I remember the experience like it was yesterday.  As I walked into the Assistant Principal’s office, he was sitting there waving a piece of paper in the air.  “What is this, he asked?”  I explained that it was a referral due to the student’s ongoing behavior.  I told him I expected that he would meet one-on-one with the student to discuss her behavior and I wanted the parents called and informed about it as well.  To which he responded, “Are you kidding?”

The catch?  This was a referral for POSITIVE behavior.  When he called the student in, she was incredibly nervous.  The AP explained that she was there because of a referral based on her behavior in my class.  The poor girl was almost in tears until he explained that I had written on the referral that THIS was the perfect student….straight A’s, first in her class, first chair flute, section leader, heck, she was the student I wanted every other student to aspire to be.  When he called the parents, they were equally shocked to receive a call from the AP until he read the referral.

Today, no every day, I encourage you to take advantage of writing positive referrals for your students.  While my first attempt was with “the perfect student,” I began writing positive referrals for the marginal student who showed any signs of positive growth.  I could never understand why we made it a priority to contact the parents of kids in trouble and NOT those of the kids who were doing positive things.  Everyone needs encouragement and support.  Even the kids who are doing well!  Just sayin’!

Make Today a Magnificent Day!

Gary L Rupert

Culture Strategist/Coach

II:Leaders Creating:II Leaders

LCL Mentors @ Marching Arts Education