October 6, 2006

Evergreen SchoolScene

Carolyn A. Clark Elementary takes on a common language

Anti-bullying program introduced to Clark’s curriculum

By Laura Firchow
Times Intern

Carolyn A. Clark Elementary School has introduced a new school-wide program to this year’s curriculum, called Common Language.

Carolyn A. Clark has adopted the Common Language Program to teach its students effective ways to solve conflicts on the playground, in the classroom and at home. Photos by Laura Firchow

Common Language is an anti-bullying program that helps students learn to resolve conflicts, using nothing more than a common language.

This anti-bullying program has been used at nearby schools in Morgan Hill, Watsonville, Gilroy and even at Evergreen’s Silver Oak Elementary School. Jeff Smith, principal of Clark Elementary, decided to follow this trend and brought Common Language to his own school in hopes of teaching students conflict resolution at a young age.

“I really like this program,” said Smith. “It teaches the kids to speak up when they run into a problem on the playground or in the classroom.”

The advantage of Common Language is that it introduces students to a simple process that they can use when they have a dispute at school with their peers or at home with their siblings.

Each classroom on campus has three training sessions taught by presenters from Common Language. The curriculum is based on a variety of topics, including how to cool off, how to talk about feelings, how to listen, and how to find fair solutions.

To reinforce the ideas taught in these training sessions, each classroom has a “Conflict Corner” where conflicts are brought to the table during class meetings. Students are able to write their name on a board in the “Conflict Corner” when they have a problem that they want to talk about with the teacher and the class.

Rather than conforming to the norm of having a teacher or authority figure take care of a conflict, Common Language allows the students to talk, listen and share their feelings about the conflict and then brainstorm solutions.

Kirk Pleasant, a fifth-grade teacher at Clark Elementary, said that the most important step of the whole process is step one – stop and cool off.

This teaches the students that the best thing to do when you have a problem is not to explode and retaliate, but to stop, give yourself a minute to cool off and think about your actions and what really happened to lead up to the conflict. Pleasant pointed out that often times, this allows the students to discover that there is really no need to get worked up about a situation at all and the conflict is immediately diffused.

Other teachers at the school share enthusiasm for the program as well. Second grade teacher Debbie Toll is one of several teachers who are supportive of the program.

Each classroom at Carolyn A. Clark Elementary School has a “Conflict Corner,” which lists steps towards conflict resolution in the Common Language Program.

“My kids love it,” said Toll. “They enjoy the class meetings, and I find it very helpful too.”

Another positive aspect about Common Language is the program’s long-term benefits. Students who learn the conflict resolution steps at a very young age can take those same tools and apply them as mediators and in leadership positions throughout their school careers. Progress towards this goal is seen in Lisa Untrauer’s first-grade class at Clark.

When asked what they liked about Common Language and the class meetings to discuss the steps to conflict resolution, some of Untrauer’s students were eager to share their opinions.

One student, Yousuf, said he liked learning Common Language “so that one small fight doesn’t get into a big fight.”

Class meetings are not only used to diffuse problems, but can also be a forum to discuss positive comments that classmates would like to share with one another. The idea behind these meetings is to get students to speak up and share their feelings.

Another of Untrauer’s students, Darla, said her favorite thing about Common Language meetings was, “I like saying compliments about other people.”

Untraurer encourages her students to get involved with Common Language and class discussions about Conflict Corner, known to her first graders as “circle time,” by showing them that the program is a lot about having fun and getting along.

Smith sums up Common Language simply by adding that “it helps kids resolve conflicts and protect themselves in an assertive way.”

Millbrook Elementary School 3rd Annual Shopping Extravaganza and Craft Faire

Millbrook Elementary School is hosting their 3rd Annual Shopping Extravaganza and Craft Faire on Saturday, November 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the school’s multipurpose room.

This year, there will be over 30 vendors that will fill the multipurpose room. Don't miss the great shopping! Scholastic Book Faire, candles, jewelry, scrapbook ideas, rubberstamping, handmade crafts - quilts, blankets, scarves, and much more will be featured at this one-day event.
 
In past years Millbrook School has offered a one-stop shopping experience in their multipurpose room. Over 200 shoppers come by throughout the day. Bring the entire family – there will be food concessions and a Children’s Arts & Craft Area.

This event is sponsored by the Millbrook Elementary PTA and all proceeds will benefit Millbrook School. Admission and parking are free.

Millbrook Elementary School is located at 3200 Millbrook Drive, San Jose.

For those interested in selling crafts, please contact the Event Coordinator, Laura Quisenberry, at Millbrook School (408) 270-6767. Space availability is limited.