The Bridge
with Mr. Tiggart Dean of Students
Bridge: A structure allowing passage across an obstacle; a link or means of approach, coming together; a platform of a vessel from which the captain controls its course.
Classroom Approach:
BRIDGE: Behavior Response Initiative Designed for Goal Oriented Empowerment
Behavior
Response
Initiative
Designed
Goal Oriented
Empowerment
Educational Philosophy:
Every student brings a unique perspective to school, and every student deserves a chance.
About Mr. Tiggart
Hello, my name is Mr. Tiggart and I am very privileged to be the first Dean of Students at Woodland Park Academy.
I have been happily married (since 1996) to my lovely wife, Mrs. Tiggart and we are the proud parents of four wonderful children (a boy and three girls), which three of them currently attend WPA.
I was born and raised in Detroit, MI and attended several DPS before dropping out and later graduating with honors with a GED in 1994. I am very proud and honored to be a product of Spring Arbor University I will graduate in the spring of 2012 with a degree in Family Life Education.
How I started education is somewhat unexpected and unique. As a product of my environment, I broke free (with the help of the whole village) of a system that failed many and it is what brings me to this arena of education today—to pass on wisdom earned the hard way. It is a story I am proud to share (with any student or parent) and I believe it gives me a wonderful appreciation for life, education, my job, and our community. A little bit about my background, I have over fifteen years of experience of working with parent initiative youth and or adjudicated youth of abused, neglected, and or juvenile delinquent boys and girls and young adults. This is my third year at WPA and my first year as Dean of Students. I was first hired as the In-School-Suspension Coordinator as part of the Student Support Services Team.
As the Dean of Students at WPA
As an ambassador and guardian of the school’s culture, I will help raise the behavior standards and student achievements. I will help BRIDGE the gaps between students, parents and staff by helping both students and their families to memorize, internalize and practice the school’s core values of SOAR. I will also play an active role in monitoring students’ behavior both inside and outside of the classroom. I will support the faculty by taking the initiative to address behavior problems as they arise, ensuring that students miss as little time in the classroom as possible, while working with our Administrative team.
Making a Decision
As the Dean of Students, I will use the following process in handling disciplinary actions: School-wide initiative of data collection and positive behavior implementation. SWIS (School Wide Information System) a data collection program that tracks students’ behavior. FOCUS (Student Information Software that tracks academics and discipline to share with parents.) Response to Intervention (RTI) is a positive proactive intervention. Positive Behavior intervention and Support (PBiS) along with Love and Logic’s Critical Disciplinary Consideration
1.
The precipitating events.
The precipitating events.2.The child’s intentions.
The child’s intentions.3.The personality and temperament of the child.
The personality and temperament of the child.4.What actually happened?
What actually happened?5.The damage or hurt caused by the misbehavior or rule violation.
The damage or hurt caused by the misbehavior or rule violation._____________________________________________________________________________________
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the purpose of education best when he stated that, “We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” As Dean of Students, this is my desires for all WPA students.
If I can be of any service to you, please feel free to contact me or drop by the school. I am always happy to help.
Sincerely,
Mr. Tiggart
Dean of Students
Woodland Park Academy
2083 E. Grand Blanc Rd.
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
ttiggart@wp-academy.org
810.695.4710
Parents remember it is a TEAM effort:
A powerful African proverb states, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.”
Imagine a three-legged stool, the student is the seat and the parents, teachers, administration are the
supporting legs—which if one leg is missing from this tripod formation the stool will fall over?
Let us remember that schools are institution of “Great Possibilities,” where every child deserves a chance.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Key WPA Beliefs
SOARBRIDGEPOWERTEAM
BRIDGEPOWERTEAMSafe BehaviorPrompt Together
BehaviorPrompt TogetherOn-task Response Organized Everybody
Response Organized EverybodyAttentive Initiative Wise Choices Achieves
Initiative Wise Choices Achieves Respectful Designed Effort More
Designed Effort More Goal Oriented Respectful Empowerment_____________________________________________________________________________________
Web Links:
-FOCUS; focus.wp-academy.org
-Love and Logic; http://www.loveand logic.com
Click on the parents tab-for the free Insiders Club weekly email of great parenting tips.
-WPA Parent Letters link page; http://www.wpacharterschool.org/lettertoparents.html
-Positive Behavior Support for Parents; http://www.pbis.org/family/default.aspx
-Bully Prevention Program/tips;
-What is SW-PBiS; http://www.pbis.org/school/what_is_swpbs.aspx
-WPA Student Handbook;
-WPA Dress code policy;
-WPA Discipline procedures;
-WPA Bridge Behavior Packet Philosophy;
-LIFT- Learning Is Fun Too- Community Involvement Teaching Opportunity at WPA.
-Partnership;
-Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD); http://www.geneseeisd.org/
