Body
WHEREAS, for the 2008-2009 school year, Principal Cynthia Zurchin and staff of Pittsburgh Schaeffer K-8 Primary Campus have developed their version of the Whale Done! Training program based on the book by author Ken Blanchard titled "Whale Done!: The Power of Positive Relationships"; and,
WHEREAS, the Whale Done! Program incorporates positive reinforcement techniques, such as those used to train killer whales, into the workplace and even classroom environment which is done by building trust, accentuating on the positive and redirecting energy when mistakes are made; and,
WHEREAS, at Pittsburgh Schaeffer, mornings are started by reading "whale dones" which have been submitted by staff and students, teachers distribute stickers, certificates or stuffed whales; and,
WHEREAS, as a result of the program, Pittsburgh Schaeffer has seen a reduction in suspensions of 95% and chronic tardiness/absenteeism are no longer a problem, 73% of their third grade students are proficient in math, up from 16% and 72% are proficient in reading up from 24% before the program ; and,
WHEREAS, we recognize that Pittsburgh Schaeffer Primary as the first school in the world to use the Whale Done! philosophy in a school setting; and,
WHEREAS, we recognize that Pittsburgh Schaeffer wants to work with families to extend the program into their homes; and,
Title
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend and congratulate Pittsburgh Schaeffer K-8; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, June 9, 2009, to be "Pittsburgh Schaeffer Day" in the City of Pittsburgh. "Whale Done" Pittsburgh Schaeffer!