Supporting Positive Behavior
AEES supports academic and social-emotional growth through PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), REACH for the Stars and RULER. These programs teach skills that promote a safe, respectful and positive school community. The school also reinforces District 20’s Ten Core Principles.
REACH for the Stars
REACH stands for:
Respect
Effort
Attitude
Citizenship
Honesty
These expectations are explicitly taught in classrooms, hallways, restrooms, the cafeteria, playground and office, as well as during arrival and dismissal. They are introduced in August and reviewed after winter and spring breaks.
Students earn punches on classroom REACH cards for demonstrating expected behavior. At 25 stars, students may choose rewards such as extra recess, a water bottle or school T-shirt, sitting with a friend or serving as administrator for a day. Families are encouraged to use REACH within home routines and reward systems.
RULER and Emotional Intelligence
RULER is a social-emotional learning approach developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. It teaches students to:
Recognize emotions in themselves and others
Understand the causes and consequences of emotions
Label emotions accurately
Express emotions appropriately
Regulate emotions effectively
These skills are incorporated into instruction and daily routines to help students, staff and families understand and manage emotions.
Bullying and Reporting Concerns
Bullying, threats and harassment are unacceptable. Bullying includes coercion or intimidation intended to control another person or cause physical, mental or emotional harm. It may occur through words, electronic communication, physical acts or gestures. Bullying is prohibited for any reason, including academic performance or a legally protected characteristic.
Not every student conflict is bullying. Bullying and retaliation against someone who reports in good faith may result in discipline, including suspension, expulsion or referral to law enforcement.
Tell a trusted adult at school if you experience or witness bullying. Concerns can also be reported anonymously through Safe2Tell. The school will not investigate or intervene in conflicts outside school hours that do not directly affect the school day or learning environment.
Safety Drills
Fire, tornado/shelter, lockdown, secure-the-perimeter and evacuation drills occur regularly. Emergency routes are posted in every room. Teachers review safety areas and evacuation procedures, and students remain with their teacher until the all-clear signal.
Suspension
A student may be suspended when necessary to protect that student or others. Parents and students are notified promptly. Work is provided for suspended students under the district’s make-up work policy; see Attendance.
Related Expectations
See Student Expectations and Belongings for dress, devices, property and prohibited items; Visiting Our School for visitor procedures; and School Counseling for student support. District student and parent rights remain available through Policies and Handbook.