Programs offered at Shafer Elementary

Circle of Character: The teachers nominate one student each month who is demonstrating good character. The teachers look specifically for a student showing the district's wide Character Strong: PurposeFull people's character traits. The student receives a certificate and ribbon; their picture and paragraph about them showing good character are also put on display on the Circle of Character bulletin board outside of the counselor's office. 

Noble Knights: The Noble Knights honor is the highest award given at Shafer Elementary. The student can only receive this one time during their time at Shafer. This award is given twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. The students are announced during our morning announcements, they receive a yard sign, an invitation to the Noble Knights breakfast, a certificate, ribbon, and more. ​

PurposeFull People: Character Strong / PurposeFull People is about creating a school culture that incorporates a child’s social-emotional and character development in one.  Character Strong is research-based, providing vertically aligned lessons and activities that teach Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making skills.  Throughout the year we will be focusing on key character traits; courage, empathy, gratitude, kindness, respect, and cooperation. The Character Strong program supports not only the students but also the entire Shafer Family (students, staff & families). By supporting social-emotional health, this will positively impact student’s academic success as well as build relationships and prepare them for the future.

KEYs: KEYS (Keep Encouraging Youth toward Success) is a district program in which adults can apply to mentor students on elementary, junior high, or high school campuses.  Shafer students are nominated for this program by FPSE staff members, and parent consent is required. Students who are involved in the program may also be eligible for a KEYS scholarship.  If you are interested in becoming a KEYS mentor, please click the link below to visit the district website to learn more. 

PALs: Katy Independent School district has a very special mentoring program called PALS (Peer Assistance Leadership Skills).  Our school has been fortunate enough to be paired with PALS from Tompkins High School and Seven Lakes High School who will act as mentors to selected students at Shafer Elementary.  These high school students met eligibility through training standards and participated in a selection process to become one of these dynamic peer leaders. Shafer students are nominated for this program by FPSE staff members, and parent consent is required.  Students are chosen for PALS based on a variety of reasons.  PALS are considered an extra cheerleader, a role model, a support system, an encourager, an ear to listen, and so much more.

Kindness Crew: Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade are selected by staff members to represent their grade level.  Students meet with Ms. Weinheimer once a month to discuss what is happening around the school.  They will discuss things that are going well around the school as well as areas that need improvement.  The Kindness Crew will come up with kindness challenges for the school as well as complete a kindness project each month.  They will also participate in "high five Mondays" where they wear their Kindness Crew T-Shirt and give out high-fives throughout the school.

Special Buddies: Students in 4th and 5th grade apply to be in the Special Buddies Program and are selected by a committee. Students who are in the program are paired with one of our life-skills students and they meet with them once a week to work on a small craft or project. The students also participate in on-campus and off-campus events throughout the school year as well. This is one of Shafer's most beloved programs.