This year's goals: · Provide a positive and safe learning atmosphere that is based on your child being responsible for him/her self. · Improve reading and writing skills. · Expand on and develop basic math skills. · Develop organization and independent study skills. Birthdays Treats: Students may bring treats (enough for all students in the class - 32) for their birthdays. The treats will be shared the last 10 minutes of the school day. Invitations: Please do not have birthday party invitations brought to school. They can be disruptive and distracting. The cost of a child's hurt feelings is more important than the cost of stamps. Cheating: The dictionary lists 3 different, but closely related definitions: 1- to deprive of something valuable by dishonest methods 2- to disappoint in a hope or purpose 3- to use unfair or dishonest methods to gain an advantage All three of these definitions apply to education and the student's responsibility to learn. Each student is expected to do his or her own work. Failure to do so is cheating. Likewise, a student who allows another to copy or not do his/her own work is also considered cheating. These behaviors will not be tolerated. Any student who is caught cheating will receive an automatic '0' for that assignment and will also have to write a research paper on the value of ethical behavior in our communities. Classroom Management: I believe that each student is responsible for his or her own choices and actions. When you come into my room you will see a sign that reads: For every act there is a consequence. When you choose the act, you choose the consequence. I expect students to: · Follow directions · Respect others · Be prepared · Be responsible · Ask permission to leave the room With every choice we make there are consequences, some are positive and some are negative. Students that follow class rules and make a positive contribution will be able to earn points for their table teams and draw out of my prize box. They will also be verbally rewarded as well as develop positive self-esteem and independence. For students that choose to make a negative contribution to our class, they will choose consequences such as recess and lunch detentions, parent conferences, and a team council which includes the student, parents, teacher, and the principal. (watch for a separate discipline contract) Contact Information: Inkom Elementary 775-3360 agodfrey@mvsd21.org Web page: http://www.mvsd21.org/~agodfrey/ · Special note: Please respect that my time outside of school is my personal and family time. Any school issues can be addressed via the above contact methods or by visiting the school. Please do not call my home for school purposes. Curriculum: http://www.sde.idaho.gov/ContentStandards/default.asp Spelling: Test & weekly assignments- Monday Reading: Complete 1 Bookshare a month, Read 30 minutes every night and complete reading log. Math: Daily homework assignment, a quiz every 5 lessons Electronic Devices: According to district and school policy, cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed at school. These devices will be confiscated and given to Mr. Hunsaker until the student's parents pick it up. If a cell phone rings or a student is caught texting during class, the phone will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school year. Grading: Grades will be based on percentages. 80% is considered mastery. Students will be required to retake or fix any test or assignment that is below mastery. Not only does this improve their grades, but it also improves their learning. Any score below mastery will be recorded as Incomplete (zero). The students must fix the assignment to receive an 80%. Parental support is a great motivation for a child. Please take the opportunity to be involved in a positive way with your child's schoolwork. They need to know that their efforts are noticed and appreciated. Language: Crude, foul, and vulgar language and gestures will not be tolerated in my classroom or on school grounds. I have noticed that some students have a difficult time understanding that what is portrayed on television and movies is not always socially acceptable behavior. Students of all grades in this school have a right to be safe and comfortable. I will make sure to thoroughly discuss what is acceptable and appropriate language and behavior at school. I will make sure they understand the expectations as well as the consequences. Inappropriate language or gestures at recess or in class will result in immediate loss of recess until a team council meets (which involves parents, student, teacher, and principal). If this behavior continues, the student will lose recess for the remainder of the year. They will not be permitted to interact with their peers for any reason other than academic. Volunteers: Please, please try to find a way to volunteer in the class. There are opportunities for everyone that is available. We have our Art Parents, Room Parents, and Success Parents (parents who work 1-on-1 with the students to help them fix or make up assignments that were below 80%).