Discipline & Classroom Expectations
In our classroom, we are working toward so much more than just academics. My goal is to help every student grow into a kind, respectful, and responsible young leader. Throughout the year, we'll spend time learning how to solve problems, take responsibility for our actions, work through challenges, and show kindness to everyone around us.
Our classroom is built around three simple expectations:
Be Safe. Be Respectful. Be Kind.
These expectations guide everything we do and help create a classroom where every student feels welcomed, valued, and ready to learn.
When students make mistakes, and they will, I see those moments as opportunities to learn and grow. Rather than handing out punishments, I try to use natural and logical consequences that help students reflect on their choices. For example, a student who has been unkind to a classmate may write an apology note or find another meaningful way to repair the situation.
If a student is repeatedly interrupting instruction or making choices that interfere with our classroom learning, they may owe some of their extra recess time. That time might be spent writing a reflection, walking laps, or sitting out for a portion of recess. My goal is always to help students understand that their choices have an impact on both themselves and those around them.
I do my best to handle most behavior concerns within the classroom, as I believe it is my responsibility to teach students the skills they need to be successful. Because of this, I do not contact families for every minor behavior or disagreement that happens throughout the school day. Many situations can be resolved through conversations, reflection, and guidance right here in the classroom.
If a behavior becomes a repeated concern, significantly impacts learning, involves safety, or is something I feel we should address together, I will absolutely communicate with families. In situations that warrant additional support, school administration may also become involved.
I truly believe that every child is capable of learning from mistakes and making better choices. By working together, we can help each student become a confident learner, a respectful classmate, and a positive leader in our classroom community.
Students will receive homework every Monday and will have the entire week to complete it. Homework should be turned in by Friday to earn Owl Honor tickets. Weekly homework will include:
A spelling list to study for our Friday spelling test
A reading activity or practice
A math practice page or activity
Spreading homework throughout the week allows families the flexibility to complete it when it best fits their schedule while still giving students consistent opportunities to practice important skills.
One of the most valuable things your child can do at home is read every night. Whether they read independently, read aloud to someone, or listen to a family member read, spending just 20 minutes a day with a book helps build vocabulary, strengthen reading fluency, improve comprehension, and increase confidence. Students who read regularly are exposed to millions more words each year than students who do not, which can have a significant impact on academic achievement.
As reading researcher Richard Allington stated, "Every child, every day, needs to read something he or she chooses." Creating a daily reading habit is one of the best ways to help your child become a stronger, more confident reader.
Thank you for partnering with me to help your child develop strong learning habits. Your support at home makes a tremendous difference!
Students will bring their yellow folder home every day and should return it to school each morning. These folders are an important communication tool between home and school and may contain graded work, permission slips, school newsletters, important reminders, and other classroom information.
Please make it a habit to check your child's yellow folder each evening. Reviewing the contents regularly will help you stay informed about classroom activities, upcoming events, and your child's academic progress. Any papers that need to be signed or returned should be placed back in the folder and sent to school the next day.
Thank you for helping your child stay organized and ensuring important information makes it safely between home and school!