• Virtually all work is graded and recorded in a computer grading program.
• If a name is not on a paper I cannot properly record it. Papers with no name are put in a “no name” bin. As soon as there is a name on it, I will record it.
• It is your child’s responsibility to put their work in the proper area. Homework always goes in the homework box (even when late).  Late classwork goes in the late work bin.  These are clearly marked.  I do not allow kids to hand me papers after work is initially collected and clipped together. This is for your child’s benefit so I don’t lose or misplace papers! “Lost” papers are almost always stuffed in desks, backpacks, or the “no name” bin.
• The grading program calculates an average of all the grades, and that is the grade your child will receive on their report card.
• There will be a midterm progress report for each quarter. Extra credit will be accepted to increase grades. Extra credit will be accepted until two weeks before the report card, but will not be accepted at all if your child has not turned in work in regularly. In other words, extra credit can not be used to make up for missing regular classroom assignments.  It may only be used to raise the grade for students who responsibly turn in their work.
• Tests carry double weight in some circumstances. In other words, one question on a math test is worth two points, and one question on a math assignment is worth one point. Most points in a grading period will be from daily classwork, not from tests.
• Tests cannot be redone or done at home.
• Daily work can be redone if the grade is below 70%, BUT it must be turned in within two weeks of the original assignment (which gives at least a week from when it’s sent home).  It is your child’s responsibility to bring home papers. Please discuss this with your child, since many children throw away their returned papers or stuff them in their desk.  I do not make exceptions if your child does not bring home papers.
• All students do the same work when in the classroom. RSP students will have modified instructions and/or a peer tutor if we happen to be working in their problem area, and the grade will be modified, but the assignment will be the same as other students.
• A homework packet is sent home on Friday. It is due the following Friday.  I will accept homework packets for one week after the due date.  A homework packet is due for all students.  RSP students are encouraged to take their packet with them to RSP class so the RSP teacher can modify the work to be appropriate or receive extra help. I have always worked with the RSP teacher on the packets so this doesn’t become a problem. Please contact me if you have concerns.
• Every Friday we have “Freaky Friday” from 1:45-2:20. Students who have turned in all their work, including homework, by the end of first recess can participate.  If there was outstanding work by the end of first recess, the student may not participate.
• Every three weeks, kids have a “country report” rather than a homework packet.  We will research country info in the computer lab prior to help with ideas. This will not be accepted late. This is meant to be FUN, not a chore. Kids will give an oral report on an assigned country. Here are some of the things they can do, but this is limited only by their imagination:
1. Bring in a food item and recipe to share with the class from that country.  They need to tell when and why it’s served. The recipe will be posted in the class.
2. Bring in any cultural items from that country and explain what they mean and what they are used for.
3. Make an informational poster about that country. They will need to explain what’s on the poster.
4. Create a flag from that country. They will need to tell the history of the flag and the meaning of the symbols and colors.
5. Dress in traditional clothing and explain when and where the clothes are worn.
6. Do an oral and short written report on country “facts” such as population, area, religion, etc.
7. Do a traditional art project in a style specific to that country.
8. Visual aids are encouraged, but not required.

Discipline Policy

My discipline rules are very straightforward. 

• I do not allow other children to be bullied, teased, hit, or talked down to.
• I do not allow students to speak to me disrespectfully.

Here are the consequences for breaking the rules.

• Most infractions are dealt with by talking with the student(s).
• Continuing infractions are dealt with by immediate removal of the student. This will mean a “time out” in another class or by finishing work in the hallway (where I can see them).
• Student desks will be moved if I feel an area change will help. This may include moving a student away from all other students if I feel the behavior problem warrants this.
• Continual infractions in one area will prompt a phone call home for parental intervention/notification.
• If the above efforts are unsuccessful, I will send the student to the principal for documented intervention.

Deliberate defiance of authority, stealing, or serious physical violence is dealt with differently. Here is what will happen if a child refuses to follow instructions or inflicts serious harm on another student.

• The student will be sent to the office immediately with documentation. I will call you during a break or after school to discuss the incident with you.
• If the behavior continues, I will continue to document the behavior, and you will be asked to attend a conference.
• If the behavior continues after this, I will discuss the incident with the principal and ask that a conference be set up with her.
• I reserve the right to move a student away from other children within the classroom permanently if I believe it is warranted.

In conclusion, I realize that you may not agree with my policies all the time, just as I may not agree with yours all the time.  As I tell the students, we all have to deal with different criteria depending on where we are and respect differences. Your rules are the most important at home. Mine are the ones they follow in class. Rules and values help prepare students for adult life and employment. While the classroom rules and procedures may seem inflexible, there are reasons for this. Most importantly, making exceptions for any one student devalues the efforts of the students who have followed the rule and gives them no incentive to continue following the rules.  

Feel free to discuss concerns with me at any time.  I do not have a problem with you dropping in after school. It is much better to settle things quickly!