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VALHALLA, N.Y. Kensico Elementary School Principal Matt Curran said he has created fun ways to keep kids on the right track as they go through a crucial character building stage of life.
Curran began a behavioral system called Kensico C.A.R.E.S. -- Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-control -- in which the classroom each week that demonstrates the best behavior is rewarded the Golden C. The foot letter C, which represents C.A.R.E.S and Curran, was carved by a local contractor at Currans request.
My job here is to teach and make sure that students are learning, without a doubt, Curran said. Theres also the aspect of learning how to treat one another and thats just as important.
Curran also shared a way to keep kids under control on the buses.
I created something called special K, Curran said, explaining that the K is for Kensico. Its a big maroon K magnet that goes on the bus that has the best behavior. I go on the buses and tell the kids, Im going to be watching you guys and listening to the bus driver and if you can show me that youre well behaved and the bus driver says good things, you might get the special K. For third, fourth and fifth grade, thats a big deal.
Bullying is something Curran said he knows is an issue on and off school grounds and hes proud that Kensico Elementary School is hosting, Sorren Bennick's The Power of One an anti-bullying program for an assembly in October.
I just never want any students coming into school feeling like nobodys listening to them or understanding what theyre going through, Curran said. To me I just think that as adults and educators that we have to listen.
Curran moved up from teacher to principal a few years ago but he said he doesnt plan on taking any new titles anytime soon.
I never want to lose touch with the kids, Curran said. Ive been working with kids for 25 years and I wouldnt leave it. I look at myself still as a teacher, just with the title, principal.
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