PIP (FOCUS)

For more information
contact a Project Coordinator:
Mary Jo Utterback, 668-4082
Jackie Cardinale, 668-4072
Julie Johnson, 668-4079
Lois Souza, 668-4081

What is FOCUS ?

The Focus on Children Understanding Self-Esteem Program has three components: small educational groups, playground interactions, and classroom presentations which utilize the well-researched Esteem Builders curriculum.

The Esteem Builders curriculum allows children the opportunity to learn pro-social skills through modeling, practice and reinforcement. The lessons build resiliency and self-esteem skills through five themes:

Security—Students see school as a safe environment where they can learn and feel safe;
Selfhood—Students gain a strong sense of individuality where they recognize their unique qualities;
Affiliation—Students see themselves in relationship to others, gaining a sense of belonging and an ability to cooperate and share;
Mission—Students are able to set realistic and achievable goals and follow through on plans with a sense of purpose and future; and
Competence—Students become aware of their own strengths and acknowledge personal success.

Mission—Students are able to set realistic and achievable goals and follow through on plans with a sense of purpose and future; and
Competence—Students become aware of their own strengths and acknowledge personal success.

Everyone Benefits from FOCUS

With parent permission, small group instruction is available for students. Groups are composed of 2-4 students who meet together 30 minutes each week for 12 weeks with a Student Services Assistant.

Classroom instruction is provided to all students in kindergarten through third grade. Five lessons from the Esteem Builders curriculum are presented in each classroom.

 

Student Services Assistants are on the playground during recess and lunch to encourage students to use their social skills training and help students integrate into the playground environment.