On the first day of school, the students and I discussed the Brookhaven BEARS Necessities.
Be safe. Be respectful. Be responsible.
We discussed examples and toured the school, focusing on an environment that allows teachers to teach and students to learn with success.
We read our nation's Preamble to the Constitution and wrote our own.
We the Scholars of Room 407
in order to form a more perfect classroom, establish friendship and trust, insure learning safely,
provide for classmates when they need help, promote hard work and responsibility,
and secure the blessings of knowledge for ourselves and our school,
do ordain and establish this Constitution for Room 407!
When students are following these expectations they can earn credits to pay for privileges in the classroom.
Great participation and test grades will earn tickets for our Friday raffle prizes of an ice cold soda, candy, or a prize from the treasure box.
Other rewards are a smile or praise from me, good grades for a job well done, admiration of peers, good feeling inside or a good note home.
Bear Hugs are typically given for acts of kindness to spend at the student store.
Donations will be happily accepted for our Friday raffle and end of the year credit auction. Ideas from the past: movie size candy, sports balls, $5 gift cards, anything trendy
Students that aren't following the expectations will typically get a warning first and it could be as simple as looking them in the eye and putting my finger to my lips. If I need to intervene a second time, the student will be asked to fill out a Think Sheet. I will talk to the student about their choice and that is as far as it needs to go. If I need to intervene a second time for any reason, the Think Sheet is given more information about the student's behavior and sent home for a parent to sign that day. Please return the Think Sheet the next day, so that I know our communication is happening. If you disagree with the sheet or are waiting to show it to someone, take a picture of it and sign the back with comments about your concerns. I will ask the student for the signed paper the next day. If it is not returned, the student will join me for part of the morning recess, and we may try again to notify the parent or wait until the Thursday conduct folder. Your support at home is crucial for a productive learning environment.
***Reminder: Cell phones are to remain in backpack, turned off until after school.***
The fifth grade Social Studies curriculum centers around the history of our great country, the United States of America! Therefore the fifth grade teachers created a classroom environment that enriches social studies and inspires students to be amazing and self-motivated citizens.
Each week a student will be chosen to be the “President” and decorate the Presidential board. This honor will be based on a classmate who shows our school's BEAR Necessities by working hard, showing respect to others, making smart choices, and exhibiting good teamwork skills. There are enough weeks during the school year that each student will have the chance to be the class president. Our classroom jobs also correspond to our “Amazing America” theme. The classroom monthly jobs are designed and based on the three branches of our government; executive, legislative, and judicial.
Another goal is to help your child become more independent, and therefore room environment and expectations are specifically designed to help your child be successful. Please do not drop off forgotten items in the office, like instruments or homework. Self reliance is gained through experiences.