Do You Know How To R.A.P.S?

Rules are designed to help guide and assist us to be a part of a constructive environment. Rules are implemented to ensure safety, to evoke good behavior and to teach life skills. The ILC program follows basic rules that are stated through R.A.P.S. The sign above is placed in many of the ILC classrooms as reminders to the students on how they should behave.

R-Respect involves how you treat yourself and others in a non-destructive way.

A-Attitude includes having a positive attitude while at the ILC. You may not always be in a good mood, but you can have a good attitude.

P- Participation is expected. Everybody may not like all the activities we do here, but we do expect them to participate.

S- Speech should always be constructive and encouraging to other classmates, to staff or to self.

R.A.P.S has been implanted in other City Impact programs, such as Bible Club, so

many of the students are familiar with the rules.

Along with these behavior expectations, we will be introducing other “rules” or expectations that will teach students social and life skills. For example, last week during our team time, we discussed the importance of saying “Thank you” when you receive something. This week the students have been practicing, especially during snack time. Each student is expected to say thank you to the staff member that prepared the snack, and if they fail to do so, a portion of their snack will be taken away. This may seem harsh, but it is effective to teach the importance of being grateful of what is given to you.

Many of the additional expectations for rules that will be implemented have been inspired by the book The Essential 55 by Ron Clark. Ron Clark was the Teacher of the Year in 2000 and wrote a book on the rules he implemented in his classroom. To learn more about Ron Clark and his story visit his website www.ronclark.info/story.

A goal of the ILC program is to motivate youth to model a life of purpose and service. By teaching and expecting high standards of behavior, students will in turn set high expectations for themselves.