Class Schedule, Policies, Behavior

Daily Schedule

Our schedule changes every day due to the different times we will be going to our specials. Our special’s schedule is as follows:

In the morning the students’ will always have their morning routines, which consist of a turning in their homework and notes form Mom and Dad, pencil sharpening, bathroom breaks and their warm-up. Our math program is a daily program that will be implemented in the morning. Our classroom is a center-based room. Students have been placed in reading groups. During the day I will meet with each group individually. While groups are meeting the other groups will be doing class work or at centers. Each center is a supplement activity or game of what we are learning. Class work is homework. If  a student does not finish class work then it is homework.

Discipline Policy

We use social modeling and positive reinforcement.  Our school’s faith theme for this year is: “Bring in the Holy”.   Our class’ theme is “One Class Indivisible”.  Using these two themes our class will strive toward modifying any negative or bullying behaviors.   We will also be working all year on “character development and manners”.  Character, simply defined, is that lasting distinctive part of the inner person that governs behavior through informed choices and good behavior.  Manners are the outward displays of our character.  At times, negative attention is unavoidable, since there are certain expectations. The school is implementing a program of demerits and we will be using our super kid chart to remind children of classroom standard and how best  work together as a classroom community where all members can best learn.   If certain negative behaviors persist, we will let you know and we will request a conference.  Expectations include:

a.       Awareness and respect of others

b.      Listening to others

c.       Following directions

d.      Raising our hand to speak

e.       Working independently

f.       Working cooperatively

g.      Helping others

h.      Taking responsibility

I use a behavior chart to monitor individual children’s behavior daily.  Children are rewarded with a sticker each day if they follow the behavior expectations. Behavior charts will be posted on student’s homework folders.  There will be levels of consequence for disruptive behavior  If their clip is moved once in a day they do not receive their sticker for that day.  If it is moved twice that same day then they have a “lonely lunch” which means they will not sit with their friends during lunch. A third moved clip results in a loss recess.  If their clips is moved a fourth times in one day a then the student will go home with a note to Mom and Dad and write out a plan of action of how to change their behavior. As a last consequence of a fifth moved clip, a demerit will be issued and Mr. Berger and parents will be informed.  If the behavior persists over a number of days parents will be called in for a joint conference with the principal, teacher, parents and child and a behavior slip will be issued to the child.  I look forward to a year of using loads of stickers!!!

I DON’T FORSEE ANY DISCIPLINE ROBLEMS!!!!!!!

Tardiness

                    Student progress in mastering specific skills in each curriculum area will be emphasized throughout the school year.  The development of effective work/study habits will be an important part of student performance in each area.  Class attendance is a key part of student performance.  We start promptly every morning so it is very important that you child arrives punctually by 8:20 a.m. Students will be marked either absent or late if they are not in the classroom before 8:25 a.m.  Please get your child here on time!

Dress Code

            The dress code needs to be followed as in the school handbook. Please read the uniform guide carefully.  Failure to comply with all uniform standards will result in your child receiving additional demerits.   The administration and faculty appreciate your adherence to both the regular and P.E. uniform standards.

Grading Policy

- in all subject areas

Assessment is the information we gather…

Evaluation is what we “do” with that information…

 Teaching is the use of this specific child-centered information to support the child in moving to the next step of his/her own learning.

(a.)  When looking at assessment pieces (oral and written daily work, tests, projects, etc.) there are three questions to ask:

q  What does the student know?

q  What does the student need to know?

q  What do I, as a teacher, need to do to help the student learn?

        (b.)There are two forms of evaluation.

q  Summative – that which comes at the end, often a grade or check mark on a report card or project.   This addresses only the first question.

q  Formative – this is formed through assessment; instruction is planned from this.

       Learning is a continuum.  Each student is on this continuum at some point.  Every student is not on the same point at the same time.  It is my responsibility as the teacher to find each student’s point on the continuum and to teach him or her from that point.  I strive to have a child-driven classroom, NOT a content-driven classroom. It is my belief that any child who demonstrates a strong willingness to learn and put forth his/her best effort shall be rewarded.  Thus, observation will be a key component of the grading system.

Homework Policy

Homework is an important and integral part of learning.  The purpose of homework is to help students:

1. reinforce, review, and extend facts, skills, and concepts presented in class;
2. develop self reliance, responsibility, and independence;
3. develop study habits and learning strategies;
4. complete work begun in class;
5. develop an interest and appreciation for lifelong learning;

Homework assignments will be given Monday through Friday.  These assignments may vary from subject to subject.  Math homework will be given every day, no exception.  Tests must be signed by a parent and return for a homework assignment.   All homework assignments are expected to be completed and turned in the following day.    Students are expected to turn in missing assignments.  Absent students will be responsible for making up missing assignments.

The following items are considered homework:

           (a)  daily reading with your child

           (b)  nightly assignments/both written and study

           (c)   long term  work on projects or reports

           (d)  items to collect or bring in for class discussion or work

           (e)  notices/letters/ white envelope to be signed and returned

           (f)  trips to public library

           (g)  weekly spelling/vocabulary work

           (h)  preparation for tests

Students will take part in Terra Nova Testing in April.

The purpose of testing

Packets of corrected class work and homework schedules - These are designed to keep you informed on how your child is performing and what he/she is expected to do at home.  Feel free to make any comments on them.   Corrected class work and homework schedules will be sent home each Monday.   Please review class papers with your child even if they are done correctly.  These should help review concepts and allow an opening for dialogue about school with your child.