Classroom Syllabus

2021-2022 Classroom Information

Denise Krueger, M.S. Special Education

denise.krueger@raytownschools.org

816-268-7360-RMS

Please note that school hours for Functional Skills is different from regular school hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 7:40-2:2:45

Early Release Wednesday’s 7:40-1:15

Classroom Philosophy

I became a special education teacher because my daughter had special learning needs and as a child myself was placed into a restrictive learning environment where the focus was only on what we could not do. When focus is on what we can’t do, then how can we arise to our fullest potential self?

In my classroom, my mission will be to provide students a safe and secure environment that allows each individual student to learn to their highest potential. Focus will not be placed on weaknesses, but on individual student strengths and talents. Every student is different, learns differently and has qualities unique to themselves that should be celebrated and reinforced. Regardless of their disabilities, background, or academic profile, all students can be successful and independent and will be given the chance to be successful and independent.

I am so excited to be your child’s teacher. It’s going to be a great year full of new friends, new adventures, and new discoveries. This will be my eighth year teaching at Raytown Middle. I enjoy reading, cooking, being with my family and all things relaxing!

We will be working hard this year in continuing the academic growth of your child as well as working on social and life skill needs. It is a priority of my classroom that my staff and I provide your child with respect, care, and accountability! Please always let me know if there are any major changes in your child’s life, as these situations do affect school success. In knowing these situations I will be better prepared in helping your son or daughter while they are here at school.

If you ever have any concerns and or needs, please contact me with the above information. The best way to contact me is through email: denise.krueger@raytownschools.org

My phone number is 816-268-7360, ext. 3569

If you do call, I am not always able to answer the phone, but please leave me a message and will get in touch with you as soon as I possibly can. Also, just so you know I do teach homebound students after school, so if you call towards the end of the day, or after school I will return your call on the following morning.


What we work on in our Functional Skills Program

Individualized academics

Money Skills/Budgeting

Time and Time Management

Social Skill Instruction and Practice

Behavior Management

Community Based Instruction

Field Trips

Cooking Instruction


Classroom Materials Needed

Below is our classroom list. Please note, that all items on this list are not the same as the district middle school list of items. RMS string backpacks can be purchased in the school office for $7. Having a string backpack allows your child to be able to carry his/her items around in the building. Large backpacks are not allowed to be carried in the building and will remain in the locker/classroom.

Earbuds are very essential for Chromebooks!!! All students in the building are required to have them. Students will be using them to listen to audio books and other reading materials.

Plain 3 ring binder (not a trapper keeper)

Earbuds or headphones, whichever your child feels most comfortable in and headphones need to stay at school.

Basic calculator

Markers

Small plastic tub (shoebox size)

Clorox wipes


Chrome Books

Chrome books are issued to all middle school students and are allowed to use them throughout their middle/high school education careers. While students are using them it is important for each student to remember that these are district property and must be used as such. If students are found to be viewing/listening to inappropriate content, disciplinary action will follow.

Students are also required and expected to handle chrome books with the utmost care and responsibility. If a student comes to school with a damaged chrome book, it will be reported and a damage form will be filled out and filed with the district. Any charges will be sent to parents/guardians.

For in school learning, 6th and 7th grade students will keep Chromebooks at school. During virtual learning Chromebooks will go home.

If your child is an 8th grade student, Chromebooks must come to school each day. It must be charged in a chromebook bag with the charger and have ear buds. Students are given leeway for the first two weeks of school, but afterwards will be charged with their classroom money if they do not have a chromebook, chromebook is not charged and do not have their ear buds. This is not to penalize students, but to teach personal responsibility.


Classroom Earnings/Classroom Economy

In our Life Skills Class, we have a classroom economy. On the first day of school students will start earning money. Money is earned for completing classroom work, participation during lessons, answering questions, doing what is expected and for earning compliments. And as in a real life world, will also be charged for things like not bringing a charged chrome book, borrowing earbuds, failing to bring in a planner, missing an assignment, or damaging school/peer property. Each day, students will count their money and record earnings on a “bank balance sheet” and add money they have earned to their balance. They will also do deductions on any classroom charges and on Friday shopping days in our classroom store.



Brief overview of Classroom Rules

All Students will be expected to treat one another in a supportive and respectful manner that is conducive to a safe and nurturing learning environment. These rules will be addressed in the classroom on the first day, but are given to you, so you are aware of classroom expectations and rules. *These rules do not just pertain to my classroom alone, but are expectations of all teachers and staff members in entire building.


  • Be kind (to yourself, others and classroom materials)

  • Be safe (with yourself, others and classroom materials)

  • Be Respectful (to yourself, others and classroom materials)

  • Be Responsible (for yourself and your belongings)

  • Be Positive

Classroom Rules/Procedures

Leaving your seat

  • Students must raise their hand and wait to be called on in order to ask to leave their desk

Bathroom Passes

  • Students will be allowed to use the restroom during restroom breaks throughout the day. Passes will be used for emergencies.

Talking

  • Students are expected to speak when instructed to do so, or when hand is raised and not without permission during lessons, or independent work.

Food/Drink

  • Since we have a late lunch, students are allowed to bring in healthy snacks for snack time each day. Students may keep a water bottle at their desk as long as it is not a distraction to them or others around them


Teacher’s Desk

  • The teacher’s desk, filing cabinets, bookshelves, and other cabinets are off limits to the students unless they are given permission.



  • Students are expected to follow the following procedure in the classroom during a lesson:

  1. Hands in appropriate place (in lap or on desk; not drumming or playing with other materials unless a prior arrangement has been made

  2. Appropriate eye contact with the speaker

  3. Sitting up in chair

  4. Raising hand to ask questions


Planners

  • Students will be required to write in their planner any communication to you as well as myself. Please check and sign your child’s planner daily for any information, or if you wish to communicate with me, as I will be checking their planners each morning. Bringing planners daily is an advisory grade for your child, please make sure it is signed and brought daily!!!


Grades

  • Students will receive grades based on their participation in class and work that is completed and turned in. Students must come to class in order to receive their grades. If your child is enrolled in exploratory it is important to attend school every day, otherwise grade and learning will be affected.

Students that are absent will have homework the following day they return and will be responsible for turning it in. If homework is not turned in within 3 days then students will not receive their points for the days that he/she missed and will receive a zero. Occasionally homework will be sent home and will need to be returned for a grade. During the first weeks of school, students will be invited to my Google Classroom where they will be able to do homework assignments and practice skills from their Chrome book.

Consequences

  1. Warnings: Students will be given three redirects to correct their behavior and make better decisions. If they are unable to stop they will be asked to go to the safe seat. If your child visits the safe seat during the day then it will be noted in his/her planner.

  2. Safe seat: Students will be given a choice of minutes of how long they think they need and then will return to their seat after properly processing with the teacher.

  3. Loss of privileges: Students will lose classroom privileges, such as free time if they have had a hard time making right choices for themselves during the day. Parents will be contacted if this happens.