8th Grade Expectation Teaching
8th Grade Students took it upon themselves to create this video to demonstrate expectations for a struggling group of 7th Graders.
Introduction
We believe that character is built through academic work that challenges and engages students, and that academic success is built through strong character that allows students to work together, persist, and do their best work. In EL schools, character is not something that is merely discussed or acknowledged on special occasions or assessed at the end of the term. Instead it is woven into the fabric of daily life in our classrooms. 

​In the sections below we will explore how students at AV-W foster their character.  We will provide specific examples of how best practices have supported character growth and development. We will also share evidence of student success.

Effective Learners

Claim 1:   Students internalize   AV-W’s Habits of Scholarship, craftsmanship, grit, and curiosity, to become effective learners.

Work to Become Effective Learners
  • develop the mindsets and skills for success in college, career, and life (e.g., initiative, responsibility, perseverance, collaboration)

Evidence of Effective Learners

“A focus on teaching and celebrating AV-W’s HOS has resulted in students that strive for personal greatness.  Students set goals for improvement in the areas of HOS which are reflected on and celebrated in SLCs. Intentional teaching habits of scholarship and connecting those expectations to the HOS has had a direct impact on student achievement (honor roll data) and the number of students not succeeding has significantly decreased (D/F list).  

Students want to be successful.  They strive to meet high expectations and to be recognized at data crews and community crew. “   
~ Mr. Fortier (Principal)

  • ​Evidence from school-based measures of character that show school-wide trends demonstrating student growth in character over time
Description: Student Habits of Scholarship Documentation
​(School - Wide Evidence)
Description: D/F List Data for years 2013-2016  (Grades 3 - 8)
Description: Honor Roll Data for years
2013-2016   (Grades 3 - 8)

Ethical People

Claim 2:  Students become ethical people by living AV-W’s core values of compassion, integrity and courage.

Work to Become Ethical People
  • treat others well and stand up for what is right (e.g., empathy, integrity, respect, compassion)
​

Evidence Of Ethical People

“Our students are bombarded (in a good way) with opportunities to learn about and carry out our core values. Our work, coupled with the influence of the families, helps each student to continue down the path of being a respectful contributor to our society as a whole.

Students are nicer to each other. AV-W students are kind. Our kids care about each other. Our data (base camp) confirms our work. “  
~ Mr. Fortier (Principal)

  • ​Data shows growth in academic behaviors such as attendance or decrease in discipline behaviors such as suspensions or referrals.
​​Description: Basecamp data linked to implementation of school-wide expectations (School - Wide Evidence)
​Description: Narrative case study that follow 5 students through their personal journey here at AV-W. (5 students)


​Carol Morrison "Courage Award" 

Carol Morrison, former AV-W Crew member, proved to be the quintessential definition of courageous. Through her dedication, commitment, and love for the Iditarod, Carol truly embodied all of AV-W's core values. The Carol Morrison "Courage Award" is now a prestigious award given at the Musher's Banquet to students demonstrating these same AV-W core values. 
​
Students earning the Carol Morrison "Courage Award" for 2016 are:
Avari Walker
Maya Savel
Auroralee Wade
Abi Anderson

Worldly Contributors

Claim 3: AV-W students contribute to a better world.

Work to Contribute to a Better World
  •  put their learning to use to improve communities (e.g., citizenship, service)

Evidence Of Worldly Contributions

“Our fieldwork and/or expeditions are geared toward service. We implore our kids to think and act beyond their own needs.
Students become empathetic, service-oriented people, thus contributing importantly to society.”
~ Mrs. Rein (Instructional Guide)
  • ​Student work that illustrates the character learning, reflection, or growth that occurred as a result of the system(s) (e.g. self-assessments, reflections, goal setting forms, etc.) (e.g. evidence from student-led conferences, portfolios, passage presentations, celebrations of learning, etc.) 
Description: Student Community Service Survey Results "Why We Do Service?" 
​(School -Wide Evidence)
Description: Narratives from 6th and 8th grade Service Journal Entries (Grade 6 & Grade 8)
Picture
5th Grade Students Painting Bowls for their community "Empty Bowls" Service Project.
Picture
Highlight Quotes

"We do service because it not only warms our hearts but of the people in need."  "I agree."  "Yes!"  (4th grade students)

"We do service because as a school we have and require compassion."
(5th grade student)

"We do service because our school is a crew." (3rd grade student)
Picture
2016 Veteran's Day Appreciation Celebration