Classroom Info and Policies

High Expectations

I have high expectations for your child as well as for myself. I am a strong believer that each child has the potential to learn and achieve success. However, this cannot be accomplished in one night. It will take commitment, desire, and responsibility on all our parts. It is my objective that each child will leave fifth grade as a better person, equipped academically and socially with tools that he/she will need to be successful in the future.

Discipline

Being a firm believer in Great Expectations and Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS), I strongly feel that students are to take responsibility for their actions and face the natural consequences, whether good or bad. I like to reward students who exhibit positive behavior through Star Catchers, celebrations, and other positive methods. For Star Catchers, they can save them and then “buy” something off of our menu. When dealing with poor choices, there is a Refocus Area where students can go to spend some time away from their classmates and regroup themselves. They may or may not have to fill out a Thinking Sheet. For more severe choices, a student may be removed from the class for a particular amount of time.

Grades/Late Work/No Name

Students will primarily be grading their own individual assignments. The purpose is to give students immediate feedback. For tests and other projects, I will grade those. Students who do poorly on a particular assignment may be given a second chance to redo it. The new grade will be averaged with the original grade. This opportunity will only be granted to students who have earned it. Grades may be checked any time on the Parent Portal. Students will lose 10% for each day an assignment is late or does not have a name. This privilege can be taken away for repeat offenders.

Miscellaneous

Students are responsible for maintaining textbooks throughout the year. Damaged or lost books are to be paid for by the parents.  

Homework in Science

All students are required to purchase a planner. This planner is to be brought to class on a daily basis. Most homework will include a weekly Brain Pop or other computer activity, which is usually assigned the first day of the week and due the last day of the week. Unfinished work is always due the next day, unless otherwise noted. Students are expected to develop a time management plan in order to complete their homework successfully. I urge you to check your child’s planner nightly.

Science Fair and Other Projects

There will be various projects assigned at different points in the year. In science, students will most likely complete about 3-4 projects, including a science fair project, during the year. Specific guidelines and a rubric will be distributed with each project. More details will follow later on this year. Students will also be given an opportunity to research either a scientist or a scientific job at some point in the year. More details will be given at another time.