Danielle Trejo, School Counselor at Hart Elementary, brought us much important information about the Early Act First Knight program we co-sponsor with NW Austin Rotary. Her slides were precise and informative, her delivery enthusiastic, and her information impressive. One of the program’s 10 virtues (tolerance, responsibility, confidence, service, perseverance, friendliness, respect, discipline, compassion, and honesty) is emphasized for about 4-6 weeks in a variety of ways. Each day beings with announcements and skits delivered over the intercom by the students. The virtue of the moment is also taught during each day’s, SEL (social, emotional learning) Time. And it is incorporated into Reading, Writing, and Social Studies. The virtue is also posted and discussed on the school’s website and sent home to parents in a weekly newsletter. And, of course, the Rotary 4-Way test is recited every day. Over 60% of the staff and faculty see improved behavior in the one and a half years the program has been used at Hart. Principals also report a significant decrease in referrals and repeat referrals. Teachers report that students are engaged, enjoy the discussion, role-play and participation in announcements and also have been known to practice and discuss the virtue at home. They “get” that this virtue is part of their environment and daily life, their reality. The children are excited and supportive of whoever is awarded; they encourage each other. Parents are invited to be present when a child receives an award, an occasion also used as a forum for education and recruitment as the parents when backstage to surprise their child when receiving the award. They often come back to help with a future ceremony and are quick to register their approval and appreciation at periodic Principal’s Coffee times. Ms. Trejo suggested that more resources for morning announcements and curriculum in Spanish would be helpful. Bottom line, though, is that all are greatly pleased that EAFK is an all-school endeavor and that it is effective in developing positive behavior and promotes positive peer pressure.
Early Act First Knight Awards Ceremony January 2019