Clear Creek Elementary School

WELCOME TO UPLIFT

One very important aspect of UpLift is our emphasis on fair and high expectations for behavior and completion of work. These expectations for behavior are outlined in our creed.

In addition to the Creed, children are expected to document each week. Documenting means "showing what you know and what you have learned." This is completed by turning in the expected work for the week, including homework.

During the first year of the UpLift program, Freedom Levels were created to reward children who were constantly making good choices, while supporting children who we were encouraging to make better choices. We have also found them to be a great way to give a gentle reminder to children who may be forgetting one important aspect of the creed, such as listening.

Over the years we have continued to fine tune this aspect of our program. Each Friday, we write down the Freedom Level (1-4) your child has chosen based on the entire week's behavior and work. We often remind the children that each person chooses his/her Freedom Level by the choices that they make and that we simply write down what they have chosen. Because we have children self-assess each week and say what Freedom Level they believe that they have earned, we have a clear picture about whether or not they understand the expectation. If we do not agree on the Freedom Level, we have a conference with the child and talk about specific examples of things that let us know how they have chosen a certain Freedom Level.

Freedom Level of One:

The most desirable Freedom Level -- the goal!

This freedom Level is achieved by following the Creed, completing all work and turning in homework and WEB everyday. Children who are ones have earned "a high bank account of trust". This means that we know they are making good choices, even when we are not watching.

Freedom Level of Two:

A very good thing to be!

Children with a Freedom Level of Two are able to work anywhere in the room. Often, children who are two's have one issue that they are working on, such as listening in a group or getting completely documented.

Freedom Level of Three:

Children with a Freedom Level of Three are able to choose a spot in the central part of the room. This must be a spot that can be seen by a teacher. If a child is a three, there are substantial issues that he or she is addressing.

Freedom Level of Four:

Children with a Freedom Level of Four must remain in an assigned seat for close supervision. We have a sincere commitment to supporting children in raising their Freedom Level by encouraging them to make better choices.

Every child can choose to move toward more Freedom by completing seatwork and following the UpLift Creed. We have high expectations for a child at Level One. Also, any serious behavior problem, such as hurting another person, results in Level 4 immediately. If this haappens, parents are notified that day.

Freedom Level Communication

In your child's Coach folder is a sheet that is used to communicate that Freedom Level that your child has chosen for the following week. In that way, parents will be aware of this weekly behavior assessment and can encourage high standards of behavior. We believe that this weekly communications is an excellent way for all of us to be constantly aware of great successes and any concerns.

Updated August 4,2006
by J.K. White