SYCAMORE CANYON SCHOOL
 

"Curriculum" 

      Every other month a new KEY (character theme) will be introduced by the Principal in either an assembly or presentation within the classroom.  The assembly/presentation will emphasize to the students that during the month we will be unlocking and focusing upon a particular character trait that makes us better people.  The goal of the assembly/presentation will be to help students develop their self-worth by making the particular character trait a habit.  When we do the right thing, we feel good about ourselves. 

      The presentation will be made through the use of literature, poetry, songs, dance, skits, etc.  Students will be acknowledged by allowing them to share with their peers examples of the KEYS, and their winning essays.  After the presentation, each class will hang their new KEY in a visible location so that students and adults may refer to it often. when writing lesson plans, each teacher will incorporate the month’s KEY into daily lessons by taking advantage of the teachable moment and referring to the CVUSD Character Education Resource Book (when available).  At the end of each month, the teacher will have students write essays using the KEY for the topic while teaching the writing process.

      Curriculum development and evaluation will be ongoing.  Staff will have the opportunity to share at staff meetings and on collaboration days.

 ADULTS AS MODELS AND MENTORS

      All adults in the Sycamore Canyon School community will serve as role models and mentors to students.  The staff and parents will demonstrate the character themes by showing a high level of respect and responsibility both inside and outside the classroom and school.  They will enable students to experience morality by treating all students with dignity and respect.  Teachers will provide moral instruction and guidance through explanation, classroom discussion, storytelling and personal encouragement.  All adults will work to develop the positive self-worth of students.

POSITIVE CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

     All Sycamore Canyon Staff are dedicated to providing an orderly and caring environment in which all students feel comfortable, share the responsibility for maintaining a positive school climate, and take pride in their school achievements.  A variety of school-wide and classroom activities are incorporated into the daily curriculum to promote a positive environment.

     All activities use a child-centered approach and are developmentally appropriate in an effort to meet the individual differences and developmental levels of Sycamore Canyon students.  These activities can include: 

1.      Merit KEYS given to children by their peers or staff when a student demonstrates a positive character theme.  Students are acknowledged in the classroom and then sign the Merit Book in the office where they are acknowledged by the Principal.  The student then takes the KEY home to share with his or her family.

2.      “I’m a S.T.A.R.” ribbons are given to one student in each class on Fridays.  Those students are recognized in the classroom for Success Through Accepting Responsibility (Jefferson Program) and then have the opportunity to be recognized by the Principal by having lunch together.

3.      Each class takes a turn putting together a bulletin board in the cafeteria for the character theme of the month or the bulletin board is put up by a volunteer or PTA rep. with a piece contributed by each class.

4.      All teachers write at least one “Good News” postcard weekly or one “Good News” phone call.

5.      The ABC’s of Sycamore Canyon Pride communicate school standards and expectations.

 DISCIPLINE

The Sycamore Canyon’s Staff is dedicated to providing all students with a positive and productive learning environment.  The ABC’s of Sycamore Canyon Pride are designed to communicate school standards and expectations.  We believe that rules tend to allow too many loopholes.  Also, too many rules create a negative atmosphere.  A code of conduct, on the other hand, defines the operating principles of the entire school community.  The Character Education Program fits nicely into this philosophy.  In the classroom, students are taught how to evaluate their own behavioral choices as to whether they are appropriate to the KEYS and the ABC’s of Sycamore Canyon Pride.  It is through this process of learning how to evaluate behavior that prepares students to become responsible citizens of their school, family and community.

 DEMOCRATIC SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

 Sycamore Canyon’s involved parents and local businesses create a sense of community.  Each classroom provides students with the opportunity to determine curriculum because of our emphasis on providing a child-centered program which meets the needs of all students.  Students have the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns in class discussions.  All students have the opportunity to participate in the Student Council.  Upper grade students are elected for specific offices and primary students serve as grade level representatives.  Student Council communicates with the teachers/principal, attends PTA and SSC meetings and writes for the monthly Sycamore Breeze.  All these provide students with the opportunity to participate in the decision making process at Sycamore Canyon School.

 PARENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

 We believe that it takes “a whole village to educate a child,” therefore, the parents and the community are vital to the education program at Sycamore Canyon School.  We are continually recruiting parents and community members to join our partnership in educating children, especially in the areas of character development and helping children become lifelong learners.  A variety of activities are used to involve parents and the community.  These activities can include:

 1.      Monthly newsletter with a section on the KEY and suggestions for focusing on it at home.

 2.      Family homework which incorporates the positive character themes.

 3.      Parents and community members serve on PTA and SSC thus providing leadership in the curriculum and character education.

 4.      Monthly Awards Assemblies where a community member is recognized for one of the KEYS.

 5.      Parent Resources.

 6.      Speaker’s Bureau provides the opportunity for parents and community members to speak to students about positive character themes and careers.