Paradise Valley Unified School District No. 69

Where Individual Excellence is Our Goal

Larkspur Elementary School

2430 E. Larkspur Drive

Phoenix, AZ 85032

Gail Fleming, Ed.D., Principal

MAKE YOUR DAY CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM AT LARKSPUR

Background Information:

    We began considering revisions in our discipline program early in 1990, as a consequence of inappropriate student behavior which resulted in a large number of referrals to the office and out of school suspensions. Our teachers and parents were very concerned about this student behavior and both groups were involved in the decision to develop a new system.

    During the fall of 1990, and the spring of 1991, our teachers and parents began the research and visitations which led us to the Make Your Day citizenship program. We observed in schools which were using the program, and we talked to teachers and PTSA members as we considered alternatives. After much study, we recommended that Make Your Day be established at Larkspur.

    In September 1991, the classroom training began. We have since offered two all-school parent information nights, individual grade level parent meetings during program implementation, and parent orientation during back to school night in each classroom during the 1992 - 1993 opening of school.

    We find as we use Make Your Day, that our children are taking responsibility for their own behavior, learning communication skills with each other and with their teachers, and making better choices about their behavior. We are also pleased that parents are informed about their child's behavior on a daily basis.

Our parent and teacher assessment of the program confirms our belief about the benefits of the Make Your Day citizenship program. We are excited to be able to offer our students the opportunity to develop lifelong skills in taking responsibility, in making choices and in effective communication.

    A review of the above information demonstrates the dramatic changes which have occurred in student citizenship at Larkspur since we implemented the Make Your Day program. Parents are informed daily about their child's progress, students have clear knowledge of what is expected and are encouraged to do the best they can. We work hard to teach children that they can communicate with each other when they have a problem, seek solutions together, help each other and feel good about the choices they have made.

The Larkspur staff and I look forward to working closely with each other and with you to help our students be the best they can be.

Sincerely,

Gail Fleming, Ed.D.