Policies

Conscious Discipline

I believe that a safe, positive school environment that encourages students and teaches them to be intrinsically motivated and self-controlled is crucial to students being successful both in and out of the classroom and becoming lifelong learners. To that end, I will be incorporating Dr. Becky Bailey's Conscious Discipline into my everyday teaching and classroom management. This means that we will be working towards self-discipline through problem solving and positive intent rather than rewards and punishments.

Progress Folders

Progress Folders go home on Wednesday of every week and are to be returned signed the following day. These folders will contain graded tests, progress reports and announcement fliers for you to review with your child.

Behavior Logs

Behavior logs are kept in the students' homework planners and must be signed by a parent nightly. If a child is struggling with a particular behavior skill, it will be indicated in the log so you can reinforce these behaviors at home. If a behavior becomes a consistent problem area, time will be spent during recess practicing that appropriate behavior. The purpose of this is not as punishment but as a way for the child to master those skills that will help them to become more successful life-long learners.

Homework Planners

Every student has been given a planner to record their homework assignments. Please check the planners and sign these planners nightly to know what assignments your child needs to complete. As a parent myself, I understand that home time is very limited and precious, so every effort is made to limit the amount of work sent home. Homework should not take more than 20 minutes for all subjects combined. If homework is taking an excessive amount of time or causing undue struggle, please contact me so we can work out appropriate accommodations.

Grading Scheme

The student's average in language arts will be determined by three subjects: English will be worth 40% of the final grade, writing 25%, and spelling 30% The reading average will come 60% from test grades and 35% from activities. A daily activity average will be figured in to each area averaging the number a assignments turned in from the number assigned. The Common Term Assessment (CTA) at the end of each term will count for the final 5%.

Drop Grades

The lowest test grade in each subject area will be dropped from the student's average at the end of the term. CTA grades cannot be dropped. 

Retests

Students will have an opportunity to take part in tutoring and retesting during schoolNotices for specific dates will be sent home to those students who make less than 75 on a given test, but any student who wishes to stay for tutoring or to retest is welcome.

Parent Conferences

I value having an opportunity to hear parent feedback and collaboration. I am available for conferences everyday from 7:45 a.m. until 8:10 a.m. or from 3:45-4:00 p.m. everyday except Wednesday. Please call and schedule an appointment before coming in, so I can be sure to clear my schedule and give you the full attention that you deserve.