Rules
and Consequences
The
number
one policy of our classroom is respect. In order to help maintain that
respect,
as well as the students' safety, we have rules in place. They are as
follows:
- Treat
others with respect
- Follow
classroom
procedures
- Follow
directions the first time they are given
- Keep
hands, feet, and objects to yourself
- Stay on
task
There
are
different consequences to breaking these rules depending on what
occurred. In
most cases, students are allowed one warning per day. After this
warning, if
another event occurs they are benched for 20 minutes. If they need
reminding
again they are benched for 40 minutes. Beyond this, I will call home
and/or
send a note to be signed.
If the
problem that occurred was one of disrespect or unkindness a note of
apology
must be written. In many cases that note must then be signed by a
parent or
guardian.
In rare
cases, a student may be sent to the Assistant Principal for in school
or out of school suspension. An in school suspension consists of
sending a student to another classroom for a day with work to do.
I believe
parents are my greatest support in maintaining a respectful, calm,
joyful
environment in the classroom. As such, I contact parents regularly when
there
is a problem. In addition, I regularly notify parents of their
child's accomplishments. When I call you from the classroom, chances
are that we have good news report. We also have Victory Phone Calls
periodically. These are to reward consistent excellence in the
classroom. Everyday, one student is chosen to be "On the Ball" who
demonstrates sustained attention and thoughtful contributions. They get
to sit on a yoga ball instead of their chair and believe it or not they
love it. Students can also earn periodic homework passes and/or
computer passes for effectively using their time. As a class we
have Preferred Activity Time to celebrate goals we reach, following
procedures well, respect, empathy, and cooperation.
Homework
The
homework I send is prepared along with my lesson plans. It is sent home
in a
packet every Monday. The homework is consistent each week as follows:
- Monday-
Reading Log, Math worksheet practice, Spelling Word Searches (2)
- Tuesday-
Reading
Log, Math worksheet practice, Vocabulary Word Mapping
- Wednesday-
Reading Log, Math worksheet practice, Vocabulary Word Pictures and
Sentences
- Thursday-
Reading Log, Math worksheet practice, Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle
- Friday-
Sunday- Reading Log, Work of the Week Folder, Home Connection (optional)
Students
are allowed to work ahead. However, they must complete a reading log
Monday
through Thursday. They
must read for a total of two hours and twenty
minutes
per week. This works out to twenty minutes per day. If students
do not
want to
read over the weekend they must read for extra minutes Monday through
Thursday.
The
homework is checked in each day by homework managers. These are
students
assigned on a rotating basis. They bring to my attention any problems
with the
homework. We do not check Math homework in class. Math homework is
always
review work. I expect that an adult, older brother, or sister will look
over
math work after signing the reading log. Students are told to write
notes to me
if they need extra help with a math concept. In addition, the students
keep
math notebooks. If they are having difficulty remembering how to solve
a
problem, they should look it up in their notebooks. Reading logs must
be
written in cursive, contain the who, what, where, and when details of
what was
read. They should be a minimum of three detailed sentences.
Every Friday, I send home a Work of
the Week Folder. This includes the past week's in-class
assignments and previously graded work. Please look through the work
with your child. Help them to select pieces for their portfolios.
Portfolio work should include tests, written stories, poems, and
essays, long term projects, and art work. Worksheets that help to
master a specific standard or skill are not appropriate for portfolios
normally. The teacher will select work that demonstrates mastery of ELD
standards.
Grading
I do not
give grades. Students earn them. Before every assignment, I list the
objective
or goal. For every graded assignment, students receive a criteria chart
and/ or
rubric. Students are well prepared for tests and notified in advance.
Every
Friday, I send home student work in their folders for parents to look
over and
review. The students’ best work should be pulled and placed into their
portfolio.
At the end of each Open Court Unit and Math Quarterly Assessment, I
send home
the test scores to be signed.
I send
progress reports home mid semester with those students who are
currently earning
a 2 or lower in English, Reading,
Math, Science, or Social Studies.
Parent Visits and Conferences
Parents
and other family members are always welcome to visit the classroom.
They must
check in and receive a visitors pass at the office prior to coming to
the
classroom. It would be most helpful to me if I knew in advance when you
were
coming by.
If you
have a talent to share or would like to help please let me know in
advance and
I will prepare for your visit.
If you
have a concern you wish to discuss with me, please schedule a
conference. I
will do everything I can to accommodate you and arrange translation if
needed. I
am available almost every morning before school and nearly every
afternoon
until 5:00 PM. Please understand, my focus is on the class and their
learning
during the school day and therefore I cannot drop everything to
conference with
you or take a phone call during instructional time.