Classroom Policies
Last update: August 2013
I am typically available before school between 7:30-8:00 a.m. or after school from 3:05-4:30 p.m. I would welcome the chance to talk with you at these times to help answer any questions or concerns you may have. If you would like to speak with me about anything, stop by, call, or email. I look forward to working with you and your child this year!
Whitney Murphy
(970) 249-2554
[email protected]
Behavior Management & Rules
In order to provide our students with the excellent educational environment they deserve, school and class-wide discipline plans are in effect at all times.
Classroom/School Rules
1. Show Respect
2. Act Responsibly
3. Inspire Trust & Caring
4. Listen & Learn
5. Safety Always
You may soon be hearing a lot about "DOJO points". This is a system that helps students take responsibility for and manage their own behavior. Here’s how it works: Our class uses an online system called Classroom Dojo. Each child can earn points for following the rules and doing outstanding work. If they reach their positive point goal each week they earn a reward time to play educational games with friends. They will also receive negative points if they have repeated negative behavior.
Positive Dojo points mean, "You’re doing great!” It is expected that each child earn at least 3 in a 5 day week.
· 1 Dojo point lost = a yellow card which means “Warning! Pay more attention to your behavior!”
· 2 Dojo points lost = a red card which means “You have a consequence.” (For example, write an apology, clean up a mess, lose a privilege, or stay in from recess).
· 3 Dojo points lost = an orange card which means a parent will be contacted, "You have a consequence" and/or "You need to visit the principal".
You will be notified if your child receives a -3 Dojo points. In the event of a more serious offense such as a blatant disrespect to a teacher, cursing, fighting, or damaging school property, the student will immediately be sent to the administration to call you.
Your child will bring home their first "behavior report card" in October. After that I will send them home at the end of each month.
Absences
You are encouraged to call the school on the day of your child’s absence to report it and the reason of the absence. If you know ahead of time when your child will be absent, please notify the office.
Work missed during an absence needs to be made up as soon as possible. If you would like to request work during an absence, please contact me no later than 7:30 a.m. and the work will be set aside for you to pick up from the classroom after school that day.
Homework & Work Habits
Please check your child’s planner notebook each night; he/she will write all homework and announcements in it each day. Students will be assigned the following daily homework:
*Reading *Spelling Practice *Math facts
Reading: Students will be expected to read 20 minutes every night. This is a school-wide policy. Books or reading worksheets will be sent home daily. If an assignment is finished early, students can read a book of their choice. In your student's homework planner, please sign your name for each day that your child reads and return it to school. Feel free to include comments, concerns, or questions using the comment space in your child's planner.
Spelling Practice: Each month I will send home a spelling menu with ideas for how to practice spelling words at home. Students can use any method which they find most effective. Spelling lists will be assigned each week. Students are expected to practice for at least 10 minutes each night at home.
Math Facts: Your child will be assigned a math facts worksheet each day to complete at home. In addition, it is recommended that your child practice flashcards or do math fact games for 5 minutes. These are always due the next day unless otherwise noted.
At times, I may have a child re-do an assignment if it was incomplete, completed with minimal effort, or if the child needs to review the concept. Re-do assignments may receive up to 100% credit and will replace the original assignment.
Conferences
If you would like to schedule a conference, please email or call me before or after school hours. I will do my best to create a convenient time for you.
Wheels, Cell Phones, and Toys
Scooters, heelys, rollerblades, skateboards, and toys are not allowed at school. This is a school-wide policy. Also, please keep cell phones at home. If your child carries a cell phone to school, it must remain turned off and left in the office before school starts. Students caught using a cell phone at any time during the day will have it confiscated and a parent will have to pick it up from the office. These policies are in place to ensure a productive learning environment, keep your children safe, and prevent lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Water
Your child is encouraged to bring a full water bottle to school to drink throughout each day. It is helpful if you place the bottle in a clean sock to prevent wet tables and materials. Water only please!
Birthdays
If you would like to bring store-bought healthy treats on or near your child’s birthday, you are welcome to do so before school starts at 8:00 a.m. or at 2:45 p.m. We will celebrate at the end of the day. However, this is optional. Singing the birthday song without food is just fine. Also, if you do not want your child’s birthday recognized, please let me know so I can honor your traditions.
Party Invitations
If you are having a party for your child outside of school, school is not the best place to pass out invitations unless every child in class is invited. Please find another way to distribute the invitations, or contact me before sending them to school.
Visiting or Volunteering
Volunteers are welcome and appreciated in any way, shape or form! There are several exciting large projects, events, and field trips throughout the year when we could use some extra hands or you could spend your time working with small groups, individuals, or complete clerical work. Your time in the classroom is so valuable! It helps the children get more individualized help than they would receive without you. If you would like to volunteer, or just visit the classroom to see what we are working on, please do! Just send me a note, email, or call me to let me know ahead of time.
**Please note: everyone must check in at the office before coming into a classroom. This is for the safety of all of our students.**
Thank you for taking the time to read through this packet. I hope you found the information helpful. Please sign and return the form below. Thank you!
I am typically available before school between 7:30-8:00 a.m. or after school from 3:05-4:30 p.m. I would welcome the chance to talk with you at these times to help answer any questions or concerns you may have. If you would like to speak with me about anything, stop by, call, or email. I look forward to working with you and your child this year!
Whitney Murphy
(970) 249-2554
[email protected]
Behavior Management & Rules
In order to provide our students with the excellent educational environment they deserve, school and class-wide discipline plans are in effect at all times.
Classroom/School Rules
1. Show Respect
2. Act Responsibly
3. Inspire Trust & Caring
4. Listen & Learn
5. Safety Always
You may soon be hearing a lot about "DOJO points". This is a system that helps students take responsibility for and manage their own behavior. Here’s how it works: Our class uses an online system called Classroom Dojo. Each child can earn points for following the rules and doing outstanding work. If they reach their positive point goal each week they earn a reward time to play educational games with friends. They will also receive negative points if they have repeated negative behavior.
Positive Dojo points mean, "You’re doing great!” It is expected that each child earn at least 3 in a 5 day week.
· 1 Dojo point lost = a yellow card which means “Warning! Pay more attention to your behavior!”
· 2 Dojo points lost = a red card which means “You have a consequence.” (For example, write an apology, clean up a mess, lose a privilege, or stay in from recess).
· 3 Dojo points lost = an orange card which means a parent will be contacted, "You have a consequence" and/or "You need to visit the principal".
You will be notified if your child receives a -3 Dojo points. In the event of a more serious offense such as a blatant disrespect to a teacher, cursing, fighting, or damaging school property, the student will immediately be sent to the administration to call you.
Your child will bring home their first "behavior report card" in October. After that I will send them home at the end of each month.
Absences
You are encouraged to call the school on the day of your child’s absence to report it and the reason of the absence. If you know ahead of time when your child will be absent, please notify the office.
Work missed during an absence needs to be made up as soon as possible. If you would like to request work during an absence, please contact me no later than 7:30 a.m. and the work will be set aside for you to pick up from the classroom after school that day.
Homework & Work Habits
Please check your child’s planner notebook each night; he/she will write all homework and announcements in it each day. Students will be assigned the following daily homework:
*Reading *Spelling Practice *Math facts
Reading: Students will be expected to read 20 minutes every night. This is a school-wide policy. Books or reading worksheets will be sent home daily. If an assignment is finished early, students can read a book of their choice. In your student's homework planner, please sign your name for each day that your child reads and return it to school. Feel free to include comments, concerns, or questions using the comment space in your child's planner.
Spelling Practice: Each month I will send home a spelling menu with ideas for how to practice spelling words at home. Students can use any method which they find most effective. Spelling lists will be assigned each week. Students are expected to practice for at least 10 minutes each night at home.
Math Facts: Your child will be assigned a math facts worksheet each day to complete at home. In addition, it is recommended that your child practice flashcards or do math fact games for 5 minutes. These are always due the next day unless otherwise noted.
At times, I may have a child re-do an assignment if it was incomplete, completed with minimal effort, or if the child needs to review the concept. Re-do assignments may receive up to 100% credit and will replace the original assignment.
Conferences
If you would like to schedule a conference, please email or call me before or after school hours. I will do my best to create a convenient time for you.
Wheels, Cell Phones, and Toys
Scooters, heelys, rollerblades, skateboards, and toys are not allowed at school. This is a school-wide policy. Also, please keep cell phones at home. If your child carries a cell phone to school, it must remain turned off and left in the office before school starts. Students caught using a cell phone at any time during the day will have it confiscated and a parent will have to pick it up from the office. These policies are in place to ensure a productive learning environment, keep your children safe, and prevent lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Water
Your child is encouraged to bring a full water bottle to school to drink throughout each day. It is helpful if you place the bottle in a clean sock to prevent wet tables and materials. Water only please!
Birthdays
If you would like to bring store-bought healthy treats on or near your child’s birthday, you are welcome to do so before school starts at 8:00 a.m. or at 2:45 p.m. We will celebrate at the end of the day. However, this is optional. Singing the birthday song without food is just fine. Also, if you do not want your child’s birthday recognized, please let me know so I can honor your traditions.
Party Invitations
If you are having a party for your child outside of school, school is not the best place to pass out invitations unless every child in class is invited. Please find another way to distribute the invitations, or contact me before sending them to school.
Visiting or Volunteering
Volunteers are welcome and appreciated in any way, shape or form! There are several exciting large projects, events, and field trips throughout the year when we could use some extra hands or you could spend your time working with small groups, individuals, or complete clerical work. Your time in the classroom is so valuable! It helps the children get more individualized help than they would receive without you. If you would like to volunteer, or just visit the classroom to see what we are working on, please do! Just send me a note, email, or call me to let me know ahead of time.
**Please note: everyone must check in at the office before coming into a classroom. This is for the safety of all of our students.**
Thank you for taking the time to read through this packet. I hope you found the information helpful. Please sign and return the form below. Thank you!