Please take time to read the following information about school and classroom specific policies:
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. Our PE classes are on Tuesday and Thursday, 10:45am-11:30am. Students are given time before and after PE to change. ______________________________________
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.
Judy Jr- a beloved "member" of our classroom, Judy Jr (mini stuffed pug) will be given to one student who has been having a particularly awesome day, right at the end of the school day, and she'll hang out with them the whole next day.
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Media: no cell phones or other personal devices are allowed in class** or within school. Smartwatches are ok as long as students are not using them to text/chat during the school day. Students may use school appropriate websites on their Chromebooks during approved times. (**There will be very occasional days where the students earn an optional small amount of time to play school appropriate activities on electronic devices from home. This will be few and far between and I'll communicate this with you well before it happens)
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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 by the wall with the curtains. 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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Please let me know if you have any other questions about school or classroom policy or have special information I need to know.