Students Embrace Circle of Respect Principles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jennifer Mayes (734)428-8321 or jmayes@mcs.k12.mi.us

DATE: November 18, 2013

MANCHESTER--Sometimes big lessons are learned sitting “crisscross applesauce” in the media center with the principal.  Every Monday at Manchester Community Schools’ Klager Elementary, students gather in Respect Circles and learn lifelong principles that impact life now.

Klager principal, Jennifer Mayes, presents her lesson during Respect Circles.

Jennifer Mayes is in her sixth year as Principal of Klager, a school with approximately 400 students in grades
kindergarten through fourth. The Respect Circles were introduced last fall and she has seen a marked improvement in student behavior.

“Our discipline referrals have dropped significantly since we incorporated Respect Circles in our routine,” Mayes said.  “I’ve had staff thank me for doing this because they’ve seen positive results.”

Mrs. Shue sits with her class during respect circles.

A variety of topics are covered and students are taught how to respond in different environments. Students have learned about appropriate behavior on the bus and playground; in the hallways, cafeteria; how to practice good hygiene and; caring for iPads, which are assigned to every student at the school. Mayes said she learned about Respect Circles at a conference she attended and she chose to teach the sessions at her school for a number of reasons.

Mrs. Shue's class listens intently during Respect Circles.

“I love the interaction with the students; to learn their names and to build relationships,” she said.
Mayes said it was important for her to present the Respect Circles so that all of the students hear the same message. She also provides a copy of her lessons to the teaching staff in case a particular topic needs to be reinforced with students.

Once she has presented the lesson she gives students time to either model the proper behavior or to talk to a partner about what they have learned.

At the conclusion of her recent 25-minute presentation to each grade level on the use of iPads, she reminds them that, “If you learn to make good choices with the iPads, you can make good choices in life and that will lead to good things.”

Simple, yet profound.

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by News News