Old Saybrook Public Schools Kathleen E. Goodwin Climate Plan November 8, 2016

Goals / Rationale: Climate survey results yielded three focus areas and several areas that require continued monitoring. Focus Areas: Students have the tools to respond in the moment when they feel they are being teased. Students have the tools to respond in the moment when they feel left out. Implementation of a Pride Card Program where students will be recognized by teachers for including others. Continued Monitoring: Recess Buddy Bench Program Bus seating and behavior expectations Spirit Days Staff input on decision making

Connections to the Strategic Plan: Proactive and flexible plans that respond to changing demographics including • declining enrollment, • increasing numbers of students who speak English as a second language • increasing social and emotional needs of students • Increasing expense of education in a setting where the number of households with school-age children is declining

Connection to Building Goals: Ensure that students are engaged in personalized learning.

Statistics/Data: Student Survey Data: Have you ever been left out of a school activity? (K&1 No 97 Yes 35) (2&3 No 103 Yes 93) Someone said, ”You can’t play with me,” at recess. (K&1 38) (2&3 90) Someone said, ”You can’t sit with me,” at lunch. (K&1 30) (2&3 51) Someone said, ”You can’t sit with me,” on the bus. (K&1 35) (2&3 73) Someone said, ”You can’t work with me,” at centers or during classroom activities. (K&1 20) (2&3 34) How often do you feel left out? (K&1 Never 73 A little 34 A lot 22) (2&3 Never 123 1/year 70 1/month 19 1/week 17 1/day 12 >1/day 6)

Challenges: Only 48 parents completed the climate survey Two years in a row our data indicates that students are feeling left out Monitoring bus behavior continues to be a challenge Students rely on adults to solve problems Students don’t have the tools to respond in the moment when feeling left out or being teased

Successes: Parents: My child feels generally safe at school: 48/49 agree or strongly agree My child knows the school rules: 49/49 agree or strongly agree I feel welcome at this school: 48/49 agree or strongly agree Overall I rate this school as good or the best: 49/49 Staff: My school is prepared for an emergency: 39/39 agree or strongly agree Parents are involved in activities at this school: 39/39 agree or strongly agree Staff has input into decision making: 38/39 agree or strongly agree Students are proud of this school: 39/39

Next Steps: Train staff and students – Buddy Bench Program Implement “in the moment” strategies. Implement Pride Card Program