School Culture

  • Amber uses lessons from The Master Teacher: The Character Education Kit, Elementary edition. The lessons are aligned with the five character traits of the Amber Way. In addition, five assemblies are conducted annually where the whole school gathers to celebrate each of these character traits. Different grades prepare the assembly programs that celebrate the character traits through music, dance, drama and poetry.

    Amber students demonstrate self-regulation including resiliency, self-control, and tolerance. In order to do this effectively, the Amber student uses POWER and becomes the Amber STAR:

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    POWER

    Persistence: You can do it with hard work.

    Observe: Use the 5 W’s & how

    Words: Look at words around text to help you

    Evidence: Use text to help you

    Re-read: Read aloud; over and over again to help you

    This acronym helps the student remember the strategies they can use when faced with a challenging problem, reading passage, or assignment. It reminds them that they have the tools they need to attack, persevere, and conquer any challenge that comes their way.

    Amber STAR

    Sit straight.
    Track the speaker.
    Ask and answer questions.
    Respect your classmates by waiting your turn.

    What is Harmony SEL?

    Harmony SEL is a social and emotional learning program for Pre-K-6 grade students, accessible online and at no cost. Harmony fosters knowledge, skills, and attitudes boys and girls need to develop healthy identities, create meaningful relationships, and engage productively by providing SEL learning resources, tools, and strategies.

    Behavior Management System: Kindergarten – fourth grade: A card system is implemented where a student is monitored from a green card for good behavior to blue card a first warning; yellow card a second warning; and finally red card which results in a consequence and a call home.

    Fifth Grade: A ‘think sheet’ system is implemented where students write out their thinking regarding unacceptable behavior and a call home.

    Structured Recess: At recess students are assigned to specific areas to play. Students rotate the areas they play at daily. The play areas include: jungle gym, ball games, quiet games, jump rope and hula hopes, and other fun areas.