Indian Lake Elementary School teachers are focused on extending the Laker Zone to every student’s home during this time of shutdown.
In addition to online learning and regular Zoom meetings, ILES staff members are continuing to teach the ideas included in the school’s longtime code of conduct and positive behavior incentive and support (PBIS) program through online videos, socially distanced home visits and prizes.
“It’s critical that the kids stay in the ‘Laker Zone’ during this shutdown,” District PBIS Coordinator Pam Scarpella said. “Not only do the Laker Zone principles highlight the importance of continued learning, they also remind students to help out at home, do their best to get along with their siblings and care about others during this challenging time.”
The Laker Zone encourages learning, respect, caring and helpfulness.
Each quarter of a regular school year, students are recognized during a school-wide Laker Zone Assembly where one representative from each classroom receives a Laker Zone Tshirt.
ILES teachers and administrators recently made home visits to deliver Laker Zone shirts to each of the third quarter winners:
Kindergartners Ali Wallace, Melany Simpson, Lillie Henderson, Aris Southard, Kylnee Weiner and Briellla Comer; first-graders: Jack Wilson, Mia Martin, Kemuel Blackwell, Ivy Kaser, Ian Schwarz and Preslie Roberts; second- graders Bri Hardesty, Aiden Oldiges, Stella Wagler, Jeffrey Castle, Deborah Moore, Aaliyah Kaver and Korbyn Wurtsbaugh; third-graders: Willow McDermit, Layna Nessler, Carter Barnett, Brayden Cox, Tucker Downing and Makayla Clary; and fourth-graders: Lilly Hines, Heidi Wolf, Wendell Hurless, Hayes Henry, Scarlett Dean, Keegan Weston and Devin Thompson.
“It was super finally getting to see one of my students and getting to check in on her face to face, while still social distancing. She was excited and I was excited,” fourth-grade teacher Tess Coughlin said.
When at school, students are also able to earn Laker Zone cards from staff members for positive behaviors.
Now, parents may award their students a Virtual Laker Zone card through a Google document that can be found at es.ils-k12.org.
Scarpella explained that students who earn a Virtual Laker Zone Card are entered into a drawing for gift cards from local restaurants. She and her team delivered six gift cards to card to students who were randomly chosen in the last weeks.
In addition to ILES staff members extending the Laker Zone to homes, Indian Lake Middle School and Indian Lake High School staff members are continuing their PBIS efforts virtually as well.
ILMS Co-Principal Missy Mefford said they are continuing to recognize Students of the Month who are keeping up their studies and keeping a good attitude. Indian Lake High School is focused on keeping students engaged and honoring members of the senior class with an online salute and upcoming care packages.