Please take time to read the following information about school and classroom specific policies:
Missing work/assessment corrections and re-takes.
Unfinished classwork and/or homework :Fourth-grade expectations are designed to help students build strong habits for middle school. If an assignment is missing, I will first provide a verbal reminder. If it remains incomplete the following day, I will send a note home for a parent signature. I understand that special circumstances arise, and I am happy to be flexible when needed. To support student success, I have incorporated WIN (What I Need) time into most days, providing students with a brief study hall to receive extra help or complete any unfinished classwork or homework.
Test Corrections: Students are encouraged to take initiative and learn from their mistakes by returning corrected tests the day after they are sent home, provided they include a parent signature. Each corrected question earns 1/2 point. This process helps students understand that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process and that persistence can lead to success.
Physical Education (PE) clothing: all students grade 4 and up change in and out of athletic clothing before their bi-weekly PE class. They must wear a SJOLC spirit wear shirt OR any t-shirt without a logo (logo shirts will be worn inside out), and any shorts (small brand labels ok). PE clothes come home on Fridays to be washed.
4F PE - twice per week- Monday @ 9:15 (wear PE clothes to school, bring uniform to change into after), and Wednesday @ 10:45am (do NOT wear PE clothes to school due to Mass on Wednesdays; students will quickly change before PE class and back into uniforms after).
School wide behavior policy:
At St. John's, we use a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) approach to behavior management in the classroom and in the school. Our school motto is SOAR (Safety, Ownership, Acceptance, Respect). Around mid October, we begin using Eagle Wings tickets as positive behavior incentives. Students can earn Eagle Wings in and out of the classroom from any teacher or staff. On the last Friday of the month, there is a school wide drawing. One student from each class is chosen to win a prize bag.
Mistakes are expected and viewed as a chance to grow. Generally, the first minor behavior infraction will be handled with a warning. If the behavior persists, a student will be asked to take a break in our classroom or a neighboring room and bring home a think sheet (not a punishment, but a way to acknowledge and learn from mistakes). Serious behavioral infractions will be handled by the office and Mr. Hurley.
From time to time I may reach out to get insight and brainstorm with parents if I notice repeated behaviors in class. This is great opportunity to partner together and support your child both at school and at home. I greatly appreciate parent insight, and knowing what works for you (or doesn't work!) at home is a way I can learn more about your child!
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Classroom behavior incentives: in addition to Eagle Wings, I have a few incentives we do just in our class:
Sticker store- students can earn tallies towards water bottle style stickers. They can save them up and get a bunch at once, or cash them in whenever they'd like (during approved times during the day).
Spin the Wheel- students will be recognized for following and exceeding expectations with random prize wheel spins, and can add up points received towards all class incentives like extra recess, treats, and movie days.
Meet Judy Jr., our class mascot! Each day, Judy (mini stuffed pug) picks a buddy to join for the next day, based on positive behavior or as a source of encouragement. While I don't use a formal list, I rotate between students to ensure everyone gets several turns throughout the year.
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Media: no cell phones or other personal devices, including smart watches, are allowed in class or within school (ok in backpack).
Homework: expect some homework most nights. Students will be given time in class to start, and possibly finish, most homework. Some homework may require a computer, ipad, or phone with internet connection to be done at home (please see me to brainstorm alternative assignments if home internet access is not possible).
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Planners: students are expected to bring their planners to school and home each day. Please sign off once they have shown you their planner in the evenings and I will do the same when planners come back each morning.
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Bathroom/water policy: Water bottles will be parked on the shelf (not allowed at desks). Students are free to use the restroom or get up for water during work time (when I am not teaching). Exceptions made for true emergencies.
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Snack: Please pack a snack daily. I do not usually keep extra snacks on hand. We are a peanut free classroom this year due to allergies.
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Toys/ squishies:I believe that squishies can positively impact student focus and anxiety, but they can also become a distraction. Therefore, my classroom policy is as follows: each student may keep one small squishy toy in their hand, lap, or on their desk during the day. Please ensure these items do not make noise, have any distracting attachments, and are not made of slime or sticky, stretchy material. While there may be occasional opportunities to bring larger or more elaborate items, these are not permitted on a day-to-day basis. Please note that any 504 or IEP accommodations regarding sensory tools will be fully supported. All other toys, collectible cards, and games should be kept at home or stored in backpacks.
Please let me know if you have any other questions about school or classroom policy or have special information I need to know.