Integrity Insights

“Integrity is what we say, what we do, and what we say we do.” Don Galer

Last week in the Lower School teachers introduced the idea of integrity to students during their Pillar time.  It was defined to students as thinking before you act and taking responsibility for actions.  At school they are encouraged to follow the rules, even when there may be no one watching, and admitting when they make mistakes.  The first graders in Mrs. Bradley’s class have few ideas about integrity, as you will see below.  

Today was the first Pillar ticket drawing of the year.  Five students were selected for snack time with Mrs. Baier next week.   Congratulations go to…

Joey B. 4^th grade

Matthew D. 2^nd grade

Roopak D. 1^st grade

Ashfaq H. 1^st grade

Paul H. 1^st grade

Next month's Pillar ticket drawing will allow the selected students to choose any Lower School teacher to have lunch with at the end of October. 

Aquila, the eagle flew from Ms. Hudak’s room to Mrs. Peitz/Sahli’s class.  Iliya earned Aquila for his class by demonstrating good integrity in the hallway.

Another part of our Pillar Program are CIPHER posters in each classroom.  Each class has a CIPHER poster with pockets.  As the class earns a compliment or demonstrates one of the Pillars an eagle feather is put into the associated Pillar pocket.  When a class fills in all 6 pockets, the teacher chooses a reward.  Again, we are staying away from the tangible rewards and trying to provide things that fit with the Pillars.  This week Mrs. Madigan’s class earned their first reward.  Their reward was flashlight reading time.  Students brought in flashlights and headlamps, the lights were turned out and they had reading time.  Some read in groups, some on their own, but it was a fun way to read and something different from the ordinary.  Here are a few pictures from the time and a picture of a CIPHER poster.

Next Tuesday at 8:00am is the first Lower School Parent Coffee for the year. We will plan to meet in the Academy Commons (lunchroom).  I will go through the complete Lower School Pillar Program and answer any questions relating to it during our time together this quarter.

The Minnesota Department of Education has informed us that the 2012-13 MCA test results will be delivered to ERA by October 18^th.  Results will be sent home to parents the following week.

I hope to see you all at Rockin’ the Ridge on Saturday.  If you have not already volunteered, there are still spaces available.  It is a great time for the entire Eagle Ridge Academy community!

Picture Day for Lower School students is next Wednesday.  Please remember students should be in formal dress uniforms on this day.  You may review the formal dress uniform requirements at this link:http://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/studentsparents/uniforms

Have a wonderful week.

Mrs.Baier