Here at McGowen we use the Essential 55 to teach life-long expectations and guidelines. Students who model the character trait of the month and the Essential 55 are recognized as "Most Valuable Mavericks" at our monthly Mav Fan Jams.
http://www.slideshare.net/chikipong/the-essential-55-rules
Essential 55
1. When responding to any adult, you must answer by saying “Yes ma’am” or “No sir.”
2. Make eye contact.
3. If someone in the class wins a game or does something well, we will congratulate that person.
4. During discussions, respect other students’ comments, opinions and ideas.
5. If you win or do well at something, do not brag. If you lose, do not show anger.
6. If you are asked a question in conversation, you should ask a question in return.
7. When you cough or sneeze or burp, it is appropriate to turn your head away from others and
cough or sneeze in your sleeve.
8. Do not smack your lips, roll your eyes or show disrespect with gestures.
9. Always say thank you when I give you something.
10. When you receive something, do not insult the gift or the giver.
11. Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness.
12. When grading other students’ papers, give only the correct grade.
13. Follow along when we read together in class.
14. Answer all written questions with a complete sentence.
15. Do not ask for a reward for good grades or behavior.
16. You must complete your homework every day.
17. Subject transitions will be swift, quiet and orderly.
18. Be as organized as possible.
19. When homework is assigned, do not moan or complain.
20. When a substitute teacher is present, all class rules still apply.
21. Follow the specific classroom protocols.
22. You may bring a bottle of water to class.
23. Know other teachers’ names and greet them in the halls by name at appropriate times.
24. Keep yourself and bathrooms clean and germ-free.
25. Greet visitors and make them feel welcome.
26. Do not save seats in the lunchroom.
27. Do not stare at a student who is being reprimanded.
28. After recess, silently line up in order to transition into the school building quietly.
29. Observe the ABC’s of etiquette.
30. After dining in the cafeteria or elsewhere, be responsible for your trash.
31. Whenever you are provided a service in a public place, always tip who served you.
32. On a bus, always face forward.
33. When meeting new people, shake hands and repeat their names.
34. When offered food, only take your fair share.
35. If someone drops something and you are close to it, pick it up.
36. Hold the door for people rather than letting it close on them.
37. If someone bumps into you, say excuse me, even if it was not your fault.
38. On a field trip, enter a public building quietly.
39. On a field trip, compliment the place you are visiting.
40. During an assembly, do not speak or call out to friends.
41. At home, answer your phone in a polite and appropriate manner.
42. When returning from a trip, shake the hand of every chaperone.
43. On escalators, stand to the right, walk to the left.
44. When standing in line, keep your arms at your sides and move quietly.
45. Never cut in line.
46. No talking while the class is watching an educational video or clip.
47. While eating and socializing in the cafeteria, use your inside voice.
48. If someone is bullying you, let me know.
49. Stand up for what you believe in.
50. Be positive and enjoy life.
51. Live so that you will never have regrets.
52. Learn from your mistakes and move on.
53. No matter the circumstances, be honest.
54. Carpe Diem.
55. Be the best person you can be.
http://www.slideshare.net/chikipong/the-essential-55-rules
Essential 55
1. When responding to any adult, you must answer by saying “Yes ma’am” or “No sir.”
2. Make eye contact.
3. If someone in the class wins a game or does something well, we will congratulate that person.
4. During discussions, respect other students’ comments, opinions and ideas.
5. If you win or do well at something, do not brag. If you lose, do not show anger.
6. If you are asked a question in conversation, you should ask a question in return.
7. When you cough or sneeze or burp, it is appropriate to turn your head away from others and
cough or sneeze in your sleeve.
8. Do not smack your lips, roll your eyes or show disrespect with gestures.
9. Always say thank you when I give you something.
10. When you receive something, do not insult the gift or the giver.
11. Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness.
12. When grading other students’ papers, give only the correct grade.
13. Follow along when we read together in class.
14. Answer all written questions with a complete sentence.
15. Do not ask for a reward for good grades or behavior.
16. You must complete your homework every day.
17. Subject transitions will be swift, quiet and orderly.
18. Be as organized as possible.
19. When homework is assigned, do not moan or complain.
20. When a substitute teacher is present, all class rules still apply.
21. Follow the specific classroom protocols.
22. You may bring a bottle of water to class.
23. Know other teachers’ names and greet them in the halls by name at appropriate times.
24. Keep yourself and bathrooms clean and germ-free.
25. Greet visitors and make them feel welcome.
26. Do not save seats in the lunchroom.
27. Do not stare at a student who is being reprimanded.
28. After recess, silently line up in order to transition into the school building quietly.
29. Observe the ABC’s of etiquette.
30. After dining in the cafeteria or elsewhere, be responsible for your trash.
31. Whenever you are provided a service in a public place, always tip who served you.
32. On a bus, always face forward.
33. When meeting new people, shake hands and repeat their names.
34. When offered food, only take your fair share.
35. If someone drops something and you are close to it, pick it up.
36. Hold the door for people rather than letting it close on them.
37. If someone bumps into you, say excuse me, even if it was not your fault.
38. On a field trip, enter a public building quietly.
39. On a field trip, compliment the place you are visiting.
40. During an assembly, do not speak or call out to friends.
41. At home, answer your phone in a polite and appropriate manner.
42. When returning from a trip, shake the hand of every chaperone.
43. On escalators, stand to the right, walk to the left.
44. When standing in line, keep your arms at your sides and move quietly.
45. Never cut in line.
46. No talking while the class is watching an educational video or clip.
47. While eating and socializing in the cafeteria, use your inside voice.
48. If someone is bullying you, let me know.
49. Stand up for what you believe in.
50. Be positive and enjoy life.
51. Live so that you will never have regrets.
52. Learn from your mistakes and move on.
53. No matter the circumstances, be honest.
54. Carpe Diem.
55. Be the best person you can be.