Class Dojo Information

Mrs. Hudson and I wanted to give you more information about how Class Dojo (the online system that we use for behavior management) works, and what it means when we award or deduct points.

We sat down together before school started and talked about how we wanted to use Class Dojo.  We decided that it made the most sense to award and deduct points based on the Citizenship characteristics that are part of the MID report card.  Class Dojo will give us data that we can use to give appropriate grades in each of these areas. There are nineteen characteristics listed for MID Citizenship:

• Participates in class
• Accepts responsibility
• Stays on task
• Works independently
• Works well with others
• Shows neatness in work
• Completes classwork assignments on time
• Completes homework assignments on time
• Respects authority
• Respects property
• Is trustworthy
• Is courteous
• Is obedient and cooperative
• Uses self-control in speech
• Uses self-control in actions
• Listens and follows directions
• Applies Christian principals in work
• Applies Christian principals in play
• Interested in learning about the bible

Each student has the potential to earn 19 points each day for basic good behavior and doing what they're supposed to be doing.  They may also earn points above and beyond these.  For example, Mrs. Hudson and I both randomly select a 'secret student' each day.  We keep an eye on that secret student throughout the day, and if that child exhibits model behavior, he or she is awarded 5 extra points.  We also award points for being extra helpful or extra kind.  In addition, there are classroom awards (math problem of the day, surprise locker check (clean locker!), etc) that result in extra points being awarded.  Students have many opportunities to earn Class Dojo points for great behavior!

Class Dojo points are deducted for misbehavior.  Mrs. Hudson and I talked about the most frequent behavior issues that occur in our classrooms, and determined that these behaviors affect more than one characteristic of MID Citizenship.  For example, Talking out of Turn (talking when the teacher is talking, when another student is talking, or when we're supposed to be silent (during a test, in the hallway, etc) impacts 8 of the citizenship areas:

• Accepts responsibility
• Respects authority
• Is courteous
• Is obedient and cooperative
• Uses self-control in speech
• Listens and follows directions
• Works well with others
• Applies Christian principles in work

When a child loses points for Talking out of Turn, 8 points are deducted, one for each of these characteristics.  When students aren't meeting behavior expectations, they are always give a verbal warning first.  Depending on the circumstances, they may be given more than one warning.  If the student continues to show that same behavior, then points are deducted.  We've discussed all of the above information with the kids, so they are well aware of the consequences of misbehavior.  Other common behaviors that will result in the loss of multiple points are:  Not Following Directions, Out of Seat (when they're not supposed to be), and Unkind Words.

If a student has lost points for Talking out of Turn, he or she will have earned 11 points for the other MID Citizenship areas, but lost 8 points for the ones impacted by that behavior.  If this happens once during the week, that student still earns a substantial amount of points for the week.  However, if its occurring daily, the student (and parent) will notice that they've earned significantly fewer points.  If a behavior is occurring more frequently than it should be, Mrs. Hudson and I will be sure to call or email to talk about how we can work together to get your child's behavior back on track. 

Every Monday, the kids are awarded their Class Dojo points for the previous week.  They keep track of them in a 'points bank' that works much like a checking account register.  The kids deposit points earned and withdraw points traded (great real world practice!).  The kids are allowed to trade points for privilege cards (in Mrs. Poole's class) or trips to the treasure box (in Mrs. Hudson's class).  Privilege cards include things like: a sweet treat from the candy jar, chewing gum in class pass, sitting in the teacher's rolling chair, electronics time, dance party, etc).  The more 'desirable' the privilege, the more points it costs.  The treasure box holds all kinds of goodies that kids love (candy, small toys, etc.). 

We have high expectations for our students' behavior and believe that they will rise to meet those expectations.  We want to partner with you to help our students develop self-control, good work habits, and the ability to be thoughtful and courteous members of any group in which they participate.

During these first weeks of school, as students learn and adjust to classroom rules and expectations, you may see points being deducted.  Please talk with your child about what caused them to lose points, but don't be overly concerned.  If you do have any questions or concerns about Class Dojo, or your child's behavior please email, text, or call either of us, and we'll be sure to address them.