'Coaches' guide Grayslake's Frederick students' behavior

Grayslake Elementary District 46's Frederick School has been using a test program designed to encourage proper behavior by selected students.

Frederick School social worker Sue Murrow said the recently launched Check-In, Check-Out program is part of an overall initiative called positive behavioral intervention and supports.

Check-In, Check-Out links 15 students with a “coach” who meets with them briefly in the morning and before they leave for home in the afternoon.

In the morning, the idea is for the students to begin the day on a positive note while the coaches receive an opportunity to remind them of proper behavior that's expected from them in the classroom. Murrow said each pupil receives a point sheet they must present to a teacher at the end of every period so their behavior can be rated.

“At the end of the day, when students meet their coaches again, they review their performance and receive a copy of the point sheet to take home to review with their parents,” said Murrow, who coordinates Check-In, Check Out.

Murrow said feedback has indicated teachers have noticed an increase in behavior awareness by students who are part of Check-In, Check-Out. The instructors also report a decrease in discipline referrals for some of the program's pupils at Frederick, which serves fifth and sixth grades in Grayslake.

Frederick custodian Maurice Crews, physical education teacher Jim Geske and program assistant Elaina Gargano are the Check-In, Check-Out coaches. Murrow said the coaches have been enthusiastic about Check-In, Check-Out, with Crews designating a title of “Young Man of Honor” when his students reach certain goals.

“Overall, it's been a very positive program for both staff and students alike,” Murrow said.

Murrow said Check-In, Check-Out started in January and eventually expanded to 15 pupils. It'll continue through the end of the academic year.