Principal's Page

Melanie Ruiz

Mruiz

A MESSAGE FROM MRS. RUIZ

July 2024

Dear Bear Gulch Community,

As I enter my third year as your principal, I am excited to continue our journey together. Having been an educator since 2000, I am honored to bring my passion and expertise in education to this role. My educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s degree in education, and a master’s degree in educational technology. I am also a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) with an emphasis in middle childhood (MCG) and am working on my doctorate in educational leadership, which allows me to bring the latest research and best practices to our school community.

At our school, we believe in providing a safe and nurturing environment where every student can thrive. Our dedicated teachers and staff work hard to ensure that each student receives a high-quality education and feels supported in their academic and personal growth. This is why we are committed to creating a positive school climate through our use of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Restorative Practices, and Second Step (social-emotional instruction).

PBIS helps us to consistently recognize and reward positive behavior, while also addressing any negative behavior in a fair and consistent manner. Restorative Practices allow us to build stronger relationships and repair harm when conflicts arise, while Second Step provides our students with the skills and strategies needed to manage their emotions, relationships, and personal responsibility.

We utilize PBIS Rewards to celebrate positive student behavior. Our school-wide expectations are embodied in the acronym BEARS: Be Safe, Everyone Matters, Act Responsibly, Reflect Kindness, and Show Respect.

We are also committed to strong partnerships with families and the wider community. Your involvement and support play a vital role in your child's success, and we encourage you to stay informed and involved in your child's education. I highly encourage participation in Friends of Bear Gulch, our Parent Teacher Organization. If you have any questions about getting involved, please feel free to contact me.

Once a month, I will host a Meet Up where I engage with families and arrange for presentations that meet the needs and requests of parents. We have had these meetings in the mornings during the school day, but I will be putting out a poll to parents after school starts to determine if an evening or online Meet Up is preferred. These meetings are a good way to stay up to date on what is happening at our school. Connecting with us on social media and on ParentSquare are also great ways to stay informed. Instagram: Bear Gulch Instagram Facebook: Bear Gulch Facebook Twitter: Bear Gulch Twitter

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child's teacher or contact our office.

I am looking forward to a successful and enjoyable school year and to working with you to help your child reach their full potential.

Sincerely,

Melanie Ruiz, NBCT (MCG)

SCHOOL INITIATIVES

GRIZZLY NOTE REWARDS

We love "catching" our learners doing the right things even when they think no one is watching.  We've established a "Catch 'em Being Good" program at Bear Gulch where learners are given Grizzly Notes when they make good choices.   Teachers collect these Grizzly Notes in a class container and each Friday these notes are sent up to the office for prize drawings at the end of the day.  One lucky learner from each class is selected to choose a prize for their good behavior. 

POSITIVE LEARNER TRAITS

Learners discuss and learn about a different positive learning trait every two months.  Learner created examples of the focus trait are displayed on the MPR board and awards are provided to learners who best exhibit each particular trait throughout the two month period.  Additionally, learners who are "caught" displaying the focus trait anywhere on campus receive a special sticker that lets everyone know of their accomplishment.  The traits that will be highlighted this year are: Responsibility, Empathy, Curiosity, Initiative, and Problem Solving.

HONOR ROLL AWARDS

Learners in the 3rd - 5th grades have the opportunity to earn Honor Roll status for exceptional performance on their report cards.  Honor Roll learners are recognized each trimester at a special evening themed ceremony.  This year's themes include Out of This World Stars (Space theme), Rock Stars (Rock and Roll theme), and All American Stars (Americana theme).  Students earn certificates, lanyards and pins that symbolize their commitment to academic excellence and trophies are presented to those who make the Principal's Honor Roll (Straight A's).

CLEAN ROOM and BACK PACK AWARDS

Our wonderful custodians, Mr. Don and Mr. Bruce, work hard to catch learners taking care of their belongings and their classrooms by presenting Clean Room and Back Pack Awards each time they find that learners have left their rooms clean at the end of the school day and have neatly hung their back packs on the hooks outside of their classrooms.  These awards are saved up to earn various prizes throughout the year.

ATTENDANCE INCENTIVES

Good attendance at school is a necessity for student success.  We provide several incentives to encourage students to maintain excellent attendance throughout the year such as No Tardy Parties, Attendance Challenges, Perfect Attendance certificates and class pencils for classroom "Perfect Attendance".

BEAR BUCKS

Learners who display appropriate recess and lunchtime behavior have the opportunity to earn Bear Bucks which are collected and saved up to "purchase" numerous incentives during lunchtime at the Bear Bucks Store.  Incentives range from paw print pencils to Bear Gulch imprinted soccer bags and Bear Gulch spirit day shirts.

bears