Howard-Ellis Elementary students are learning about all things behavior-related this week as part of its “Formula for Success” education, from picking up paper towels in the restrooms to identifying characteristics of bullies.

During assemblies this week, fifth grade “peer mediators” helped teach their schoolmates about the behavioral formula “atmosphere plus appropriate behavior plus attitude equal achievement.” The behavior education is a year-round program instilled in students at Howard-Ellis, Principal Michelle Asmus said Thursday.
Asmus and Assistant Principal Zech Hoyt demonstrated how students should deal with a person whose words or actions are hurting them by using the “bug and a wish” method. A student should handle the situation by saying, “Your (words or actions) are bothering me; I wish you would stop.”
Hoyt showed students a bag of confiscated items, including a toy gun and knife, that if brought to school would require the student be sent home until a meeting is held. Other banned items include matches, lighters and cigarettes.
Howard-Ellis is also using a “bucket” metaphor to teach kindness. People who compliment others are “bucket fillers;” those who say mean things are “bucket dippers.”
“Have you ever noticed how when you fill someone’s ‘bucket,’ yours gets filled?” Asmus asked the students Thursday. “Your kindness is a never-ending circle.”