Presentation Abstract
At Alcova Elementary, we have approximately 1,400 students in grades K-5. We are one of the largest elementary schools in Gwinnett County. In an effort to bring a sense of family to our populous school and community, we introduced Falcon Families. Each student and staff member is randomly sorted into one of six Falcon Families. Our Falcon Family names are reflective of our diverse community and the character traits we want to promote at our school. Aminici (friendship), Altruismo (generosity), Isibindi (courage), Kreativan (creativity), Mutunci (integrity), and Sonador (dreamers), are the six families that students could be members of. Throughout the year, students participate in a year-long friendly competition to see which Falcon Family can earn the most points via scholarly work, exemplary behavior, perfect attendance, and family involvement. In addition, students' own personal families are invited in for special Family picnics where they join up for cross-grade level fun. Furthermore, Falcon Family Fridays provide opportunities for students grade K-5 to interact with each other to promote positive interaction and relationships school-wide. Parents can use the character based Falcon Families away from school to reinforce how positive choices are expected not only at school, but at home.
Recommended Citation
Lord, Joe and Bishop, Jason, "Utilizing Falcon Families to Support Student Engagement and School Climate" (2018). Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Support Conference. 28.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gapbs/2018/2018/28
Utilizing Falcon Families to Support Student Engagement and School Climate
At Alcova Elementary, we have approximately 1,400 students in grades K-5. We are one of the largest elementary schools in Gwinnett County. In an effort to bring a sense of family to our populous school and community, we introduced Falcon Families. Each student and staff member is randomly sorted into one of six Falcon Families. Our Falcon Family names are reflective of our diverse community and the character traits we want to promote at our school. Aminici (friendship), Altruismo (generosity), Isibindi (courage), Kreativan (creativity), Mutunci (integrity), and Sonador (dreamers), are the six families that students could be members of. Throughout the year, students participate in a year-long friendly competition to see which Falcon Family can earn the most points via scholarly work, exemplary behavior, perfect attendance, and family involvement. In addition, students' own personal families are invited in for special Family picnics where they join up for cross-grade level fun. Furthermore, Falcon Family Fridays provide opportunities for students grade K-5 to interact with each other to promote positive interaction and relationships school-wide. Parents can use the character based Falcon Families away from school to reinforce how positive choices are expected not only at school, but at home.
