Dare to C.A.R.E

(Conflicts Are Resolved Easily)

The goal of the Dare to C.A.R.E. program is to introduce students to basic positive character qualities, which enhance the character development already taking place in the home.

We believe, as educators, that it is our responsibility to teach the students attending BES skills which will benefit them throughout their lives. We strongly believe the C.A.R.E. program encourages communication skills, expands social skills and enhances self-esteem. This Dare to C.A.R.E. philosophy is beneficial not only to our students, but also to our faculty, staff and our community.

The Dare to C.A.R.E. program is structurally based upon an "earned point" system as opposed to a "deducted point" system. During each 9 week grading period, each student has the opportunity to earn three points per day and an additional 3 bonus points each week resulting in a possible 18 points per week. The basis of the program is to provide students with the opportunity to correct their behavioral choices and learn how to resolve the conflicts that occur in their daily lives. In order to provide them with this opportunity, each school day is divided into 3 time periods. Students can earn 1 point during each time period. This division of the day gives students numerous opportunities to make correct behavioral choices. Hopefully, the initiative is there for students who have had a difficult morning to correct his/her behavior and earn the remaining points for that day. The daily point system starts over each day with weekly bonus points being awarded for (1) returning the C.A.R.E. envelope with signed weekly C.A.R.E. report by Wednesday, (2) perfect attendance for the week with no tardies or early pickups, and (3) a teacher discretion bonus point. Teachers decide which behavior they want to target with the entire class or with individual students and award the last bonus point when the goal is met. The C.A.R.E. envelope and report are sent home each Monday with student work and information for the parents. The C.A.R.E. report needs to come back signed by the parent to earn a bonus point. This is also a great way for teachers and parents to communicate on a weekly basis.

When students earn 15 or more points in a week, they earn a "Fun Friday" activity as a reward for making appropriate behavioral choices. "Fun Friday" activities can be decided by the teacher or by the class in a class meeting. If students do not earn enough points to receive "Fun Friday", they are not allowed to participate in the activity. After missing 2 "Fun Fridays", the student goes to "No Fun Friday" and receives one-on-one counseling and goal setting between the student and a member of the support staff. The staff member checks on the student during the next week and tries to help them reach their goal and earn the points needed to succeed and earn "Fun Friday".