A Day in the Life

Changes in Latitudes/Changes in Attitudes

I have implemented two new classroom policies/procedures. The first has to do with water bottles and snacks. I am having an issue with students who make frequent trips to the bathroom, have "emergencies" and/or want to go to the bathroom immediately after lunch and specials. It has gotten to the point that they are disrupting class and taking valuable time away from instruction. I think some are drinking too much water. As a result, I am asking that they NOT bring water bottles to school except on Thursday (PE day). I will have a morning and afternoon water/bathroom time and will allow students to go when I am not teaching. I hope this will serve to correct the problem.

The other policy/procedures has to do when "stamping" agendas. You will notice that I am now writing a number (1 - 5) in the planner and my initials next to it. If your child had a GREAT day, they will earn a 5. If I had to speak to them about talking or being off task, they will get a 4. Anything under a 4 indicates that your child was either talking excessively or off task frequently. These behaviors do not warrant a discipline form, but they should be brought to your attention and corrected before they do become more of an issue.

If a student earns 25 pooints for the week, they will also earn a HOMEWORK PASS. The table that earns the most points in a two-week period will earn a "prize" to be determined.

I am working very hard to get your children ready for middle school. Some have picked up (or not corrected) habits that I fear (having taught middle school for 7 years myself) will get them in trouble if they do not learn to control. My primary focus is - and always has been - creating an environment that is conducive to learning. Sometimes more pointed instruction and attention to behaviors is necessary to achieve that goal.