Kind Coyotes is a voluntary peer recess buddy program where students are trained to serve in designated zones of the playground for a week during their recess time. Kind Coyotes are identifiable at recess by the yellow and black vest that they wear. A total of 12 Kind Coyotes will be available during a recess time to play with students who are not otherwise engaged. Kind Coyotes are also available for any student who approaches them to play.
The Kind Coyotes program is being implemented at our school to help ensure that students are socially connected and happy so that they can do their best learning at school. All children need to feel they belong in order to learn. The Kind Coyotes program will give all students an option for fun at recess.
Kind Coyotes will be trained prior to serving during recess. The goal of the Kind Coyotes training is to ensure volunteers can:
o Identify and follow recess rules
o Identify and engage in appropriate ways to play with others
o Practice and utilize the communication skills necessary to engage in play with peers
o Exercise problem solving skills when needed to determine play activities
o Evaluate when adult help is needed and utilize adult help appropriately
Currently the Kind Coyotes program targets our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students for training as Kind Coyotes. Once the program begins, all students in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade will have the option of playing with a Kind Coyote if they are interested in doing so.
How often will the Kind Coyotes be available for students at recess?
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Once the student volunteers are trained there will be Kind Coyotes available each recess period for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade throughout the entire school year. The first training of Kind Coyotes is expected to happen following winter break.
How long will students volunteer as a Kind Coyote?
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Training to be a Kind Coyote will happen at the start of the school day on Digital Day 3, with check in's and support to the Kind Coyotes when they are out at recess on the first day of their job during recess on Digital Day 3. After completing the short training, your student will serve as a Kind Coyote for one week beginning on Digital Day 3 and finishing at the end of recess on Digital Day 2. Students will be encouraged to communicate any concerns about continuing their helping role with Ms. Ochocki, should they arise during the week.
How often can students volunteer to be a Kind Coyote?
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Once all students who signed up to be a Kind Coyote for their grade level have completed the training and had the opportunity to serve as a Kind Coyote helper at recess, the rotation of student volunteers will restart. This means your student may have the opportunity to serve as a Kind Coyote one more than one occasion during the school year.
