• Coyle's Essential 29 are lessons about how we live, interact with others, and appreciate life. The lessons are about preparing our students for what awaits them after they leave the classroom. The lessons will help our students handle any situation they may encounter and giving them the confidence to do so. The lessons are explained, practiced, and enforced in the classroom. 

    Coyle Avenue’s Essential 29

    Rule 1 - When responding to anyone, turn and face the person, make eye contact, and answer respectfully.  For example, when speaking to adults, you may use “Yes ma’am”, “Yes, Mrs. Cybulski” or “No, thank you” or “No, sir”.  Just nodding your head is not acceptable.  

    Rule 2 - If someone in the class wins a game or does something well, we will congratulate that person. If you win or do well at something, do not brag. If you lose, do not show anger. Instead, say something like, “I really enjoyed the competition, and I look forward to playing you again,” or “good game,” or don’t say anything at all. To show anger or sarcasm, such as “I wasn’t playing hard anyway” or “You really aren’t that good,” shows weakness.

    Rule 3 - During discussions, respect other students’ comments, opinions, and ideas. When possible, make statements like, “I agree with John, and I also feel that...” or “I disagree with Sarah. She made a good point I feel that...” or “I think Victor made an excellent observation, and it made me realize...”

    Rule 4 - If you are asked a question in conversation, you should ask a question in return.
    Me: “Did you have a nice weekend?” You: “Yes, I had a great time. My family and I went shopping. What about you? Did you have a nice weekend?”It is only polite to show others that you are just as interested in them as they are in you.

    Rule 5 -“When you cough or sneeze or burp, it is appropriate to turn your head away from others and cover your mouth with elbow. Using a fist is not acceptable. Afterward, you should say, “Excuse me.”

    Rule 6 - When agitated, frustrated or upset, continue to show respect.  For example, When work is assigned, there is to be no moaning, complaining, or negativity. 

    Rule 7 - Always say thank you immediately when anyone gives you something. There is no excuse for not showing appreciation.  When you are given something from someone, never insult that person by making negative comments about the gift or by insinuating that it wasn’t appreciated

    Rule 8 - Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness. Go out of your way to do something surprisingly kind and generous for someone at least once a month.

    Rule 9 - Answer all questions with a complete sentence. For example, if the question asks, “What is the capital of California?” you should respond by writing, “The capital of California is Sacramento.” Also, in conversation with others, it is important to use complete sentences out of respect for the person’s question. For example, if a person asks, “How are you?” instead of just responding by saying, “Fine,” you should say, “I’m doing fine, thank you. How about yourself?”

    Rule 10 - “At times throughout the year, I will give rewards for good behavior, academic performance and other acts worthy of praise. If you ever ask me for a reward, however, it will not be given. It is rude to ask if you are getting something for good behavior. You should be good and try your best because you are trying to better yourself, not because you are anticipating a reward. 

    Rule 11 - When we are in transition from any activity or place to another, the change will be swift, quiet and orderly. We should be consistently able to transition as quickly as possible with all necessary materials. In the classroom, the opportune amount of time to spend in transition should be less than ten seconds, and we will work toward a goal of seven seconds.

    Rule 12 - You will make every effort to be as prepared as possible. For example: Having jacket after recess. Bringing books to the library.  Having your classroom materials in their place.

    Rule 13 - We will follow certain classroom protocols. We will be organized, efficient, and on task. In order to do so, we will follow these protocols. While you are with a substitute teacher, you will obey the same rules that you follow when I am with you. I know this is hard, but it is important.

    Rule 14 - It is polite to address people by their names. Quickly learn the names of others in the school and greet them by saying things like, "Good morning Ms. Taryn," or “Good afternoon Ms. Katie, I’m sorry for being late.” (Note: If you are in line with the rest of the class, you are not allowed to speak to others at that time because the no-talking rule is in effect. You should speak to other staff if you are entering or leaving the school, during recess, on an errand, or changing classes.) 

    Rule 15 - Use the facilities correctly, flush the toilet, wash your hands after using the restroom, and then leave immediately. 

    Rule 16 - Do not save seats. If someone wants to sit down, let them. Try not to exclude anyone. We are a family, and we must treat one another with respect and kindness.

    Rule 17 - If I or any other teacher in school is speaking to or disciplining a student, do not look at that student. You wouldn’t want others looking at you if you were in trouble or being reprimanded, so don’t look at others in that situation. We mind our own business when someone is talking to a staff member.  If you are a student I am talking to, do not get angry or fuss at students who are looking at you. Let me know and I will handle the situation.

    Rule 18 - Use LUNCH - There are several manners dealing with food that you must follow.

    Rule 19 - Keep our school and classrooms looking nice!  If you see something on the ground pick it up, even if it is not yours.  If you see someone drop something, pick it up and hand it back to them.

    Rule 20 -If you approach a door and someone is following you, hold the door. If the door opens by pulling, pull it open, stand to the side, and allow the other person to pass through it first, then you can walk through. If the door opens by pushing, hold the door open after you push through.

    Rule 21 - If someone bumps into you, say “Excuse me” even if it’s not your fault

    Rule 22 - During an assembly, do not speak and do not try to get the attention of your friends in other classes. We must uphold an image that shows we have our act together!  

    Rule 23 - "When in a line; walk single file, with appropriate space between you and the person in front of you with your arms at your sides. You should face forward at all times. “Never cut in line.” There will be absolutely no talking." (HALLS)

    Rule 24 - If any child in this school is bothering you and you are unable to take care of it yourself, let me know. I am your teacher, and I am here to look after you and protect you. I am not going to let anyone in this school make you feel uncomfortable.”

    Rule 25 - Stand up for what you believe in and respect other people’s right to have a different belief.

    Rule 26 - Be positive and enjoy life. Some things just aren't worth getting upset over. Keep everything in perspective and focus on the good in your life.

    Rule 27 - Accept that you are going to make mistakes.  Mistakes are gifts. Learn from them and move on.

    Rule 28 - “No matter what the circumstances, always be honest. Even if you have done something wrong, it is best to admit it to me, because I will respect that, and take your honesty into consideration.”

    Rule 29 - “Be the best person you can be.”