CUBS Rally Cheer
CUBS have the spirit,
Yes, we do!
CUBS have the spirit,
How about you?
CUBS Cheer
I say … “C” … you say “Caring”
I say … “U” … you say “Understanding”
I say … “B” … you say “Be Respectful”
I say … “S” … you say “Safe”
CUBS Song (sung to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot”)
We are very proud CUBS
Yes, indeed.
We care about others,
Yes, indeed.
We are understanding,
Respectful and safe.
CUBS pride, spirit, and smiles are great!
CUBS Song (sung to the tune of “Jingle Bells”)
We are the CUBS, We are the Cubs,
CUBS care about everyone.
CUBS are understanding,
That’s how it should be done!
We are the CUBS, We are the Cubs,
Be respectful to everyone.
CUBS practice being safe,
That’s how it should be done!
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A new “positive consequences” initiative — the Wildcat CUBS Paw Program — has been launched at Pine Street Elementary School.
According to Principal Loretta Clark, “CUBS” is an acronym that stands for Caring, Understanding, Being Respectful and Safe.
“Those are the overall behaviors that we’re encouraging all of our students to exhibit every day,” she said.
A pep rally was held in November to introduce the program to the students.
“Some of the staff had come up with some cheers and songs, and we had pompoms. The SAD 1 Wildcat made a special appearance, and each child received a silicone ‘Wildcat CUBS Paw’ bracelet,” said Clark, noting that some teachers incorporate the songs in their daily opening exercises. “This was a really special gift to remind students each day about the importance of displaying appropriate positive behaviors at school, on the playground, on the bus, at home, and everywhere they go.”
Clark said several posters featuring photographs of the students displaying appropriate behaviors will be placed throughout the building.
“Whether it’s being in line, walking quietly down the hall, helping a friend tie their shoe, smiling and being a good friend, using both hands on the playground equipment, having their backpack on their back, or hanging their jacket on a hook,” said Clark, “these are all behaviors that we expect the students to display.
“We have about 50 posters that we’re going to be putting up,” she said, “and we’ll be putting them on our website as a photo gallery, as well. We’ll replace a few posters each year with photos of some of the new students coming in. That visual reminder is important. Most of our pre-K and kindergarteners don’t have any reading skills, so in order for them to understand, we need a visual for them. These posters will work well.”
As part of the program, students can earn a paper “CUBS Paw” by demonstrating caring, understanding, being respectful and safe. Students will earn a small white paw for individual positive consequences. Any staff person at the school may give a small white paw to a child or his/her teacher.
In addition, a small blue paw will be given for “team effort” meaning the entire classroom received a positive consequence. Any staff member can give a small blue paw to a classroom teacher.
“Each grade has decided how to implement these ‘small white paws’ and ‘small blue paws’ within their grade level,” said Clark. “A predetermined number of individual and/or classroom ‘CUBS Paws’ will earn the classroom a ‘positive consequence,’ or a reward.”
Some of the rewards may include a popcorn party, extra recess time, a special snack/treat, story time in the library, lunch in the classroom, a special game time or a short walk on the bike path.
Clark said the students have been very receptive to the CUBS Paw program.
“They are constantly reminding each other, as well as reminding us,” she said. “I’ll hear things like, ‘I was quietly walking down the hall, Mrs. Clark.’ I’ll always smile and offer encouraging words. You can tell they’re having self pride and that’s important.
“Our goal is to have all students display and model the expected behaviors on a daily basis,” said Clark. “Staff members will recognize these positive student behaviors in order to build a ‘team effort’ approach while continuing to focus on promoting a safe and respectful school environment for everyone at our school.”
