A new initiative at Napoleon Elementary School focuses on character development and community service.
Matt Dietrich, Napoleon Elementary School principal for pre-kindergarten through second grade, explained the Cat Crew initiative was developed through a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) committee.
Dietrich said the idea focuses on character development, including community service such as creating cards for nursing home residents or public service departments such as the fire and police departments. Since the elementary school includes those kindergarten through sixth grade, the younger students and older students are mixed together in classrooms, so there might be one group consisting of kindergarteners, third graders and sixth graders working together.
“The kids responded really well,” Dietrich said. “I think it’s beneficial … and will help them in life.”
Teacher Kristin Hartford explained the way the school is structured to house PK-6 students provides a unique opportunity for mentorship.
“Older students develop leadership skills while younger students gain role models to look up to,” she said. “As this is our first year, we have already seen incredible benefits, and we are excited about the future.”
Hartford explained each session includes social-emotional learning, with topics such as looking at the size of the problem vs. size of the reaction; social filters including what to think vs. what to say; and the power of words.
“By reinforcing these skills, we are helping students become more thoughtful, empathetic individuals — lessons that extend beyond the classroom,” she added. “Each month, all Crews read the same book, generously provided by the United Way, further enriching their learning experience.”
Hartford said the community service project is unique to each “crew” and looks to teach students the importance of giving back.
“These projects encourage them to look beyond our school walls and make a positive impact on the larger community,” she added.
Dietrich pointed out the days are good for staff, too, as they are able to coordinate with teachers in different grade levels.
“Each Cat Crew includes a diverse mix of educators, including homeroom teachers, specials staff, intervention specialists, title teachers,” Hartford added. “This collaborative approach strengthens relationships across our school between teachers as well.”
Three days have been held so far — one in October, January and March, with the final one of the year planned in May.
“As we wrap up our first year, we are incredibly proud of our students and staff for embracing this initiative,” Hartford said. “We look forward to building on this foundation and making Cat Crews even more impactful in the years to come.”
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