The Truman Way

 

At Truman Elementary, we are dedicated to nurturing and developing the whole student through a culture of safety, respect, cooperation, kindness, and peace. Our guiding principles, known as "The Truman Way," help us create an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

 

 

Each day, our staff will encourage students to:

·       Be Safe: Engage in behaviors that ensure personal safety and the safety of others.

·       Be Respectful: Treat others with kindness and consideration.

·       Be Cooperative: Work effectively with peers and adults.

·       Be Kind: Demonstrate empathy and compassion.

·       Be Peaceful: Resolve conflicts calmly and constructively.

 

To recognize these positive traits, we will award a High Five Award weekly to one student from each class who exemplifies these characteristics. Additionally, at our Celebration Assemblies each quarter, one student from each class will be honored with an overall High Five Award for their outstanding display of these values.

 

 

We encourage our students to become young scholars who engage as collaborative researchers and critical thinkers. Our goal is to create an environment where:

·       Students: Develop as creative, critical, and complex thinkers who solve real-world problems. They take ownership of their education by setting and tracking their learning goals, actively participate in the school community, utilize technology to enhance their learning, and practice self-management through trauma-informed techniques. We aim for them to strive for proficiency and advancement in all their endeavors.

 

·       Parents: Foster community trust and engagement by participating in the PTA, joining parent learning opportunities, implementing trauma-informed practices, and attending school events. Parents are also encouraged to support their child’s academic success through reading, homework assistance, and establishing healthy routines.

 

·       Staff: Committed to equity, staff will develop culturally responsive practices, utilize community resources, and provide enriching learning experiences through STEAM and PBL. They will foster a genuine interest in families, champion every student’s potential, and ensure effective collaboration with their teams and support personnel.

 

·       School Environment: You will find a vibrant STEAM room and Library Media Center, hallways that reflect classroom excellence, flexible seating, and student collaboration spaces. Cross-curricular and vertical learning opportunities will be present throughout the building. Multilingual signage, outdoor learning spaces, updated facilities, and well-organized classrooms further enhance our commitment to a dynamic and inclusive educational environment.

 

 

We understand that students may sometimes need redirection and support. Our behavior management continuum includes:

1.     Verbal Warning/Redirection: Using trauma-sensitive language to guide behavior.

2.     Reflection: A safe spot within the classroom for students to calm down and think.

3.     Think Sheet: A written reflection in a buddy room.

4.     Parent Contact: Engaging parents to support and partner with us in behavior management.

5.     Principal Conference: A meeting with the student and possibly parents, where consequences may be issued for severe behaviors. More serious issues may bypass the five-step process.

 

At Truman Elementary, we are committed to creating an exemplary educational experience where every student, parent, and staff member plays a vital role in fostering a thriving school community.