Hubbard School works to promote a safe, positive, learning environment for all students. Students are held to high academic standards while also learning and maturing in the areas of emotional and social growth. Character education and bullying prevention is addressed in each classroom and through a school wide program that encompasses all parts of the school day including lunch and recess.

Hubbard School currently has a Character Education Committee comprised of staff members and parents. Each month a new character education trait is focused on through a school wide assembly and specific grade level lessons. These traits are supported by efforts from the school media specialist who chooses appropriate books and videos which are related to these specific character traits. Additionally the music teacher instructs children on songs that are included in the overall positive character trait theme.  During the 2012 - 2013 school year character education will continue to be a strong focus at Hubbard School. The monthly schedule is as follows:

·         October-Gratitude

·         November-Positive Attitude

·         December-Empathy

·         January-Goal Setting

·         February-Kindness

·         March-Courage

·         April-Teamwork

·         May-Patriotism

·         June-Service

At the beginning of each school year, the all students at Hubbard School review the Hubbard School Rules which serve as our Code of Conduct. The Code is as follows:

1.     Follow Directions.

2.    Respect Everyone.

3.    Stay Safe.

4.    On Time/On Task.

5.    Think Before You Act.

This is accomplished through questions and answer sessions and pertinent songs. There is a clear emphasis on demonstrating appropriate behaviors which is continued in each individual classroom. Hubbard School Rules are posted and referred to throughout the day by all teachers.  This document provides the basis for discipline teaching opportunities with regard to behavior within Hubbard School. Hubbard participates in NJ’s School Safety Month each October and the Hubbard School PTO sponsors at least one anti-bullying assembly for our school each year.

During the 2010-2011 school year, Hubbard school was awarded an Honorable Mention by the New Jersey Schools of Character. This was an exciting commendation of our program and we are constantly striving to improve our efforts towards character education and anti- bullying.

The following programs are available as resources on character education and anti-bullying at Hubbard School:

·         School Pride Students-students are selected on the basis of demonstrating good citizenship and overall behavior based on the current month’s character trait.

·         School Pride Day- This activity affords staff the opportunity to raise funds for a charitable cause while presenting students with a day of pride with regard to the positive values and accomplishments that are part of the Hubbard School experience.  Previous charities include Autism Speaks, The American Heart Association and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

·         Parent Teacher Organization’s Caring Neighbor Committee-This committee which is run by the Hubbard School PTO is in place to support unique and specific needs of the Ramsey community.  The members of this committee help to provide food, clothing and other essential items to families in need.

·         Morning Meeting-This is an activity that takes place at Hubbard School each day in every classroom.  The purpose of the morning meeting is to set a positive tone with all students to increase the success of their school day.  Many topics are covered in morning meeting such as personal organization, peer relationships, improving group cohesiveness, and appreciation of individual differences.  It also provides a forum for celebrating children’s accomplishments.

·         Character Education Lessons-These lessons occur in every classroom on a regular basis.  They are often linked to the Character Education Trait of the Month.  The lessons involve a variety of teaching strategies and techniques.  There is discovery, question and answer, class discussion, review of related children’s literature and individual and group exercises which support the objective of the lesson.

·         Lunch Room and Recess Rewards Program-This program is designed to “catch the children” being good.  Aides have been formally trained by the school psychologist to observe, recognize and reinforce positive pro-social behaviors in students.  Stickers are given to individual children who display such behaviors; the stickers are then tallied into classroom totals.  Classrooms which achieve a prescribed number of stickers earn a reward such as extra playtime outside or sharing ice cream as a class.

·         Character Education Assembly-This assembly takes place each month.  It serves to reinforce the trait which has been the focus educationally for the specific month.  The students recite poems, perform skits, sing songs and hang a special ribbon to celebrate creating a special Character Education flag comprised of multi-colored ribbons.

·         PTO Sponsored Assemblies-Each year the Hubbard School PTO sponsors an assembly which focuses on such topics as team work, respecting each other, appreciation of individual differences.  It is a highlight of the year at Hubbard School which is enjoyed by all of the students.

·         “Officer Phil” Program-This program is provided by a Ramsey Police Officer who comes to Hubbard school to speak to the children about making appropriate choices with regard to behavior.  The children look forward to his visits and his presence at Hubbard School serves as a positive role model to all.

·         Banana Splits Program-Offered to children who have experienced a loss in their lives through a death in the family or divorce, this program provides peer support in a group which meets twice monthly.  The students share feelings and experiences.  Together they discover ways of helping each other cope and thrive.

·         Second Cup of Coffee-This event is offered a number of times during the school year.  It takes place during PTO meetings.  Parents are able to attend presentations on a variety of topics such as parenting strategies, ideas for enhancing academic achievement, understanding standardized testing programs in which their children participate.

·         Use of Technology-Through the use of computers and Smart Boards, character education lessons are enhanced for our children.  They provide visual, interactive means of teaching important character education traits.  Thus the children are highly interested and motivated to participate!

·         Media Center Resources-The Hubbard School Media Center has many books and videos available which are connected to character education traits being taught to the children.  The media specialist selects books each month related to the specific traits and our students are encouraged to take the books home and share them with their families, thus extending their learning.

·         Ongoing Staff Development-the staff at Hubbard School receive continuous training in the area of character education.  This is accomplished through faculty meetings, professional book clubs, in house in-services and attendance at various professional workshops.

·         School Wide Special Days-The family of staff and students at Hubbard School look forward to events such as Bingo Night, Ice Cream Social and Games Day each year.  Fun abounds with all kinds of wonderful activities which children share with their parents and siblings.  Staff volunteers at the event.  A good time is had by everyone who attends!

·         Grandparents Day-First grade students learn to organize and provide a terrific experience for their grandparents which includes performing songs, serving and sharing in refreshments.  It is a day where children in a formal way honor their grandparents and show gratitude for their presence in their lives. It is a day which is very connected to the Character Education program at Hubbard School.

·         Mothers and Fathers Day Celebrations-These activities take place in May and June each year.  Children take on the responsibility of putting together a lovely program for their parents which includes reciting poems, singing songs and sharing refreshments.  It teaches expression of appreciation which is an important character trait.

·         Student Responsibility Committee-This committee is comprised of students who are “official helpers” in the building.  They assist peers in tying shoes if necessary, monitoring hallway safety, watering plants, delivering items to individual classrooms and a host of other important jobs.

·         Consultation-At Hubbard School specialized staff members such as a school psychologist and school social worker are available for unique situations in which further expertise are required.  These professionals support staff in their daily instruction of character education, and when necessary work with classrooms or individual children to help the development of positive behaviors.

Hubbard school serves students from age three to age nine. We take pride in a rigorous academic program, which encouraging positive development socially and emotionally in every child. During these developmental years, students sometimes engage in instances of inappropriate behavior and decision making. Often conflicts and opportunities for social growth are the result of such events. Every instance of negative interaction between students should not be immediately construed as an episode of bullying. Each occurrence must be addressed individually and attended to with regard to a child’s developmental stage and level. Please keep in mind our overall goal is to use these opportunities to teach students the appropriate way to interact as they mature with their peers. Hubbard School is a positive learning environment in all areas: social, emotional, and academic. We welcome the input and support of our parents who are a crucial part of their child’s success.