Guffey’s charismatic principal, Jackie Waller, explains that she and her staff put their “heart and soul” into Guffey because they wanted to make a difference at this diverse school. Students recite the “Shine On” character pledge daily, and they strive to be “Guffey’s Gold” by treating one another the way they would want to be treated. Teachers greet their students at the door every day with a smile, to welcome them into the classroom and set the tone for the day. According to Waller, “Students at Guffey feel safe and know they are surrounded by caring individuals.” Kristen Pelster, the principal of Ridgewood Middle School (a 2006 NSOC and the school to which the Guffey students proceed upon graduation), comments that she has seen positive changes in the Guffey students who come to her school. She reports that Guffey students are leaders on her campus. Parents and community members declare that the staff is unified in their approach to character.
Outreach: During their 2011-12 award year, Guffy staff responded to numerous inquiries from other educators.
Signature Practices
Lesson Plan: Mad Lib Service Learning Project
This lesson can be used as a grammar review, or it may be used to practice a particular part of speech. The purpose of this lesson is to allow students to apply their knowledge of parts of speech by also providing them with the opportunity to show empathy toward others in need.
Promising Practice: SHINE ON and Show Your Guffey Gold
Through a survey the Character Team at George Guffey Elementary found that there was a need for students to practice manners throughout the school. The Character Team developed “SHINE ON and Show your Guffey Gold."
Promising Practice: S.O.S. -- Sending Our Sunshine
The students at George Guffey Elementary made items and held a laundry detergent collection for families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis County.
Promising Practice: With L.O.V.E. - Letting Others Value Empathy
The students realized that there are children who go through traumatic times, and through the study of empathy they discussed how it might feel to be a child entering the foster care system, and then they decided to act and do something for these children. Each classroom decided how they were going to tie the curriculum to their project. Students made books, bookmarks, flashcards, coloring books and many other items for the With L.O.V.E. bags.
Contact Information
Ms. Jackie WallerPrincipal
400 13th St. Fenton, MO 63026
Phone: 636-343-7662 x. 12
Email: waller@fox.k12.mo.us
Website: www.fox.k12.mo.us