dance, athletics, art classes, church involvement, etc.). Don't get me wrong; creativity will still be encouraged within the public school system through a multitude of projects that also help to develop higher-order thinking skills. Teachers incorporate art and music on a daily basis because it is good teaching. But if you want your children to experience other avenues of creativity at a deeper level (which, like art and music, are proven to increase cognitive ability and academic performance), you may have to seek that out on your own.
I can see how this might be frightening to a parent of a child preparing to start kindergarten. But what is even more frightening to me is the possibility that America's youth won't be able to measure up to the youth produced in other countries. You see, we no longer live in a world where we need only focus on preparing our children to work in the businesses within our local communities. We must prepare our children, instead, for a much larger "global community." Without a good solid education, our children won't be able to compete with their worldly peers. They'll get overlooked for jobs, and swept aside for promotions, while their more-educated counterparts move gracefully ahead.
Another complaint that I once heard about public education is that it is just a method to create machines through a "cookie cutter" education, and to destroy free thinking. Anyone who know anything about public education understands the extensive amount of time and energy that is spent individualizing and enriching curriculum to fit the diverse needs of students. Nothing about education is ever "cookie cutter." Teachers spend hours upon hours figuring out how to modify their lessons and assignments in order to reach every child, and to appropriately assess their learning.
The bottom line is that the foundation for a great education begins at home, with strong parenting, and it continues within classrooms all across this great nation. In this constantly-changing world that we live in, our children will have to think smarter and quicker than we ever did, and they will have to consider every angle on a global scale, rather than just the impact on their immediate communities. We have a monumental task ahead of us, as teachers, para-educators, administrators, and parents, to educate our future generations so they are prepared to take over when our own bodies give out. Until then, let's continue to be encouraging as we place our children in the care of the loving, talented, brilliant educators within the public school system. I, for one, intend on watching them all blossom beautifully as a result.
One of the greatest arguments against public education is our use of high-stakes standardized testing. As educators, we get it. We really do. We may even join in with parents while you express your distaste with the state and federal governments' emphasis on high-stakes testing for children (as young as 3rd grade in Texas, with increasing requirements all the way down to Pre-Kindergarten). Believe it or not, there aren't many teachers and principals who dream about the excitement and fun of a standardized test. Parents, most of us are on your side when it comes to these things. We see the stress on students, teachers, and families which may result from these assessments.
However, we also know that standardized tests are vital for the accountability of the thousands of school districts across this great nation. We need to be certain that ALL children are receiving the best education possible, and that means assessing kids each year to be sure that our schools/teachers/administrators stay on track. This is just the nature of the beast.
I've recently read a few articles about the increasing standards in public education, and how it is destroying the creativity of our youth. My generation remembers having art and music (and sometimes even health) in elementary school, and typing class may have begun in junior high. This is no longer the standard. Now the biggest focus for our youngest students, it seems, is on reading. It is commonplace for kindergarten students to be reading and learning the basics of grammar and writing. By first grade, I see students writing entire paragraphs with complete sentences and proper grammar and punctuation. One of the articles I read was making the argument that the extreme academic focus in kindergarten was damaging our childrens' natural curiosity and love of school. I disagree. Although it saddens me to see less emphasis on art and music in schools, I, for one, am so excited when a kindergarten student comes to my office to show me how she can read (and comprehend) a book! It is even more thrilling when that same child beams with pride (and the twelve other five- and six-year-olds lined up behind her, awaiting their turns to show off to the principal as well).
With these changes in requirements and the ever-tightening time constraints, the responsibility now rests on parents to nurture a child's creativity through extra-curricular activities (dance, athletics, art classes, church involvement, etc.). Don't get me wrong; creativity will still be encouraged within the public school system through a multitude of projects that also help to develop higher-order thinking skills. Teachers incorporate art and music on a daily basis because it is good teaching. But if you want your children to experience other avenues of creativity at a deeper level (which, like art and music, are proven to increase cognitive ability and academic performance), you may have to seek that out on your own.
I can see how this might be frightening to a parent of a child preparing to start kindergarten. But what is even more frightening to me is the possibility that America's youth won't be able to measure up to the youth produced in other countries. You see, we no longer live in a world where we need only focus on preparing our children to work in the businesses within our local communities. We must prepare our children, instead, for a much larger "global community." Without a good solid education, our children won't be able to compete with their worldly peers. They'll get overlooked for jobs, and swept aside for promotions, while their more-educated counterparts move gracefully ahead.
Another complaint that I once heard about public education is that it is just a method to create machines through a "cookie cutter" education, and to destroy free thinking. Anyone who know anything about public education understands the extensive amount of time and energy that is spent individualizing and enriching curriculum to fit the diverse needs of students. Nothing about education is ever "cookie cutter." Teachers spend hours upon hours figuring out how to modify their lessons and assignments in order to reach every child, and to appropriately assess their learning.
The bottom line is that the foundation for a great education begins at home, with strong parenting, and it continues within classrooms all across this great nation. In this constantly-changing world that we live in, our children will have to think smarter and quicker than we ever did, and they will have to consider every angle on a global scale, rather than just the impact on their immediate communities. We have a monumental task ahead of us, as teachers, para-educators, administrators, and parents, to educate our future generations so they are prepared to take over when our own bodies give out. Until then, let's continue to be encouraging as we place our children in the care of the loving, talented, brilliant educators within the public school system. I, for one, intend on watching them all blossom beautifully as a result.
Our Words are Like Toothpaste
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
As I was trying to find an activity for our students to participate in to gain knowledge on how their words can help or hurt each other, I came across the toothpaste lesson. As I started the lesson, I showed the student the full tube of toothpaste and we talked about how it was full and smooth with no wrinkles. As I said something mean to the students in the room, I squeezed out bits of toothpaste to show how easily those mean words can come out. After I had emptied the bottle, the students described the way the toothpaste looked on the plate; messy, sticky, globs, etc. I talked with the students about how I was just in a bad mood and didn't mean what I said so I wanted to take all of those words (the toothpaste) back. As I tried to fit every single last drop of toothpaste in, we saw how difficult it is to ensure that every mean word we have said is taken back.
When you squeeze toothpaste out of the tube, the toothpaste will never perfectly fit back into the tube. We can try in various different ways but ultimately, some is left out of the bottle, possibly making a mess wherever it is left. The students and I discussed how our words are like toothpaste in a bottle. As we say them, they come out and are never able to perfectly be taken back. This can be a negative or a positive.
When words are harsh and used to hurt others, those words are out there to cause harm. We can say we are sorry and work hard to build that friend's trust again, but ultimately the words have been said and are left as a reminder to our friends or the people we love that we hurt them. Just like the toothpaste once it is outside of the bottle.
On the contrary, our words spoken in love and kindness will leave a lasting impression too. They aren't able to be taken away and put back into a bottle. They can stay with the person that you have given them too, in hopes that those positive words outshine any negatives that have been said or that might be said.
As I was talking to the students about this lesson, I thought to myself how important this is for me to remember as a mom and as a professional. Our children think that we hung the moon and when we loose our temper and say things to them, those words can't be taken back. Our words can start their day off on the right foot or the wrong. That's a lot of power. As a professional, I try to be cautious about the words that I use with my colleagues. I can either negatively or positively affect their day with my words and my hope is that I have more positive interactions than negative.
As I was talking to the students about this lesson, I thought to myself how important this is for me to remember as a mom and as a professional. Our children think that we hung the moon and when we loose our temper and say things to them, those words can't be taken back. Our words can start their day off on the right foot or the wrong. That's a lot of power. As a professional, I try to be cautious about the words that I use with my colleagues. I can either negatively or positively affect their day with my words and my hope is that I have more positive interactions than negative.
In the end, I can only hope that our toothpaste lesson reminded the students of how important it is to think about something you say to someone before you say it because once we say those words, they are never perfectly able to be taken back.
Ashley Hagg
Cherry School Counselor
Ashley Hagg
Cherry School Counselor
Bullying | BCISD Police Presentation
Friday, September 29, 2017
Bay City ISD Officers Lewis, Summers, and Mirelez, Jinx, and Mrs. Dodd presented a bullying lesson to 2nd through 5th grade classes on Tuesday during their PE time. Discussions included what bullying is and what it is not, new laws that went into affect this year that we wanted the students to be aware of, and how students and parents can report any cases of bullying.
A few key points.
Bullying
We discussed with the students what bullying is and what it is not. We talked about the affects that bullying can have on the victim and the bully. Did you know that students 10 and over can be charged with harassment if they continue to bully a student once they have been told to stop? At Cherry Elementary and BCISD, our student's safety and happiness is top priority. We will not tolerate any kind of bullying and will take the necessary steps to discourage and stop any child from participating in or being a victim of bullying.Cyber Bullying
With the new law in affect, things that students do at home on their electronic devices can follow them to school. We talked with the students about David's law and the importance of appropriate behavior online. As our children become more aware of social media, we hope to continue to teach them ways to use it in a positive way and inform them of the consequences of misusing it.
Referral Process
A copy of the referral paperwork can be found in your Student/Parent handbook or is available at the school if needed. Once a Reporting form is completed, the Counselor, Assistant Principal, or Principal will conduct an interview, notify parents of the victim and the accused bully, and proceed with an investigation to determine what took place. Consequences will be assigned when needed by the campus principals and the report will be filed with the district.
Mrs. Hagg
Cherry School Counselor
How Can You Help
Have open discussions with your student about the way that they are treating their friends and other students in the classroom, at PE, the lunchroom, or outside at recess. We've talked with the students about the fact that we don't all have to be friends, but we DO have to be respectful to one another. If your child is having problems with other student, encourage them to be vocal about those problems with you, their teacher, the school counselor, or principal. It's helpful if they start with the adult that is nearby and if the issues continue, inform other adults of the issues. We want all of our Cherry students to be excited about coming to school and feel safe while they are here.
Mrs. Hagg
Cherry School Counselor
Is Your Student Getting Enough Sleep?
Friday, September 22, 2017
According
to the National Sleep Foundation, chances are that your student isn’t getting
the recommended amount of sleep appropriate for his/her age. Good sleep habits are necessary for student
health and focus while at school. Check
out the link below to
see how much sleep your student should be getting.
Not getting enough? Over the next two weeks, try to back up
bedtime by 5 to 10 minutes each night in order to help your student get back on
track so that he/she can be their best at school! Your student (and teachers) will thank you!
September Newsletter
Thursday, September 21, 2017
I try to create and send home a newsletter with helpful information to our parents at least three times per semester. Here is the most recent, for September 2017. Parents, this will go home with your students on Friday, September 22, 2017, so check backpacks this weekend!
Fun Facts About Cherry Elementary
Did you know:
John H. Cherry Elementary is the only school in Bay City to service Pre-K students.
We have 8 awesome Pre-K teachers that love teaching our students. Our Pre-K program is full-day for those students who qualify to attend. The teachers use the Frogstreet curriculum to ensure the best learning environment for their students. We also have 2 PPCD teachers for students who qualify with special needs, as young as three years old.
Our Cherry Pre-K was honored as one of five top early childhood programs in Texas .
Our pre-K program was recognized as a top Pre-K program in the state of Texas for the 2016-2017 school year. Representatives from Cherry were awarded $5,000 from H-E-B for placing in the top five finalists in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards for Cherry's early childhood program.
Cherry Elementary has it's own song.
I believe in myself and my ability to
do my best.
I will think. I will listen. I will read. I will write.
I will do my best and not waste this day,
For this day will not come again.
And most importantly,
I will treat others as I want to be treated,
For at Cherry Elementary,
I am somebody,
For at Cherry Elementary,
I am
S O M E B O D Y
I will think. I will listen. I will read. I will write.
I will do my best and not waste this day,
For this day will not come again.
And most importantly,
I will treat others as I want to be treated,
For at Cherry Elementary,
I am somebody,
For at Cherry Elementary,
I am
S O M E B O D Y
Oh Yeah!
Cherry Elementary has a Student Council.
Started during the 2015-2016 school year, the Student Council plays a big role in the success of events around our campus. They serve as a safety patrol outside in the morning, extra hands at events such as Pre-K Rodeo and Field Day, and do fund raising events to help with the school activity fund. Currently, the student council is for 5th grade students only.
Cherry Elementary has a PTA!
Cherry PTA is a partnership between our students, parents, teachers, and community organizations that work together to help support our campus vision. PTA's mission is to create and provide engaging and meaningful experiences for students. Some examples of our favorite activities include Fall Festival and Merry Cherry Christmas. This past school year, our members also voted for $1500.00 in scholarships for financial aid for students attending summer academies. Anyone can become a PTA member and get connected.
Welcome to Cherry
Friday, August 11, 2017
Hello and welcome to John H. Cherry Elementary School's blog. We hope to use this site to share information with you on helping your student, exciting events, and tips to make this school year the best one ever for your student.
Principal: Merideth Dodd
Assistant Principal: Suzette Williams
Counselor: Ashley Hagg
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