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A special thank you to his 1st grade teacher at Belcher Elementary

God bless you for believing in our son & taking the time and patience to work with him.

"Operation Smiley"

Began this project on Monday Jan. 10th 2005
(a motivation tool)

Let his teacher know that at this time we took 'everything' away from our son so he could 'earn' it all back; like TV/VCR, gameboy, his table n' chairs - no eating in front of TV, music at night, computer, bike...etc. Now if he reached his goal 'daily' he could watch TV for an hour, computer for an hour, and play games/play time for an hour after homework. Homework was/is always first. If he didn't reach his goal he could read in his room (if he wanted).
That's all. I gotta say now: (Feb. 12th 2005) I don't recommend 'any' parent do what we did; because he was a very unhappy child. Read on and you'll see yes he did earn a few things back and eventually 'everything' he got back. Gotta say he may not be doing better in school; but home is much happier to come home to.

This is what the Smiley Program 'looks' like:

Smiley Face Here

So So Face Here

Sad Face Here

Paul actually puts a face beside each assignment then his teacher goes over it with him. Instant gratification/or not.

Morning Begins At School

Morning Jobs

Calendar

Reading Lesson

Seat Work/Quiet Reading

Word Work

Lunch

Morning Behavior

Afternoon Begins

Writer's Workshop

P.E.

Math

Independent Read/Content

Art (Mon.) Music (Tues.)

End of day clean up

Afternoon Behavior

Tally Smiley's Here

Parent sign and return to school.

Operation Smiley Project started Jan. 10th 2005

First let me catch you up a bit… the ‘smiley’ project was suggested by our son’s teacher as another way for him to realize and understand his behavior as well as a tool for rewards/consequences.

At first Paul was on the 'color' system in 1^st grade. The ‘color’ system didn't’ seem to work for Paul “E”. According to his teacher if he was on this system, he would be getting ‘red’ everyday. The color system is as follows: Blue = Great Day, Yellow – S’ok kinda day, Green = OOoo…Look out cuz you’re about to be in ‘serious’ trouble, really time to 'stop' and make 'right' choices; and Red = Ok..that’s it; possible time-out now. But…Mrs. Hofstetter came up with this for Paul “E” – The Smiley System. His day is broken down into 12 things. For each task he does he either gets a smiley face or a so so face or a frown face. His goal was 6 outta 12 for the first week and he made his goal. So… at home when he also reached his goal he would receive a ‘special’ reward…his goal was to get 3 smiley’s outta 5 for the week.(per instruction from teacher) At the end of the day if he reached his goal 6 smiley’s outta 12 then he got to put a smiley on 'his' special calendar at home and if he reached 3 days with smileys at home he got his special reward. As well as picking something from his list that was taken away.
YES!! he reached his goal the very 1st week: here's how it went:
Got his music back for night time.

Monday 7/12	Tuesday 8/12	Wednesday 6/11
Thursday 4/11	Friday 7/11	Result: reached his goal!

His special reward was to go play Putt Putt Golf.

Notes: The “Goal” gets harder each week.

2^nd week of "Operation Smiley"

Ok goal was set up one. Jan. 17th 2005
Now 7 smiley's outta 12 or 7 outta 11.

Here's how it went:

Monday - No School	Tuesday 7/12	Wednesday 3/11
Thursday 7/11	Friday 5/11	Result: Nothing

Well .... there was no school Monday the 17th of Jan. 2005

He reached his goal on Tues. and Thurs. other than that he didn't. So the way I see it; outta 4 days he reached his goal twice.......not too shabby. However: we were to have 3 smiley's on 'his' calendar at home so there was no 'special' reward.

3rd week of "Operation Smiley"

Ok goal was the same. Jan. 24th 2005
Now 7 smiley's outta 12 or 7 outta 11.
Here's how it went:

Monday 8/12	Tuesday 5/12	Wednesday 7/11
Thursday 7/11	Friday 2/11	Result: Park!

I'd like to mention here that Paul has made 'his' special reward Putt Putt Golf each week and if he wants to choose some other activity or other reward he can, however he's chosen to leave it at Putt Putt Golf. Now he 'did' reach his goal on this week BUT due to his behavior on Friday (totally unacceptable) we (the parents) chose 'his' reward and that was the park. I'm not sure this was the right thing to do here but he seemed to think that because he had reached his goal before Friday he didn't have to listen.

4th week of "Operation Smiley"

Ok goal was moved 'up' one. Jan. 31st - Feb.4th 2005
Now 8 smiley's outta 12 or 8 outta 11.
Here's how it went:

Monday 8/12	Tuesday 6/12	Wednesday 5/11 Note: Picture Day
Thursday 8/11	Friday (see below)	Result: In his room entire weekend.

Well......where do I start? First of all I'd hafta say this is probably the 'worst' week EVER! He didn't reach his goal; goal was 8 outa 12 or 8 outta 11. He did reach his goal 2 days this week; but I knew he was gonna have a 'hard' week. 8 is just hard for him to get. Well he bit a boy and didn't tell the teacher that the boy actually grabbed him and that's WHY he bit him. Dunno why...just didn't.

Friday: Had a field trip and he wanted to be last to get off the bus upon arriving at their destination so he pushed a little boy down and the little boy fell and got a gash in the back of his head....no stitches; but had to get butterflys. Arghhhhh......our little 'angel' didn't have a great week at all. He's been punished (in room for the week-end) for his actions regarding the field trip incident and we talk with him about keeping his hands and feet to himself and of course about respecting others....Meeting on Monday with teacher, counselor, dunno who else...I'm really worried about our son at this point. I think the word is more like...terrified.

Ok goal stayed the same Feb. 7th - Feb.11th 2005
8 smiley's outta 12 or 8 outta 11.
Here's how it went:

*Lunch will be in office for this week.
His punishment from the school for his 'actions' on the bus.

Monday 5/12 -*6/12 Tuesday 6/12 - *7/12 Wednesday 7/11 - *8/11

Thursday 8/11 - *9/11 Friday 6/11 (teacher did give him his smiley for lunch) Result: Goal 'not' met:
Going to Fair!

Lemme' explain these * marks. You'll see below where his teacher was giving him a 'sad face' because he wasn't eating with his friends & also I'd like to point out that we did meet with her and she said that Paul "E" was 'arguing' with her all the way down the hall to lunch (this is unacceptable behavior; we will 'not' tolerate our son arguing with 'any' teacher) So I just 'tried' to give him the benefit of the doubt by giving him the 'smiley' for lunch because we called each day to see how he 'behaved' in the office and he was being a 'big boy'.

Now you just might be wondering 'why' are we going to the fair if he didn't meet his goal?
Well...we support his teacher as much as we possibly can;
but 'home' is 'home' and 'school' is 'school'.

I want to get more specific rather than just posting his goal....like this:
Comments from teacher posted in red.
Everything doesn't always have an explanation beside it; but those that do will be posted.

MONDAY Feb. 7th 2005

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows:
Lunch: Time out all week: got a 'so so' face for this and he hasn't a clue 'why' and his father talked with the VP of the school and he said Paul ate his lunch quietly in the office. I wrote a note and asked 'why' a 'so so' face for lunch; no response yet.

Writer's Workshop: DIEBEL'S TESTING OR DEBEL'S TESTING (couldn't figure out if this was an 'f' or an 'e' after the D. Got a sad face here: There was a test & he didn't finish; he chose to play with a book instead. The one's not answered on test will be marked wrong. Gave extra time; wasn't going to remind him to stay on task.

Art: Got a sad face here: Teacher had a hard time.

Now allow 'moi' to point out the things he 'did' receive 'smiley's' for:

Calendar

Reading Lesson

Word Work

P.E.

End of day clean-up

BIG NOTE HERE...HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everything was given back to our son: IF he doesn't reach his goal his bedtime is 8:00 instead of 8:30.(means 'no' Spongebob) He just didn't deserve to have school 'run' his home life as well. We as parents felt it was the best thing to do for our son. We'll just see how it goes. I gotta say this that it's 'much' easier to be a 'family' again...I felt we had strayed from that. Thank God he's got such an 'amazing' father...he was the one that actually said this is how we're going to do things now. What a 'joy' it is to 'hear' our son 'giggle' and his eyes 'sparkle'.

Tuesday Feb. 8th 2005

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows:
Reading Lesson: Got a 'sad' face. Talking
Writer's Workshop: Sad face: Now has to sit in chair at the beach with other children because he was bothering the other children. Note: 'the beach' is a piece of tan carpet in the classroom they call 'the beach'.

Now allow 'moi' to point out the things he 'did' receive 'smiley's' for:

Morning Jobs
Calendar
Word Work
P.E.
Shape Walk - Math related
End of day clean up

Wednesday Feb. 9th 2005

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows:
Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Happy Face; he worked with Demetra
Lunch: Sad face: Time out all week
P.E.: So,so face: Pushing & Yelling in line.
Independent Read/Content: Happy Face: Super!!
End of day cleanup: Happy Face: Big Help!

Big...no...'huge' note here: She did give him some positives! Haven't seen her do that before...thanks teach for seeing the positive things that he's accomplished.

Now allow 'moi' to point out the things he 'did' receive 'smiley's' for:

Calendar
Reading Lesson
Seat Work/Quiet Reading
Word Work
Lunch (this in my opinion is 'not' a sad face) He behaved himself in the office while eating his lunch. If he hadn't acted like a 'big boy' then it would warrant a sad face...I give him a 'smiley' for this; but he doesn't know this; but his teacher does because I told her today.
Math
Independent Read/Content
End of day clean up

Thursday Feb. 10th 2005

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows:
Lunch: --------- (teacher put a straight line through lunch.
Writer's Workshop: Got a 'smiley': Guidance (what this means is that the Guidance Counselor was 'involved' in this part of his day)
P.E.: Got a 'so,so' face: Coming back to class kept bothering Kelsey. She asked him to stop several times.
Independent Read/Content: Got 'smiley' face: Played "X" marks the spot game.

At bottom of page by his 'tally' marks for the day was a cute little 'smiley' face and his goal 8/11 with big YES! Also written was: Some of the 'other' children complimented him and said he wasn't talking so much. I've thought about this and I realize the teacher thinks it's a 'positive' thing that the other children complimented him; but I feel that it just shows me more & more of just 'how much' under a microscope he really is at school.

Now allow 'moi' to point out the things he 'did' receive 'smiley's' for:

Morning Jobs
Calendar
Seat Work/Quiet Reading
Word Work
Lunch *yes, I counted this as a smiley face*
Writer's Workshop
Math
Independent Read/Content
End of day cleanup

We (parental units: me n' daddy) met with his teacher after school ... as well as the principal, vice-principal, and guidance counselor. I'll update you on how that went if a few. I'm still jotting down notes. It'll be 'something' you'll want to read because teacher actually got visually shaken (actually tear-eyed) and felt she was "being attacked." It was quite a meeting.
Bottom line: our son needs to keep his mouth closed and hands & feet to himself.
I'll write this and post it Monday Feb. 14th

Friday Feb. 11th 2005

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows:
Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Got a 'sad' face: Didn't get work finished
Word Work: Got a 'smiley' face: Played 'sparkle' - Loves it.
Lunch: Got a smiley from teacher: My son wrote The Last Timeout and his teacher: Gave him the 'smiley' and wrote walked nicely.
Independent Read/Content: Got a 'so,so' face: Lincoln Penny Game
End of day cleanup: Got a 'sad' face: Still decorating mailbox as I was lining up children to leave.

Note: at bottom of page was this:
Starting Monday (3) sad faces for the same incident gets a written incident report. (children on 'red' get an incident report)

Ok: here we go: another change for our son to 'look forward to'. I just don't get it! I'm frustrated, angry and very upset at the way they have our son under a microscope.
Now I'm wondering 'why' she didn't do this from the beginning of Operation Smiley? However: after talking with a few other parents sounds like they're trying to start a 'paper trail' on our son. Hmmm....wonder what this 'really' means?

Ok goal stayed the same Feb. 14th - Feb.18th 2005
8 smiley's outta 12 or 8 outta 11.
Here's how it went:

Monday - sickypooh (cold)	Tuesday - sickypooh (cold)	Wednesday - 7/11
Thursday - 9/11 Yippee!!	Friday - (came home sick) Still this cold; seems to be worse w/cough.	Result: Going to fair Sunday because he was sick last Sunday. Fair now is questionable due to cold.

Wednesday Feb. 16th 2005 Goal 8/11
Note: Our son was sick Monday the 14th & Tuesday the 15th

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows:
Morning Jobs: Got a 'smiley' face: He followed the routine.
Calendar: Got a 'smiley' face: Nice
Reading Lesson: Got 'so,so' face: (Whole Class Test) Making noises with paper & table.
Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Got a 'smiley' face: Made Robot
Word Work: Got a 'so,so' face: Part of the test.
Math: Got a 'so,so' face: Got up during lesson. We stopped to wait.
Independent Read/Content: Got a 'smiley' face: Geoboard time - Great Ideas.

I'm very 'happy' to 'see' that his teacher has implemented the 'positive' things that our son does NOT just the negatives. I truly, truly believe he 'deserves' to 'see' the things that he does DO good at; not just what he did wrong.
Okay: time to toot my horn here. Now our son had been 'inside' since Friday night sick with a cold; so I wasn't expecting a 'great' day. But he did have a GREAT day. We're so very proud of him!!! Here's what our son did get 'smiley' faces in:

Morning Jobs
Calendar
Seat Work/Quiet Reading
Lunch
P.E.
Independent Read/Content
End of day cleanup

Now mind you that starting 'this' Monday anything he got 3 sad faces in he would get a written incident report. Well I'm happy to report that our son got NO sad faces today! We are 'very' proud that he really seems to be improving!

Thursday 17th 2005 Goal 8/11

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows:
Calendar: Got a 'smiley' face: Followed directions!
Reading Lesson: Got a 'so,so' face: Calling out answers.
Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Got a 'sad' face: Lost privilege of experiment. Pretending to shoot bands after we discussed how to handle them.
The bottom of sheet: Great Day!

Okay: ALOT...I mean a 'whole' LOT to toot my horn about today! Oh my gosh, we are so very, very proud of our son today. He not only reached his goal; but surpassed it! He got 9 outta 11. Goal was only 8/11. Yippee!! We're thrilled, and he knows it. We danced all the way home in the car! Here's what our son did receive 'smiley's' in today:

Morning Jobs
Calendar
Word Work
Lunch
Writer's Workshop
P.E.
Math
Independent Read/Content
End of the day cleanup

Ok: only 1 'sad' face today and that was in Seat Work/Quiet Reading.

Friday 18th 2005 - Goal 8/11

Note: His teacher wrote on another piece of paper that we use to write notes back n' forth: Yesterday & today just hasn't been himself. Cough seems much worse today.

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows: Look above; that was all the comments that his teacher wrote for Friday; with the exception at:
Reading Lesson: Got a 'sad face' and Left (because he didn't feel well)

Goal for Feb. 21st - 25th is 8/12 or 8/11

Here's how it went:

Monday (kept him homefair)	Tuesday - 8/11 YEAH!!	Wednesday - 6/11 (**incident report also sent home)
Thursday - 7/11 almost	Friday - 8/11 YEAH!!	Result: Well...it's raining but maybe go to Chuckie Cheese's. We'll see. His 'special' reward which was to go play 'putt putt' golf won't happen this week.

Monday Feb. 21st 2005 - Goal: 8/12

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows: Didn't go to school; he felt much better as we took him to the last day of the State Fair...never ever have we taken him from school just to 'goof' off; but today we did and we had a 'wonderful' time just seeing 'him' have SO much fun!

Tuesday Feb. 22nd 2005 - Goal: 8/11 - Met Goal!!

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows:
Seat Work/ Quiet Reading: Got a 'sad' face: Trouble staying focused.
Word Work: Got a 'sad' face: Don't know why he was talking so long to get ready for the lesson. Had to sit and calm down. I'm really, really concerned about this action...I know that this morning he had a terrible attitude...but seems that at the beginning of school he was ok because that was the first 3 (three) 'smiley's'. Hmm.. he did get frustrated when he got home with some of the 'work' that was supposed to be FUN. Will work more with him on 'calming down' instead of throwing a 'fit'.
Writer's Workshop: Got 'no' face: Part of 1 (one) hour P.E.
End of the day cleanup: Got a 'so,so' face: nothing from teacher.

Ok...time to 'toot my horn here': Here's what our son 'did' get 'smiley's' for:

*Morning Jobs
*Calendar
*Reading Lesson
*Lunch
*P.E.
*Math
*Independent Read/Content
*Music

Got report card today...2nd grading period.
Here's how it went:
1st Grade

Pinellas Instructional Assessment Plan

Reading Common Assessment:
Running Record>= 11 - His Score: 99

Writing Assessment:
Writing Stage 3 - His Score: 3

Mathematics Common Assessment:
Mathematics Common Assessment: >=17 - His Score 21

Work Habits: Needs Improvement in these areas:
Listens attentively and follows directions - Uses time wisely - Works independently - Completes task in a timely manner - Demonstrates organizational skills

Conduct
Demonstrates self-control - Follows rules in classroom and schoolwide - Handles conflicts and problems - Respects adults and peers

Indicates loss of instructional time due to behavior.
Comments from teacher: Paul is still reading above grade level using great expression. He grasps math concepts and shows confidence in his ability. In writing, I still prompt him to add more to his stories. I feel that his behaviors are getting in the way of further progress. Independently, he has difficulty focusing and completing his work.

Progress Report Grades for our son:
E=Excellent - V=Very Good - S=Satisfactory - N=Needs Improvement - U=Unsatisfactory

Art -N- Conduct -S-	Music -E- Conduct -E-	P.E. -V- Conduct -U-	Reading -E- But yet needs 02=Comprehension
Writing -S- But yet needs 04 & 05 Which means: Focus/Organizational Skills (main idea, beginning, middle, and end transitions) Support/Content Skills (details, precise word choice)	Science -S-	Social Studies -S-	Math -V-

Wednesday Feb. 23rd 2005 - Goal: 8/11 - Goal 'not' met...6/11

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows:
Calendar: Got a 'so,so' face: Taking too long. Didn't finish.
Reading Lesson: Got a 'smiley' face: Listened attentively!
Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Got a 'sad' face: Not finished - talking.
Word Work: Got a 'sad' face: Called out final mystery word.
Writer's Workshop: Got a 'smiley' face: Good story.
Math: Got a 'sad' face: Our son wrote 'test' on his sheet and the teacher followed with: Talking - getting up.
Independent Read/Content: Got a 'smiley' face: Centers. Typing a story
End of the day clean up: Got a 'sad' face: Jumping on the bean bag.

Ok: time for 'moi' to 'toot my horn' a bit here.
Here's what our son 'did' get 'smiley's' in today:

* Morning Jobs
* Reading Lesson
* Lunch
* Writer's Workshop
* P.E.
* Independent Read/Content

**Incident Report Comes Home**
Wed. Feb. 23rd, 2005

Classroom Incident Report

Incident Location: Classroom	Incident Type: Talking out of turn.	Intervention: Student Conference: Teacher spoke with our son about it.
Intervention: Also Time-Out: Sat out for a few min. to think about it.	Intervention: Student Contract (this means the "Smiley" Sheet)	Expectation Violated: Respect
Incident Description: Every (3) sad faces involves talking out.	Possible Motivation: Obtain Adult Attention/Obtain Peer Attention	Parent Signature & Comments: We signed and I also added that our son didn't know 'why' he had a time out. ? After a bit of sitting and thinking I asked if he remembered what the other children where doing when he had his time-out and he said that they were doing their math test. Soo..I guess this is for talking out during the math test? No..it was for getting three (3) sad faces for the 'same' thing: which was 'talking'.

Thursday Feb. 24th 2005 - Goal: 8/11 Goal not met: 7/11 **almost**
First lemme' say that our son had a 'substitute' today...Miss Trou

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows:
Morning Jobs: Got a 'so,so' face: Had to be reminded.
Calendar: Got 'no' face: Class did not do.
Lunch: Got a 'sad' face: Pushed into line - made Yasmin fall.
Writer's Workshop: Got a 'smiley face': Media
Math: Got a 'so,so' face: Playing with manips the wrong way.
Independent Read/Content: Got a 'smiley' face: Our son wrote: Flipped quarter.

Ok: time to show you what our son 'did' receive 'smiley's' in:

Reading Lesson
Seat Work/Quiet Reading
Word Work
Writer's Workshop (Media)
P.E.
Independent Read/Content
End of the day clean up

**Let me just 'add' a bit here about the LUNCH incident...there is 'no' excuse for our son 'pushing' ANYONE; much less a GIRL! We had him write her a letter of apology.

Here's how the letter went:

Dear _______,(child's name)

I'm sorry that I pushed you. You are so,so special in our class.

From,

_________________________________(our son's name)

He also didn't have 'as much' TV time as he normally would. His daddy also let him know that 'if' he brought home another 'incident' report that he would have no TV for that night. I honestly think this is fair.

Friday Feb. 25th - Goal is 8/11 - Goal Met!!

Comments from teacher on Paul's goal sheet were as follows:
Morning Jobs: Got a 'smiley' face: Good Job!
Calendar: Got a 'smiley' face: Good job focusing.
Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Got a 'sad' face: Our son wrote: Had to go to another class.
Word Work: Got a 'smiley' face: Loved playing sparkle
Lunch: Got a 'smiley' face: Walked very quietly
Math: Got a 'sad' face: Moved during Math (stayed focused after I moved him)

At bottom of page teacher put a big WOW!

Lemme' toot my own horn here: Here's what our son did get 'smiley's' for:

Morning Jobs
Calendar
Reading Lesson
Word Work
Lunch
P.E.
Independent Read/Content
End of the day clean up

Let me mention here that if seems that his teacher is 'focusing' on 'more' postives with our son and that's a 'good' thing. She truly is working with him to 'help' him. See below at the comments that she wrote on his progress report. This is a 'weekly' progress report for that week only.

Got progress report today...get one every friday and here's how that went:
I'm starting to post those on each friday as well now.

Conduct: Needs Improvement - Work Habits: Needs Improvement

Comments from teacher:
He 'can' handle whole group work because I am there monitoring him. When I am not on top of him, during independent time, he plays, talks or sits. He notices that I will look at him as a way to help get him going, but he still turns back around and does the same thing. Today I sent him to another room to work. He reached the 'smiley' and it was the next step.

I spoke to our behavior specialist about his work/habits/talking. She said that he needs to realize that getting work done is his responsiblity and the teacher shouldn't give constant reminders to do it. If he chooses to play around or talk, he will need to leave his work area and sit at a round table for 5 min.; after 5 min.he can go back to work. If it happens again, he returns to the table for 10 min. In the mean time he will be missing partner reading, or centers - things he likes to do, but can only be done when work is completed. In her experiences, this worked because the child realized what worked be missed.

Regarding suggestions for home, if you would like to meet with her, it can be arranged. Her name is ____. Just let me know.

During our math test, he kept looking over the office walls that the children use, at Yasmin's paper and bothering her. I moved him to a different place to finish test. He was quiet and focused. He moved back after the test. He was proud of himself that he did well and finished.

Week Feb. 28th - March 4th 2005
Goal 8/12 - 8/11

Here's how it went:

Monday 8/12 - Sick	Tuesday 8/12 - Sick	Wednesday 8/11 - Goal Met: 11/11 (had a subsub that was a man)
Thursday 8/11 - Goal Met 9/11	Friday 8/11 - Goal Met 9/11	Result: New CD Player & Putt Putt Golf with Daddy

Monday Feb. 28th 2005: Goal 8/12 - Didn't go to school..went to Dr. - has a throat infection causing fever and a cough still a little.

Tuesday March 1st 2005: Goal 8/12 - Kept him at home to make sure there was 'no' fever. Yessss..no fever today. Will go to school tommorrow if there is still no fever. Cough much better and he's taking his medicine (a pill) - anibiotic like a champ.

Wednesday March 2nd 2005: Goal 8/11: Met Goal with a BANG! 11/11 - note: had a substitute that was a man. HORRAY for our son!!

Thursday March 3rd 2005: Goal Met - 9/11: YESSSSSSSSSS!!! Our son is 'on track' now. Only comments here were: Was a delight working with him today!

Friday March 4th 2005: Goal Met - 9/11......amazing that he has come sooooooooooo very far. We're so proud of him and most importantly; he's proud of himself. Only a 'few' comments from teacher.

Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Got a 'so,so' face: Good writing - but needed reminders to keep working.
Word Work: Got a 'smiley' face: Contraction game.
Writer's Workshop: Got a 'smiley' face: Book Vote in Media
Independent Read/Content: Got a 'so,so' face: Our son wrote: looking at dowds (dunno what this is). Teacher wrote: Talking when asked for quiet while we observe.

Progress Report for week Feb. 28th - March 4th

This is the absolute BEST progress report our son has EVER brought home: NO marks for 'needs improvement'. None..not even one. He has Very Good in Conduct and also Very Good in Work Habits. Tadaaaaaaaa!! We're so proud of him.

Week March 7th - March 11th 2005
Goal Changed - added 'one' more.
Goal 9/12 - 9/11

Here's how it went:

Monday - Goal 9/11 - 9/11 Met Goal	Tuesday - Goal 9/11 - Goal MET! 10/11 today..yessss!!	Wednesday - Goal 9/11 - Goal 'NOT' Met today. 8/11
Thursday - Goal 9/11 - Goal 'NOT' Met again today - 7/11	Friday - Goal 9/11 - Goal 'NOT' Met again. 8/11 (almost)	Result: Didn't get to play 'putt putt golf'. However: we did go to the Strawberry Festival with one of his friends and had a 'great' time. He was a 'true' gentlemen.

Details

Monday: March 7th: Goal 9/11 Goal was MET! 9/11: No comments from teacher..just one from our son.

On Independent Read/Content: He got a 'smiley' face: he commented and wrote: "Cloud Watching." (how cool is that?) We're so proud of him.!!
The only thing he got a 'sad' face in was Seat Work/Quiet Reading. No comments from teacher though.
A 'so,so' face in End of the day cleanup. S'ok...he's doing GREAT!

Tuesday: March 8th: Goal 9/11 - Goal was met today.....he's doing soooo well by leaps and bounds...his goal was to get 9 and he got 10!!! YESSSS!!! Now the 'only' comment on the entire 'smiley' report was this from his teacher:

Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Got a 'so,so' face: Took a long time. Missed Independent Reading.
Independent Read/Content: Got a 'happy' face: Weather log.
He is trying so hard - WOW! : This was at the very bottom of his tally sheet.

Well .. well... well... just 1 (ONE) 'so,so' face and the rest was SMILEY'S!! I cannot begin to tell you what a 'joy' it is that our son has improved soooooo much in school. He's happier about himself, he's happier at home and I gotta say...home is sooooo much happier. He is truly an amazing child. (not just because he's ours)... he's just amazing!

Wednesday: March 9th Goal 9/11 - ok well I knew that it was coming at some point; but it's not really all that bad. He got 8/11 today. Comments from teacher are as follows: Remember 'teacher' comments are always in RED.

Morning Jobs: Got a 'so,so' face: Remember daily routine
Reading Lesson: Got a 'happy' face: Our son wrote: Read Anything
Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Got a 'happy' face: Took a while, but did a nice job.
Math: Got a 'sad' face: Hitting another child with his sweatshirt (being silly)
End of the day clean up: Got a 'sad' face: Needs to remember our daily routine.

Ok..so here's what our son did receive 'smiley' faces in...happy ones:

Calendar
Reading Lesson
Seat Work/Quiet Reading
Word Work
Lunch
Writer's Workshop
P.E.
Independent Read/Content

Hmmmm...so we knew it was coming at some point...to have an 'off' day. Well gezzz he only missed his goal by one (1). We're still proud of him...however hitting another child IS a 'safety' issue; so he only got to watch TV with his dinner and that's all. He did the computer for an hour and had a blast...even though he's learning; he thinks it's all in play...and that's ok with us.

Thursday: March 10th Goal 9/11 - it's with a sad face that I write this...our son didn't reach his goal again today. 7/11. Here are the following comments by his teacher.

Calendar: Got a 'so,so' face for this: Didn't do.
Reading Lesson: Got a 'smiley' face for this: Great!
Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Got a 'smiley' face for this: Nice work & Reading.
Writer's Workshop: Got a 'smiley' face for this: Martin Luther King Video
Math: Got a 'smiley' face for this: Great job w/game.
Independent Read/Content: Got a 'sad' face: Weather Log - Couldn't find. Had to get his stuff organized.
End of the day clean up: Got a 'so,so' face for this: Roaming the room. Told him 3 times to sit and get ready to leave.

Sooooooo....I'm not a very 'happy' camper today...BUT at least our son didn't try to 'hit' anyone. (that's a positive) And also he did much, much better in Seat Work/Quiet Reading today. He seems to 'love' things that 'interest' him or are FUN...but who doesn't? Gotta remember...he's just 6 and only in 1st grade. Gotta say that I'll be glad when he's free of this teacher because I think that his 2nd grade teacher will 'not' be so lax at the beginning of school the way his 1st grade teacher was...I do feel that 'almost' ruined her chances of having a good grip on our son's behavior. Ok...here's what our son 'did' get 'smiley's' in:

Morning Jobs
Reading Lesson
Seat Work/Quiet Reading
Lunch
Writer's Workshop
P.E.
Math

Friday: March 11th Goal 9/11 - Got 'not' met. 8/11 - Almost...just really stuff that he's doing now is 'goofing' off. I feel bad that I didn't update this...Friday because the 'smiley' chart has already gone back to school; so therefore I don't have the 'details' to put in place here. Didn't put his 'progress' report for the week here either....oh my...seems like we were just having tooooooooo much FUN this weekend for me to have the few minutes to update this day. Ok...now I'll get back on track today. Monday March, 14th 2005. Have A Wonderful Day!

March 14th - March 18th 2005
Goal is 9/12 or 9/11
Here's how it went:

Monday Goal Met 9/12	Tuesday Goal "NOT" Met 8/12 (sub-teacher today)	Wednesday Goal Met 10/11 WOW! (sub-teacher today)
Thursday St. Patrick's Day - Goal "NOT" Met. 7/11 (regular teacher back today)	Friday	Result: Spring Break Begins!

Monday: March 14th Goal 9/12 - Thought I had updated this on Monday. It's now Wednesday and all I know is that our son 'did' meet his goal on Monday...however; he's having a really 'rough' time with MORNING JOBS now...dunno why...he says 'nothing' has changed soooooooo I dunno why this 'problem' with morning jobs...he says that "he's being a slow-poke." I dunno will but will keep posting.

Tuesday March 15th Goal 9/12 - Goal not met 8/12 - ALMOST! Had sub-teacher today. Comments are as follows:

Morning Jobs: Got a 'so,so' face
Calendar: Got a 'sad' face
Reading Lesson: Got a 'smiley' face
Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Got a 'so,so' face.
Word Work: "Smiley" face
Lunch: "Smiley" face
Writer's Workshop: "So,so" face
P.E.: "Smiley" face
Math: "Smiley" face
Independent Read/Content: Got a "Smiley" face: (Money 25, 35, 55 cents)
Music: "Smiley" face
End of the day cleanup: "Smiley" face.

So "smiley's" were:

Reading Lesson - Word Work - Lunch - P.E. - Math - Independent Read/Content - Music and End of the day cleanup.

Wednesday March 16th 9/11 - Goal MET with a BANG!! 10/11!!! Sub teacher also today; but not the same one.

Comments are as follows:
Actually there were NO comments: just at the bottom of his chart the teacher wrote 10/11!! with a BIG smiley face. **grin** Only 1 (one) "so,so" face on Seatwork/Quiet Reading. That's it...everything else was "smileys". Now I gotta say that we had some running around to do AFTER we picked him up and he was REALLY high strung it seemed. Dunno..but he lost his privledge of watching Spongebob because of his behavior in the car. I hope he has a great day at school. School is school...and home is home...he must behave accordingly at 'both' places. Sure was 'rough' yesterday...really rough. Daddy's thinking that now we shouldn't go on vacation because he won't listen....yikes!

Thursday March 17th 9/11 - Well he didn't meet his goal again today...it was 7/11 - hmm....I guess you can say that now I'm worried; except he has had 2 different sub teachers this week alone...maybe that's why he's 'off-track'...dunno. Ok: here's the comments as follows:

Math: Got a "smiley" face: Our son wrote 'money'
Independent Read/Content: Got a 'sad' face: Our son wrote 'weatherlog' and his teacher wrote: talking.
End of the day clean up: Got a 'so,so' face: I helped him clean out his chair pocket & organize his work.

Ok...so goal wasn't met today: But here's what our son 'did' get 'smiley's' in:

Calendar
Reading Lesson
Word Work
Lunch
Writer's Workshop
P.E.
Math

Ok so this was a 'very' off day again AFTER school...We had to run to the UPS store to pick up a package and while I was inside he sat in the car with his father because it was raining...well our son decided to play with the window and also to play with the buttons on the door...**letting the window up and down**...after being told repeatedly to stop by his father; he continued and lost ALL privledges to watch TV. WE talked with him later about this and he confided in us that he didn't WANT TV; he just wanted to play his gameboy. Go figure........dunno wassamatter; but something seems to have turned...he's such a wonderful and loving and smart child...we must guide him in the best direction and pray he listens.

Friday March 18th 9/11 - Spring Break Begins! Going on vacation....leaving the 22nd and returning the 29th.

April 12th 2005

Monday - Goal was 9/12 - our son got 8/12. Bedtime 8:00 with 'no' Spongebob. Didn't get 'smiley' sheet and was very upset upon picking him up from school; therefore we went to his classroom and retrieved it from his teacher whom had FORGOT to give it to him.	Tuesday - Goal 9/12 - ?/12 - Once again teacher FORGOT to give him his 'smiley' sheet and this time when we went to get it she was GONE. But he says he 'did' meet his goal - We have a meeting with 'new' martial arts school for after-school and summer camp.	Wed - sick - running temp - took him to Dr. - bronchitis - (spelling may not be correct there)
Thurs - stayed home from school just to make sure he had 'no' temp.	Friday Goal 9/11 - our son got 9/11 YES he met his goal and also did meet his goal on Tues. just like he told us...he is such an 'honest' little guy.	Result: Really just trying to get this 'cough' in order. Doing breathing treatments for his asthma which seems to have acted up because of bronchitis. Eating good now though.

Just an update on what's been happening...

Today is April 12th, 2005. I've not written in over 2 weeks. Ok first there was Spring Break - then upon our return from vacation we come home to our condo full of smoke and soot damage due to another condo that burned in our building. So; therefore another week in another hotel (nothing like we were in on vacation I might add) None the less our son weathered actually better than we did I think. As for school...last week he met his goal (remind you: we were stuck in a motel; but he still went to school) 4 days outta 5 he met his goal!!) I'm thrilled...tickled that he's doing sooooooo well.

April 17th

Had an 'ok' week for being sick 2 days and his cough is still present but getting better with treatment. Also steam baths 'really' seem to help alot!

Ok...now we have a 'new' problem; his MOUTH and ACTIONS. He's started this 'smart' mouth and also when he doesn't get 'his' way; he either 'hits' himself OR bangs on the bed or IF he gets a time-out goes into a all-out raging FIT like a 2 year old. I mean banging his hands on the carpet where his time-out is or stomping his feet and sighing really loud..like ughhhhhhhhhhhhh!... just a stage? dunno; but we are nipping this in the bud as much as we can right now.

Teacher hasn't written much on 'smiley' sheets...here's how it went:

Monday April 11th 2005 - Don't have that sheet here with me - already sent back to teacher but I do recall that upon picking him up from school he was very upset because he didn't have his 'smiley' chart...so we go back to his room and get it from his teacher who FORGOT to give it to him..nonetheless he didn't reach his goal.

Again teacher forgot to give him his 'smiley' chart and she was GONE when we went to get it. Anyway: I have the chart now so here goes.
Tuesday April 12th 2005 - Got chart here: Goal was 9/12 - our son got 9/12! Hooray! Comments are as follows:

Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Got a 'so,so' face: Finished with reminders
Word Work: Got a 'sad' face: Talking during lesson.
Lunch: Got a 'so,so' face: Kept calling out in line.

Wednesday - went to Dr. had a temp and Dr. said it was bronchitis - gave him meds (pills) and said to do breathing treatments every 4 hours.

Thursday - no temp but stayed home from school to be sure. Seems to be feeling much better - eating better at least.

Friday April 15th - 2005 - Went to school - goal was 9/11 - our son got 9/11 YESSS!! We're so proud because I know he doesn't feel 'up to par'. Comments from teacher are as follows:

Seat Work/Quiet Reading: Got a 'so,so' face but no commment
Writer's Workshop: Got a 'so,so' face: Didn't listen to direction.

Soooooooo...this week has been kinda tough on him considering that Mon and Tues his teacher forgot to give him his 'smiley' chart and then Wed and Thurs he was home sick.

April 18th 2005 - April 22nd 2005
Goal is still 9/12 or 9/11
Note: Comments from teacher are 'always' in RED

Monday Goal 9/12 - Goal Met 12/12 !! Awesome Day! Also 1st day at 'new' Martial Arts After-school/Summer Camp - Received White Belt!!	Tuesday - Goal 9/12 - Goal MET! 10/12	Wednesday - Goal 9/11 - Goal MET! 9/11
Thursday - Goal 9/11 - Goal MET! 9/11	Friday - Goal 9/11 - Goal 'not' met. (ok so 'everyone' has an 'off' day right?) 7/11 is what our son got today.	RESULT: Either Sat. or Sun. we are going on a picnic and going fishing.

Monday: AWESOME DAY!
Goal was 9/12 - Our son met his goal...12/12!
We're sooooo proud of him for reaching and surpassing his daily goal. No comments from teacher today except at the bottom of his 'smiley' chart: WOW!
Note: Began his 'new' Martial Arts After-School/Summer Camp today. Received White Belt! He was so very excited about this. He really seems to 'enjoy' his new Martial Arts school.

Tuesday: Reached Goal

Wednesday: Reached Goal

Thursday: Reached Goal

Friday: Did not reach goal - argued with teacher...(this behavior is unacceptable.

Note: Our son 'really' enjoys his new Martial Arts after-school program - it deals more so with 'respect' and 'focus' rather than the 'physical' ... for now anyway. We'll see how it goes.

April 25th - April 29th
Goal is still 9/12 or 9/11 Monday and Tuesday it's 9/12 and Wed-Fri. it's 9/11.

Monday - Met Goal 9/12	Tuesday - Goal 'not' met 8/12	Wednesday - Half Day - NO CHART
Thursday - Goal 'not' met 5/11	Friday

Monday - Had a good day and even took a DIEBELS test and scored a 484 and got a WOW from his teacher. He'd taken this before and got a 179 and then a 192.

Tuesday: Goal didn't get met today...'almost though'.

Wednesday: Half day of school so there was 'no chart'. Now I don't 'agree' with this because there have been half days before and his teacher 'did' do the chart...we'll see how tommorrow goes.

Thursday: Oh what a terrible day our son had...5/11: But I gotta say that I really 'feel' that he should have had a chart on his half day.......but his teacher didn't do it. Hope tommorrow is better. I pray. Comments: Really rough day listening and paying attention - talking outta turn - not following directions. I actually did not write all of her comments...there was ALOT though. I'm discouraged because she SHOULD have had a chart (or something) for him to follow on Wed. I was afraid this would happen and sure as God made green apples it did.

Friday:

The Meeting
(which we thought was for the evaluation process)
Here's how it went...

Meeting...
People present: Daddy, Me, Our son's teacher, the school guidance counselor, the school principal, and last but not least the assistant principal.

Now mind you I thought we were there for a meeting to discuss the 'evaluation' process for our son. Well I was told by his teacher that "no, we were there to talk about our son's behavior." Hmmm...ok; here we go again I'm thinking. Now before I go on; our son went to kindergarten at this school and is now in 1st grade there.

Son's Teacher: Started by pulling out all of his 'smiley' sheets as well as a 'tally' sheet to show where he was consistently getting 'sad' faces in what areas. Well...just so happen I had the 'smiley' sheet from the day before (which I really forgot to send back to school with my son) but kinda glad I did forget because outta ALL the sheets that were there; there was only the one in my hand that ANYTHING positive on it. You can review those 'positives' above. on Wednesday Feb. 9th. I just asked her to take a look as well as the guidance counselor have a look at the tally sheets that the teacher had and then look at the one that I had from the day before and see there was 'any' difference....well the teacher said no and the guidance counselor looked at me as though she knew where I was going with this...well I let them that I saw the 'positives' and his teacher replied with, "well I do that for you". I only let her know that every afternoon we sit at the table and go over our son's day with him. Regardless of what's happened we have 'always' taken the time to see 'how' was his day. Good or not. Our son usually looks at this 'smiley' sheet to sorta remind him of things that went on during the day (especially if he got a sad face she would put comments as to 'why') well...we moved to a different subject but mind you that his guidance counselor is still looking through these 'smiley' sheets that started Jan. 10th 2005 (quite a few of these on front & back) She hasn't said too much to this point except when we told his teacher that (and she already knew this) that if our son reached his goal then he got an hour of TV, an hour of computer time, and then an hour of play games/playtime and then after bath he could watch TV until 8:00. Well if he didn't reach his goal then he could do nothing except read if he wanted in his room. Then is when his guidance counselor spoke up and said that that 'reading' sounded like punishment. I let her know at this time that he 'could' read...he didn't have to. But I then let them know that that had stopped. That 'if' he didn't reach his goal then this is what happens....his bedtime was 8:00 instead of 8:30 now and that's it. That school was school and home was home.

Daddy speaks: Now his father was furious that our son was 'allowed' to go to the show (the field trip - you can read about this on Friday Feb.4th when the incident occurred BEFORE the show. He felt that he shouldn't have been able to go and I totally agreed; however the school basically rewarded our son by letting him attend the show rather than calling us to come and get him. He also pointed out that we had told his teacher a month ago that we took 'everything' from our son as to 'help' him earn it back with this 'rewards' - 'consequences' process. He let her know that it just didn't work as far as having a 'home-life', that basically our son was so unhappy and we just couldn't deny him his things any longer. She only replied with, "well I didn't tell you to take everything from him" well maybe not but she sure didn't tell us NOT to! That ticked me off; but I keep my mouth shut. His daddy has a way of talking to someone and giving them what I call a 'tongue-lashing' in a very nice way. He let her know that our son was being punished 3 times for the 'field trip' incident and it just wasn't fair. He was in his room all week-end, he had to have lunch in the office all week, and then even if he behaved himself in the office she still gave him a 'sad' face because and I quote, "he should be eating lunch with his friends". His father speaks in a very soothing way as to get his point across but at the same time gets his REAL point across. He only let the teacher know that he's a child; in 1st grade; NOT 3rd grade and that we are working with him as much as possible. I did ask at this point if she had not seen a 'difference' in our son; like didn't he seem 'happy' when he came to school and she replied with "your son is always happy when he comes in in the morning". Well what in the world is happening then? I just don't get it.
Now the guidance counselor (very genuine person I might add) knows that our son had some 'complications' in kindergarten and worked with me and his father at that time and actually stated that our son has come a LONG way. She complimented our son on 'just how far' he has came. To us parents this meant alot; because she (guidance counselor) truly knows what all our son has been through.

Principal left our son's name on list for evaluation (says it'll take 4 weeks to start this process) also says that he continues to talk in the hallways and it's posted everywhere NOT to do this. Ok we'll talk to our son about this...and she mentioned 3rd grade at this point. Something about worst case scenario; and his father asked what would be the worst case and she replied with retention. What???? You'll hold a child back (even though he's 'at' or 'above' his level)...well obviously she can't do that...can she? Can a school hold a child back because of behavior. His teacher said that his next teacher may not be one to tell him/remind him to stay on task...like she does. Well WHY NOT is what I wanted to shout at the top of my lungs; isn't that what they are there for? To HELP kids! I mean this is a public school; not a private one; and I feel that they are attacking my son on 'every' little thing that they can. It doesn't seem to be 'fair' to our son at this point.

Teacher looks at my husband at this point with her chin quivering and says that she's not very happy; that she feels she being 'attacked' with tears in her eyes. Well now mind you that all these 'other' people are in the room looking at her and about to see a 'teacher' break down! Oh my! I'm totally shocked; the only thing I can think to myself is that...well how do you think our son feels???? (but I didn't say it). Thank God again for his daddy because his father spoke up and let her know that we certainly didn't think that she would make things up and that she had a really hard job being a teacher, mother, father, doctor, etc. to some of these children; but...our son has 2 parents that love him very much and only wants what's best for him as she does. Well; he lifted her right outta her hole she had dug for herself is the way I saw it and at least stopped her before the tears fell. (whew!) Never saw a teacher does this; I think she has 'other' issues...at home perhaps. Maybe she kinda looked inside and saw that she 'was' being a bit harsh on our son...I dunno; but I pray that she keeps reminding him to stay on task (part of her job I believe) and just be a teacher and let's us know how he's doing. I gotta say that I walked away from this meeting totally LOST. I don't think we accomplished anything other than letting them all know that he had everything back and that if he didn't reach his goal then he had a 'earlier' bedtime. That's all. They didn't like this I don't think...looking from the note "smiley" sheet my son brought home on Friday, Feb. 11th. Hmm...sounds like we're going to be getting some 'incident' reports...paper trail? Dunno...but I do know that if our son 'needs' HELP then they must help us help him.

Some links that might be 'useful' in the future:

Feedback, submissions, ideas? Email: Operation Smiley