The 55 Essential Expectations

for our Tamarack Stars!

We will be working this year on the 55 Essential Rules developed by Ron Clark. Perhaps you saw the movie about how he transformed a school, teaching them life lessons on how we live and get along with others.  You will find these wise rules not only apply to our students but also our school staff, families, and people in our community.

Here are five of those rules we will begin with this new school year:

Rule #1:  When responding to an adult, you must answer by saying "Yes ma'am" or "No sir."  Just nodding your head or saying any other form of yes or no is not acceptable.

Rule #2:  Make eye contact.  When someone is speaking, keep your eyes on him or her at all times.  If someone makes a comment, turn and fact that person. 

Rule#3:  If someone in the class wins a game or does something well, we will congratulate that person.  Claps should be of at least three seconds in length with the full part of both hands meeting in a manner that will give the appropriate clap volume.

Rule #4:

During discussions, respect other students' comments, opinions, and ideas.  When possible, make statements like, "I agree with John, and I also feel that . . ."  or "I disagree with Sara.  She made a good point, but I feel that . . ."  or "I think Victor made an excellent observation, and it made me realize . . .

Rule #5

If you win or do well at something, do not brag.  If you lose, do not show anger.  Instead, say something like, "I really enjoyed the competition, and I look forward to playing you again," or "Good game," or don't say anything at all.  To show anger or sarcasm, such as "I wasn't playing hard away.  You really aren't that good," shows weakness.

I'm sure all our creative Tamarack parents can practice these great life skills at home through role playing or real life examples!  We will be working our way through all 55 rules throughout the school year, so keep checking back for the next five!

Clark, Ron;  The Essential 55 .  New York: Hyperion, 2003.