The Backstory of Fish! at Westbrook
By Westbrook Staff Development Director Stephanie Yiallouros

In 2005/2006, Westbrook was going through many changes: new principal, new teachers, etc.  We needed to get the morale of our staff to a "feel good" level.  I previously heard about a program that several businesses, as well as schools, use called Fish! and decided to investigate.

When Mr. Ewald was named as principal, literally my first request was to implement Fish! with our staff.  It took some convincing, but he agreed.  After the first few pre-service work days dedicated to the Fish! Philosophy, our staff was hooked! (Pardon the pun!)  We really bonded and came together.  People really opened up and let their defenses down.  Smiles were all around -- no kidding!  

After that, I used every opportunity to add something "fishy" into every staff meeting or get together.  We had "fishy recognitions" for each other at the beginnings of each meeting for staff that has helped out or "Been There" when we needed them, had "Great Attitudes," etc.  We also tried to combine it with the Community of Caring by creating the "Fish Bowl of Achievement" for students and staff.

As I read more of the Fish! books (Fish! Sticks, Fish! Tales) I found that a new program was developed for schools.  Again, I ran to Mr Ewald's office and told him we HAD to have it!  And thus, Fish! for Schools at Westbrook was created!  The philosophy of our program is understanding how "Be There," "Play," "Make Their Day" and "Choose Your Attitude" can create a culture of learning and family where everyone can be successful at whatever they choose to do.  It ties in so well with Westbrook's Community of Caring because each of those "charges" helps the children to be respectful, trustworthy, responsible, caring and a strong member of the Westbrook family.  Mrs. Pickle is doing a wonderful job incorporating the Fish! for Schools lessons in her monthly visits to the classrooms.

Each teacher can incorporate Fish! activities any time into their curriculum.  The program has incredible lessons, songs (with a CD!), and activities for the children to really get a feeling of what Fish! really means and the hook (yep, another pun) is, it totally ties in with Community of Caring and Baldrige, too!

I found the treasure at the bottom of the ocean when I got the Fish! for Schools program!

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Want to learn more?  Visit Mrs. Yiallouros in her office to see all the Fish! for Schools materials first hand.  Borrow the book and view the DVD which includes a fun look at life in the Pike Peak Seattle Fish Market (don't ask... you'll get it once you see the program)!