Expectations and Policies
Dear Parents and Students,
Dear Parents and Students,
This document is to explain expectations for the students and facilitate their success in our classroom. Please take time to read this and review it with your child. If there are any questions or concerns, please let me know.
This document is to explain expectations for the students and facilitate their success in our classroom. Please take time to read this and review it with your child. If there are any questions or concerns, please let me know.
PHILOSOPHY:
PHILOSOPHY:
As a teacher, I desire success for all children in our classroom, and I will work diligently to facilitate that goal. The responsibility for a student’s success and education lies first with that student, secondly with his/her parents, and thirdly with the teacher/school. Parents, your belief in your child's ability to push through challenges is immensely powerful. I have high expectations for your child. When parents also expect best effort from their child, we have a formula for increased self-worth and success.
As a teacher, I desire success for all children in our classroom, and I will work diligently to facilitate that goal. The responsibility for a student’s success and education lies first with that student, secondly with his/her parents, and thirdly with the teacher/school. Parents, your belief in your child's ability to push through challenges is immensely powerful. I have high expectations for your child. When parents also expect best effort from their child, we have a formula for increased self-worth and success.
As an educator I am committed to help and encourage students to learn. I expect students to work for achievement to the best of their ability. I am their coach, their guide, their mentor. I will “prepare and serve” the meal, and it is up to them to “consume it.” They are each capable of great things. I want them to find joy in accomplishment.
As an educator I am committed to help and encourage students to learn. I expect students to work for achievement to the best of their ability. I am their coach, their guide, their mentor. I will “prepare and serve” the meal, and it is up to them to “consume it.” They are each capable of great things. I want them to find joy in accomplishment.
Our rules are simple: “I will be Respectful of others and Responsible for myself.” As the teacher, I will do my best to provide opportunities for learning in a safe and caring environment. I believe in respecting students enough to let them work through their challenges to the extent they are able. Students are empowered through high expectations. By allowing them the responsibility of experiencing the consequences of their decisions, in an attitude of empathy and encouragement, I hope to assist students in developing self-respect and thoughtful citizenship. (Please refer to “How I Run My Love and Logic Classroom” at the end of this document.)
Our rules are simple: “I will be Respectful of others and Responsible for myself.” As the teacher, I will do my best to provide opportunities for learning in a safe and caring environment. I believe in respecting students enough to let them work through their challenges to the extent they are able. Students are empowered through high expectations. By allowing them the responsibility of experiencing the consequences of their decisions, in an attitude of empathy and encouragement, I hope to assist students in developing self-respect and thoughtful citizenship. (Please refer to “How I Run My Love and Logic Classroom” at the end of this document.)
COMMUNICATION:
COMMUNICATION:
Communication is vital to effective cooperation between home and school and to productive learning. I will work to keep you informed of successes and concerns, upcoming events, and specific needs I see in your child. In return, I would ask that you please contact me with any concerns or questions you have. Concerns left unaddressed will often become more frustrating than they need to be.
Communication is vital to effective cooperation between home and school and to productive learning. I will work to keep you informed of successes and concerns, upcoming events, and specific needs I see in your child. In return, I would ask that you please contact me with any concerns or questions you have. Concerns left unaddressed will often become more frustrating than they need to be.
If students ever have concerns, I encourage them to get with me at an appropriate time or set a note on my desk so we can address the concerns. I want them to feel safe and empowered to accomplish good things.
If students ever have concerns, I encourage them to get with me at an appropriate time or set a note on my desk so we can address the concerns. I want them to feel safe and empowered to accomplish good things.
Our door is always open. Come in! Please call, stop in after school, or send an e-mail (perry.ewell@nebo.edu) with any questions, concerns, requests, or suggestions.
Our door is always open. Come in! Please call, stop in after school, or send an e-mail (perry.ewell@nebo.edu) with any questions, concerns, requests, or suggestions.
We have several communication tools. At the end of the day we review the day’s work and any need for homework then fill out the Daily Planner accordingly. This tool can be very effective for students and parents if reviewed together daily.
We have several communication tools. At the end of the day we review the day’s work and any need for homework then fill out the Daily Planner accordingly. This tool can be very effective for students and parents if reviewed together daily.
Students also have a Homework Folder which should go home each night with incomplete assignments and any notes to parents, and be returned the next day.
Students also have a Homework Folder which should go home each night with incomplete assignments and any notes to parents, and be returned the next day.
Please calendar and attend Student Education Plan Conferences (S.E.P’s) with your student. They are vital to our communication and the educational experience!
Please calendar and attend Student Education Plan Conferences (S.E.P’s) with your student. They are vital to our communication and the educational experience!
ATTENDANCE:
ATTENDANCE:
Parent attitude toward attending school sends a strong message to their child. Student attendance is about more than simply receiving maximum benefits from their educational opportunities. Students learn commitment to responsibility when they are expected to be in attendance every day possible.
Parent attitude toward attending school sends a strong message to their child. Student attendance is about more than simply receiving maximum benefits from their educational opportunities. Students learn commitment to responsibility when they are expected to be in attendance every day possible.
In the case of an absence, the students will be expected to acquire and complete missed work. I will work carefully with students who are absent for illness or family emergencies. Vacations are another matter. It is not realistic to "pull all the work together they're going to miss" ahead of an extended absence. The most important lessons in this classroom are not found on a worksheet. If a student is absent for any reason other than illness or a family emergency we will collect assignments for them to take care of upon their return.
In the case of an absence, the students will be expected to acquire and complete missed work. I will work carefully with students who are absent for illness or family emergencies. Vacations are another matter. It is not realistic to "pull all the work together they're going to miss" ahead of an extended absence. The most important lessons in this classroom are not found on a worksheet. If a student is absent for any reason other than illness or a family emergency we will collect assignments for them to take care of upon their return.
Organization:
Organization:
The students generally have only three places to put a paper and they should make sure assignments get where they belong: 1) The School Folder is for assignments the class has in progress. 2) The Homework Folder is for items going home, which includes make-up work and notes. 3) Their Science folder will be for assignments they are working on in their Science rotations.
The students generally have only three places to put a paper and they should make sure assignments get where they belong: 1) The School Folder is for assignments the class has in progress. 2) The Homework Folder is for items going home, which includes make-up work and notes. 3) Their Science folder will be for assignments they are working on in their Science rotations.
Completed assignments are turned into the Filer. Graded assignments are collected in their mailbox then sent home with their missed work reports.
Completed assignments are turned into the Filer. Graded assignments are collected in their mailbox then sent home with their missed work reports.
HOMEWORK AND MISSING ASSIGNMENTS:
HOMEWORK AND MISSING ASSIGNMENTS:
Students will have some homework every week night. This will consist of 20 minutes of reading, finishing their math assignment(s), a few minutes of spelling review, and any other unfinished class work. We often turn in assignments the day after they have been started, so those not finished may complete it at home. This may require more organization and responsibility than some students are used to. Homework should be returned to school the next day and turned in.
Students will have some homework every week night. This will consist of 20 minutes of reading, finishing their math assignment(s), a few minutes of spelling review, and any other unfinished class work. We often turn in assignments the day after they have been started, so those not finished may complete it at home. This may require more organization and responsibility than some students are used to. Homework should be returned to school the next day and turned in.
Students will receive a Missed Work Report (MWR) every week. You may view this report at any time on the Student Information System (SIS). This video will show you how. You may find it very helpful to log on to SIS and request the system to electronically notify you automatically (Use the “subscribe” button on your student’s info page to do this). Students have TWO WEEKS from the time an assignment first appears on a MWR to turn it in. After TWO WEEKS assignments will be considered "dead".
Students will receive a Missed Work Report (MWR) every week. You may view this report at any time on the Student Information System (SIS). This video will show you how. You may find it very helpful to log on to SIS and request the system to electronically notify you automatically (Use the “subscribe” button on your student’s info page to do this). Students have TWO WEEKS from the time an assignment first appears on a MWR to turn it in. After TWO WEEKS assignments will be considered "dead".
SUBJECT SUMMARIES:
SUBJECT SUMMARIES:
Reading: We are implementing the CKLA Reading program this year. We will also be reading novels in small groups and practicing reading skills in both. In addition, students are expected to read at home at least 100 minutes per week (20 minutes/day). Home reading will need to be recorded in the Planner and returned weekly with the parent’s signature. It is best to turn it in on Monday, but they do have until Friday to turn in reading for the previous week. Note: To encourage consistent reading habits, no more than 200 minutes will be credited during any one week.
Reading: We are implementing the CKLA Reading program this year. We will also be reading novels in small groups and practicing reading skills in both. In addition, students are expected to read at home at least 100 minutes per week (20 minutes/day). Home reading will need to be recorded in the Planner and returned weekly with the parent’s signature. It is best to turn it in on Monday, but they do have until Friday to turn in reading for the previous week. Note: To encourage consistent reading habits, no more than 200 minutes will be credited during any one week.
Writing: The CKLA Language arts program is also being implemented for writing. Significant focus will be given to generating supporting ideas and detail, organization, and revision of work. We will also study grammar and usage skills.
Writing: The CKLA Language arts program is also being implemented for writing. Significant focus will be given to generating supporting ideas and detail, organization, and revision of work. We will also study grammar and usage skills.
Spelling: Students will have a list of ten words chosen from a given list each week. Their words for the week are written in their planner. Students should practice their words nightly for a few minutes. We practice the words during the week and the test is usually on Friday.
Spelling: Students will have a list of ten words chosen from a given list each week. Their words for the week are written in their planner. Students should practice their words nightly for a few minutes. We practice the words during the week and the test is usually on Friday.
Math: We will have leveled math groups to better serve the students. Practice assignments are given daily and are most often checked the next day. A score of 75% or higher is accepted and credit is given. If an assignment has a score lower than 75%, the assignment is marked “PFAR” (please fix and return), and the student is asked to re-work the problems missed in order to learn the concept. This policy encourages students to work accurately, and not just to "Git 'er done." They may get help from me, a family member, or a student partner. The re-worked assignment is then turned in. Again, if an assignment is not finished in class it is homework. All students need to have their multiplication facts memorized ASAP.
Math: We will have leveled math groups to better serve the students. Practice assignments are given daily and are most often checked the next day. A score of 75% or higher is accepted and credit is given. If an assignment has a score lower than 75%, the assignment is marked “PFAR” (please fix and return), and the student is asked to re-work the problems missed in order to learn the concept. This policy encourages students to work accurately, and not just to "Git 'er done." They may get help from me, a family member, or a student partner. The re-worked assignment is then turned in. Again, if an assignment is not finished in class it is homework. All students need to have their multiplication facts memorized ASAP.
Social Studies: United States history is the main focus in this subject. We focus on good government and key events, people and movements that have made our country great. There will be occasional group projects and reports assigned in this area.
Social Studies: United States history is the main focus in this subject. We focus on good government and key events, people and movements that have made our country great. There will be occasional group projects and reports assigned in this area.
Science: Topic areas are: Characteristics and Interactions of Earth's Systems, Properties and Changes of Matter, and Cycling of Matter in Ecosystems. Students will be involved in investigation of phenomena, hands-on experiments and discussion.
Science: Topic areas are: Characteristics and Interactions of Earth's Systems, Properties and Changes of Matter, and Cycling of Matter in Ecosystems. Students will be involved in investigation of phenomena, hands-on experiments and discussion.
Arts: We will study visual and dramatic forms and principles with our projects. We also study basic singing technique and music principles. We begin each day singing. We will be performing our class play, "A Christmas Carol", in December and an additional play in May.
Arts: We will study visual and dramatic forms and principles with our projects. We also study basic singing technique and music principles. We begin each day singing. We will be performing our class play, "A Christmas Carol", in December and an additional play in May.
Physical Ed: Students will participate in a variety of team games, practice sport skills, and will jog a mile at least once a week (when we get conditioned). The mile is difficult for many of them at first, but every student improves and once conditioned, they do well. We jog because it is convenient, not because it is “my thing”. We try to fit P.E. in 1-2 days a week because fit students do better in school and life.
Physical Ed: Students will participate in a variety of team games, practice sport skills, and will jog a mile at least once a week (when we get conditioned). The mile is difficult for many of them at first, but every student improves and once conditioned, they do well. We jog because it is convenient, not because it is “my thing”. We try to fit P.E. in 1-2 days a week because fit students do better in school and life.
GRADING:
GRADING:
Grade reports will be sent home after the end of each term. Terms end:
Grade reports will be sent home after the end of each term. Terms end:
1st – October 18 2nd – December 22 3rd – March 8 4th – May 23
1st – October 18 2nd – December 22 3rd – March 8 4th – May 23
The grading scale will be as follows:
The grading scale will be as follows:
Excellent (E) = 91% - 100% Good (G) = 81% - 90%
Excellent (E) = 91% - 100% Good (G) = 81% - 90%
Satisfactory (S) = 65% - 80% Needs Help (N) = below 64%
Satisfactory (S) = 65% - 80% Needs Help (N) = below 64%
Grade reports are intended to encourage and not to discourage. Please look at them as a “thermometer” and help your student set goals for improvement where needed. I believe that all students are capable of progressing academically in a way they can feel proud of. It is my goal to support them in their successes and increase the frequency of those successes.
Grade reports are intended to encourage and not to discourage. Please look at them as a “thermometer” and help your student set goals for improvement where needed. I believe that all students are capable of progressing academically in a way they can feel proud of. It is my goal to support them in their successes and increase the frequency of those successes.
Field Trips:
Field Trips:
We have some great trips planned. Dates are subject to change, but here's what we have thus far:
We have some great trips planned. Dates are subject to change, but here's what we have thus far:
Sept. 22: Battle Boot Camp is an adventure day at Memorial Park where students work in groups to learn problem solving and teamwork. We end with our famous Flour Bomb Battle.
Sept. 22: Battle Boot Camp is an adventure day at Memorial Park where students work in groups to learn problem solving and teamwork. We end with our famous Flour Bomb Battle.
Feb. 13th: The trip to the State Capitol gives us a chance to learn about the law-making process first hand and meet our legislators in person, besides getting to enjoy our beautiful Capitol building.
Feb. 13th: The trip to the State Capitol gives us a chance to learn about the law-making process first hand and meet our legislators in person, besides getting to enjoy our beautiful Capitol building.
May: Hope of America means a rehearsal at the Marriott Center and then a visit to BYU's great Museum of Art.
May: Hope of America means a rehearsal at the Marriott Center and then a visit to BYU's great Museum of Art.
End of Year: We always fit in our 5th Grade Hike and the end of Year Pool Party.
End of Year: We always fit in our 5th Grade Hike and the end of Year Pool Party.
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I look forward to an enjoyable and productive year with your child. Thank you for entrusting them to my care for several hours a day. They come to mean a great deal to me during the year as we work together learning new skills, getting to know each other, overcoming challenges, and celebrating success. In my years of teaching, I’ve never had a student that I didn’t like, however unique the child. Thank you for your interest and support of your child’s educational well-being. Great year to all of us!
I look forward to an enjoyable and productive year with your child. Thank you for entrusting them to my care for several hours a day. They come to mean a great deal to me during the year as we work together learning new skills, getting to know each other, overcoming challenges, and celebrating success. In my years of teaching, I’ve never had a student that I didn’t like, however unique the child. Thank you for your interest and support of your child’s educational well-being. Great year to all of us!
Thanks!
Thanks!
How our Love and Logic classroom works:
How our Love and Logic classroom works:
1. I will treat you with respect so you’ll know how to treat your classmates, myself, and others.
1. I will treat you with respect so you’ll know how to treat your classmates, myself, and others.
2. Feel free to do anything that doesn’t cause a problem for anyone else.
2. Feel free to do anything that doesn’t cause a problem for anyone else.
3. If you cause a problem, I will ask you to solve it.
3. If you cause a problem, I will ask you to solve it.
4. If you can’t solve the problem, or choose not to, I will do something.
4. If you can’t solve the problem, or choose not to, I will do something.
5. What I do will depend on the special person and the special situation.
5. What I do will depend on the special person and the special situation.
6. If you feel something should be done differently, whisper or drop a note to me, “Could we try something different?” and we’ll talk.
6. If you feel something should be done differently, whisper or drop a note to me, “Could we try something different?” and we’ll talk.