John I. Dawes Early Learning Center December Highlights

The following highlights are submitted by Irene Policastro, the Secretary to Superintendent John J. Marciante of the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District.

Character Education

The ELC continued its “Paws-itive Behavior Program.” Mrs. Young, the guidance counselor, held mini- assemblies to introduce the kindergarten students to the ELC’s second character critter. The students met Rusty the Respectful Raccoon and listened to a story about him. The children learned that being respectful includes the following traits:

• Be kind to friends and family
• Use good manners
• Do not hit or hurt anyone
• Talk about your problems

Posters of Rusty the Raccoon and the list of respectful traits are hung around the school. All staff members are reinforcing this trait, and the students are so excited to wear the paw print stickers they receive when they are caught being trustworthy. We will introduce the next character critter in January!

PTA Events

The PTA hosted the Holiday Fair for the students.