A Guide to Our Rules and Procedures

A Guide to Our Rules and Procedures2015/2016

1. Learning Logs:Students are expected to record their work on their learning logs on a daily basis. In general, the expectation is to complete a minimum of one language, one reading, and one math work-daily. This is flexible depending on the work. Some work is much more involved and may take a longer period of time to complete and a discussion will be had with the student should this be the case. Science and Social Studies requirements are communicated verbally to the student. As a general rule, Science and Social Studies should be worked on every week, but the completion dates are much longer as the work is almost always research based and then a culminating activity such as a presentation of some sort.

If I see that your child is struggling in any way; rather that be with time management, attention, socializing during work periods, academically, or behavior, I will let you know. No news from me is generally good news. Also, if I see that your child is consistently not completing their work, they will be moved to morning recess, in which they will go to recess for 20 minutes in the morning during a separate time than the rest of the class. I have found this effective on many levels. Each 9 weeks of school, the students will receive charts that contain the skills that are meant to be mastered those 9 weeks of school as outlined by the Common Core Standards. I will be giving lessons and asking students to join that I feel are ready for the lesson. After the student has received a lesson, they are to practice that skill. When the students have received lessons and practiced the skill sufficiently, I will check for mastery via conferencing and mark their I Can charts that contain the standards in child friendly terminology. These will be shared at parent/teacher conferences. 2. Behavior:A behavior chart will be kept by all teachers who work with students. Students will receive marks for behaviors such as: talking during silent times, line behavior, not following directions, misusing or mistreating materials, refusal to work, bathroom behavior, classroom disruptions, bus behavior etc. (use the Room Rules as a guide)Over the course of a day: The first mark received will be a verbal warning. The second mark is a timeout. A timeout is 5 minutes of quiet reflection time either during lunch or recess (it will be their choice). The third mark is another timeout and an additional 5 minutes of reflection time. At this point, the student will be considered to have received a verbal warning and two timeouts. The fourth mark will result in a notice home and recess during a separate time from the rest of the class. The fifth mark will result in a step on the Behavioral 5 Step Form, also called the Teacher Level 1 Violation Form. Repeated Level 1 violations will be recorded on the Teacher Level 1 Violation Form. If these violations continue, after parent contact and detention, an office referral will be necessary which could lead to probation and then possible expulsion from the Charles Ellis Montessori Academy. 3. MaterialsInstead of using text books like traditional schools, we rely on prepared materials to aid our students in mastering skills here at Charles Ellis Montessori. These materials may be wooden, plastic, cloth, paper, glass, etc. Teachers will work with the students to explain and demonstrate how these materials should be correctly handled and used throughout the school year. Your child needs to understand that these materials are important and valuable and should be taken care of by all. The misuse, harm, or destruction of any of the materials will be taken seriously. All students are expected to respect the environment provided for them, therefore, they are expected to care for their environment and take responsibility for themselves, the materials, and their actions.

When a student uses a material, he needs to make sure that he takes only what he needs. Only one Albanese card can be used at one time. And when that student is finished with the material, he should return it to its correct place as soon as possible so others may use it. All cards and materials should be returned to their correct locations and not just laid down, shoved into a binder, etc.

4. Noise LevelsOur room is a whisper classroom. This means that the volume level should not rise above a whisper at any time during a work period. There are many students, and some teachers, that cannot concentrate with a lot of noise and movement, and we feel that ALL students should be able to concentrate during work periods. There should be a quiet buzz in the room where students are working together to solve lifes mysteries and/or the teacher is giving a lesson to a small group or another group is practicing a play they will perform to the class later. This is our goal, but if there are students who cannot or will not keep their volume at a whisper, they will be asked to remain silent during work periods. This rule is quite important and will be followed.

On the same note, anyone who enters our room is expected to follow the whisper rule as well. We welcome our parents to come and visit or volunteer in our room, but make sure to bring your whisper voice with you.

5. Hallway/ Line BehaviorAs we, as individual students or as a group, move through the hallways of Charles Ellis, we should always remember that there are many other students trying to concentrate and work. Students are required to move through the hallways silently so as not to disturb others. When we move as a group, we will be lined up in line order. As always, we are expected to represent our community well. Students who do not follow our expected line behavior while moving through the hallways will receive a mark.

We also need to remember that anything that does not belong to us, belongs to someone else. No one should ever go into anyone elses cubby or pick up anything that doesnt belong to them. Any work that is being displayed should be left alone.

This guide is not all encompassing, but it covers what we believe are the 6 most important areas that affect our classroom environment. If you or your child has any questions about rules or procedures, please feel free to contact me at: Jazmin.Corbell@sccpss.com

I look forward to having a wonderful, productive, and safe year! 1/2/3 Grade Teacher- Ms. Jazmin