Classroom Policies

Class Motto: TOTWYWTBT

Your child may come home on the first week talking about TOTWYWTBT, our classroom motto. Although there will likely be some creative guesses to the meaning, it will soon become a well-understood philosophy that one must “Treat Others The Way You Want To Be Treated.” This philosophy and the character traits on the wall of our classroom set the tone for behavioral expectations. 

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)

Alta Sierra Expectations: Kind, Responsible, Respectful

Across all areas of our campus, we now have direct expectations for what kindness, responsibility, and respect look like. These three expectations will be taught and reinforced by all members of our campus community throughout the school year.

Classroom Management

Our management system is based on:

·      Positive reinforcement – Verbal Praises and “Catcha” Being Good tickets

·      WhyTry and PBIS Curriculum

·      Check-in Book (opportunity to refocus, school support/parent contact as needed)

 

Homework

Homework is an opportunity for students to review and practice the skills they are learning at school, and is typically assigned Monday through Thursday. In a focused work time, homework should take 35-40 minutes to complete. This will usually include reading for a minimum of twenty minutes, completing the reading journal, and the math practice page(s) associated with the day's lesson.

Expect the Thursday Envelope to come home each Thursday with classroom and school announcements, communication, and completed student work. Please be sure to send it back on Friday with your signature on the front.
Unless otherwise stated, homework is due the day after it is assigned. In the case of an absence, please have your child complete the reading log, if his/her health permits. Make-up classwork and homework assignments should be completed as soon as possible, typically within a span of days equal to or less than the number of days he or she was absent from class.

Please contact me if homework is taking longer than expected or presenting other difficulties, please contact Mr. Hendricks so we can work together to make a plan for success.

 

Birthdays

Birthdays are special! Please be sure that if you send treats, they are store bought, nut-free, and individually packaged.

Another option would be "food-less goodies," including pencils, bookmarks, or stickers for your child's classmates, or to make a classroom donation in honor of your child's birthday: classroom supplies or a book for the school classroom library (we can coordinate this with having you come in and read it as a mystery reader!). A favorite picture book could be sent in, read aloud in class, and returned home.

Please contact me before your child’s birthday to let me know if you plan to bring or send in a treat.  We can schedule for children with summer birthdays to celebrate on a half birthday or another special day. 

 

PE Attire

We schedule approximately 100 minutes of PE each week, in addition to recess time. It is important that students come to school dressed for physical activities. In particular, students should wear tennis shoes to school each day.

Bus Notes and Absences

Please send an email (cc Mrs. Brooding in the office at [email protected]) or a written note in the morning if there will be a change in how your child gets home after school. If plans change, please call the office no later than 1:00pm. Please call the school in the morning if your child will be absent.