South Saint Mary Street Elementary outlines rebranded behavior framework

A school staff member from South Saint Mary Street Elementary School presented a rebranded behavior framework that the school says is intended to promote consistent, positive student behavior across hallways, restrooms, the cafeteria, the playground and assemblies.

The framework, the presenter said, stresses a common language and consistent expectations across grade levels and departments so students understand behavioral expectations wherever they are in the building. "This framework really emphasizes promoting positive student behavior," the school staff member said.

Staff described the framework as developed by a cross-department committee that included representatives from kindergarten through fifth grade, the special education department and the specials (art/music/PE) department. The presenter said the committee met frequently while designing the framework: "We met almost every 2 weeks after school on their own time," and that the group now meets monthly to continue implementation and review.

School staff said the committee focused on four main aims: establishing clear expectations, promoting consistency across grades, explicitly teaching social skills (greetings, cooperation and respect) and improving the school climate to support learning. The presenter said staff noticed younger students (kindergarten and first grade) were walking quietly in lines while some fourth- and fifth-graders struggled to meet the same expectations; the framework was intended to address that inconsistency.

The school plans to use its office discipline referral (ODR) system to provide parents with more observational data about student behavior. According to the presenter, the goal is to reduce disruptions so teachers can focus on instruction, and to give parents clearer, relevant information about their child's conduct. The presenter said the framework also emphasizes safety as a primary reason for rules and routines.

The committee members named by the presenter were Mrs. Ramsey (pre-K/kindergarten representative), Mrs. Red (first grade), Mrs. Jetser (second grade), Mrs. Fox (third grade), Mrs. Porcolov (fourth grade), Mrs. Smith (fifth grade), Mrs. Cleffinger (specials), Jackie Bauer (special education), and Mrs. Klein. The presenter also referenced previous work under "Mrs. Kuhar." The presenter said decisions were made with input from entire grade levels or departments during the committee process.

No formal vote or district-level action on the framework was recorded in the transcript; the remarks presented the school's internal development and ongoing implementation. The presenter said staff continue to meet monthly to support the framework's use and to reinforce expectations with students and families.