“Round Up” of Respect, Kindness and Character School-Wide and in the Classroom and “Rope In” Support for Military Families All Year Long! Prince William County Schools Professional School Counselors Donna Cole, M.Ed. Mountain View Anaid Shaver, M.S. The Nokesville School Robin Vaneman, M.Ed. Haymarket

SUPPORTING OUR MILITARY FAMILIES ALL YEAR LONG Prince William County Schools Strategic Plan Goal 2-The teaching, learning, and working environment is caring, safe and healthy, and values human diversity Goal 3-Family and Community Engagement Support in the Personal/Social Domain and Career Development

Establish Small Group for Young Heroes Send permission and explanation home for the support of our Young Heroes, children of a military parent and or/sibling of a military member Meetings are monthly for 15 minutes only Time selected least interrupts academics A special breakfast includes the entire family one time per year Young Heroes open Talent Show with the Pledge or assembly, announcements, etc.

Young Hero Group Monthly Meetings Students meet once a month for about 15 minutes. Introductions are made in session 1. Each student shares about his/her military member and if they are currently experiencing a family member deployment. We review the purpose of our group and why they are “Young Heroes”. (September) We discuss our upcoming family celebration breakfast which may or may not fall around Veteran’s Day. (October)

Young Hero Monthly Meetings(cont.) Students practice introducing their family members and are reminded about our plan for the November family celebration. (November) From December – May students continue to meet briefly and share upcoming homecomings and deployments and support one another with helpful tips and suggestions along with friendship. Young Heroes lead the Pledge for our Talent Show wearing their military members’ hat and are invited for other opportunities. They can also lead the pledge for any special activity. Celebrate Purple-Up Day school-wide in honor of the military and Young Heroes.

Celebration Program Honoring Our Young Heroes, Veterans and Families Colors presented by our local high school ROTC Welcoming Remarks-Principal of Mountain View Elementary School Introduction of Special Guests-Retired Military joining us from retirement community active at our school Quotes read by 4 Young Heroes authored by Susilo Bamband Yudhoyono

Family Celebration Program (continued) Young Heroes introduce their families Closing-Counselor Refreshments-Danishes, juice, water, fruit (low budget) Decorations-red, white and blue dollar store tablecloths, plates, napkins Time duration minutes Local newspaper coverage Picture taken of each family during introductions and displayed in the school

Data and Feedback 100% of parents and students satisfied with Young Hero group support in the form of short monthly meetings. 100% want it to continue and feel it is worthwhile. 100% of parents and students would like annual family celebration to continue annually.

Parent Comments We appreciate the support! I think the children enjoy the recognition and it has given value to being a military dependent. It has made my children very special and proud. My child loves it. It is a great way for military children to connect. Thank you! Acknowledging the sacrifices military children make is very important. We feel blessed that you honor them at Mt. View. My kids feel so special. As we prepare to move to Germany, one of the families offered bedding and cooking items for use after we packed. Without Young Heroes, I don’t believe we would have found this amazing lady who understands our lifestyle. Thank you for an excellent job. I think this program/group is wonderful. It has been helpful to our daughter. She feels a connection with other children who have and still do spend long periods of time without a parent due to their military obligations. It helps them understand they are not alone.

Character School-Wide and In The Classroom All Year Long Cougar Character coupons awarded on the bus, cafeteria, classrooms hallways, playground when setting a good example Drawings weekly- 8 students selected to be shown on announcements Small prize coupons are awarded that are donated from local businesses School celebration when goal of a particular # is achieved -800 already after just 3 weeks

CLASS MEETINGS / SURVEYS/ Character Assembly Weekly class meetings have been an asset to success in bully prevention and the enhancement of good character. Quarterly surveys have made a tremendous positive difference. It helps us to keep a pulse school-wide, with individuals, at hot-spots such as the bus, and everywhere. Counselors follow-up with the surveys indicating problems. Fall kick-off assembly each year

CHARACTER T-SHIRTS New shirts are planned for entire staff and all students to promote character, school pride and bully prevention. Sponsorship has been successful through a local dentist office for 3 sets of shirts. Students and staff wear shirts weekly as a reminder to our goals of good character and bully prevention.

Climate Goal The teaching, learning, and working environment is caring, safe and healthy, and values human diversity. Increase safe, responsible, and healthy student behavior.

DATA Smart Goal and Closing the Gap: To increase the number of students who behave in a responsible way at school as indicated on the PWC survey for 4 th and 5 th graders by June Increase from 79% to 86% for 5 th graders by June 2014 Increase from 87% to 95% for 5 th graders by June 2014 Prince William County Survey 2014 indicates: 96.14% feel safe at school 98% of students get along with other students at school 95% feel safe from bullying at school.