Hawthorne Elementary School’s positive behavior program is attracting the attention of school administrators outside of Albert Lea.

Thursday, October 07, 1999

Hawthorne Elementary School’s positive behavior program is attracting the attention of school administrators outside of Albert Lea.

Hawthorne Principal John Piotraschke said since the program that stresses positive behavior traits began last year, he’s received calls from other principals inquiring about the program.

These principals then began similar programs in their schools.

&uot;I’ve shared it with other principals,&uot; Piotraschke said. &uot;A few schools have called us for details.&uot;

The Hawthorne principal also wrote an article explaining the program in Principal Magazine, a national publication directed at elementary and middle school principals. The publication is expected to print the article this fall.

&uot;We’re trying to take kids to a place where they make responsible decisions,&uot; he said. &uot;They … (consider) the thoughts and feelings of other people.&uot;

In what’s called the monthly kickoff at Hawthorne, students learn a new character word from Norman, a puppet that uses real life-type experiences that children understand.

With continued humor, Norman stumbles through each puppet show but learns a valued character lesson in the end.

In September, as an example, the theme was friendship, which was emphasized in each classroom; students are asked if their actions fit the theme. The theme introduced at Tuesday’s kickoff was cooperation.

When students misbehave, they’re not just punished, but asked to discuss why their actions were wrong and not responsible.

They’re also awarded for good behavior.

&uot;We started a postcard this year,&uot; he said. &uot;Everytime there’s great news (exceptional behavior, or achievements) we send a postcard to the kids.&uot;

Positive comments are included on the monthly calendars sent home to parents. Parents are informed when their children act responsibly, increasing parental involvement in the positive behavior program.

When students act responsible, their names and actions are also taped in honor on the &uot;Wall of Good Behavior.&uot;

Also new this year are monthly awards.

One student from each classroom who sets the best example of the theme receives the &uot;People Respecting Others Award.&uot; Nominees from special classrooms like music are also honored.

&uot;The whole point is to try and make kids make positive changes that are respectful and responsible,&uot; Piotraschke has said of the program. &uot;They’re behavior changes from within.&uot;