Meaningful learning is not possible without an environment that feels both physically and emotionally safe for everyone. The students and I will work together to create our agreements for our classroom community that will help ensure both of these things.
Students will learn and practice the routines and procedures necessary to make our classroom and school run efficiently each day so that there is plenty of time for learning.
A big emphasis will be placed on building relationships with and among students. Nurturing a sense of belonging and a responsibility to care for each other is of the utmost importance. We will hold regular community circle class meetings, develop our agreements/expectations, establish jobs, understand choices, and build communication skills that allow us to support each other and our classroom/school community.
I believe all students should be given the opportunity to rethink, relearn, repair, and adjust a behavior not expected based on our classroom/school community agreements, routines and procedures. Students will receive reminders, tools, and strategies to assist them in making decisions in relationship to these. My goal is to help students understand and successfully navigate the range of emotions that we all experience throughout a day, while also taking responsibility for their actions.
If your child is consistently struggling with something that is impacting their ability to abide by our classroom agreements, follow our routines and procedures, and meet school wide expectations, there will be appropriate consequences (this might include a loss of an activity/privilege and/or filling out a think sheet to bring home for your signature). When necessary, you will be contacted to provide insight into what might help me best help your child.
Students are always encouraged to communicate with me about anything they may be struggling with, so we can work through it together. However, I know there are things that come home with them that may have not been called to my attention. Please never hesitate to reach out to me if there is something you feel needs to be on my radar to help your child feel their best at school while in my care.
School adiministration and staff have created a set of expectations and procedures for each area of the building. This document will be shared with students (and parents) as we learn and practice the ways we will work together to keep Hershey a productive and safe space for everyone.