Mrs. Laughlin's Classroom Handbook
In this handbook is my class discipline policy and procedures. If you any questions or concerns please let me know.
You are welcome to eat lunch with your child anytime. The cost for an adult tray is $2.50, which needs to be paid in the office before going to eat with your child. I have enclosed a schedule for our class lunch times.
Each day your child will have special classes from 8:45 - 9:35. These classes are set up on a 4-day rotation. Students should have tennis shoes on PE day and should bring their library books on media day. The following schedule we will use throughout the year:
Specials Schedule
P.E./Music
Art
Music/P.E.
Library/Counselor
Your child's birthday is a very important day!!! You may send treats for the class on your child's special day. Twenty-four students are currently enrolled. I plan to schedule a daily snack each morning for our class. Each month I will send home a snack schedule to remind you to send a snack in on that day. If you wish to send it in ahead of time I would be happy to store it for you. Typically students will only bring in snacks once a month and I appreciate any donations you can make. Some suggestions may be cookies, snack cakes, fruit, crackers/cheese, cereal, chips, etc. A water bottle with a "pop-top" may also be brought in and kept on the student's desk during the day.
Daily Schedule
8:00-8:30 – Students arrive-begin morning work, routines
8:30-9:00 – Morning work/Begin Calendar time etc.
9:00-9:30 – Tiger Time Interventions
9:40-10:30 - Specials (Wed. 9:50-10:40 )
10:40-11:05 - Lunch (Wed. 10:50-11:15)
11:15-11:40 - Recess/Restroom Break
11:45-12:00 – Read Chapter Book/Finish Calendar
12:00 – 1:00 – Math Workshop
1:00-2:20 – Reading Workshop
2:20-2:40 – Snack/Short Recess/Restroom Break
2:40-3:00 – Writer’s Workshop
3:00-3:15 – Spelling/Word Work
3:15 – 3:30 – End of Day Procedures
Homework
I do not send home weekly homework assignments with students. I do, however, expect students to read their assigned reading story nightly, practice spelling words several times a week, and read for enjoyment at least 20 minutes a night. The story and spelling words will be noted in the weekly newsletter that is sent home each Friday. Independent reading is monitored when students take Reading Counts tests over chosen books each quarter. I will be using the 2 highest scores for your child's Reading grade each quarter. Basic addition and subtraction math facts 0-12 need to be memorized in second grade. We practice these facts in class weekly but additional practice is also necessary at home. Math facts can be practiced with flashcards or on math sites on the Internet. A favorite site we use at school is www.mathmagician.com. During the year, I will also send home class projects that will be completed with parental help such as dioramas, posters, research projects, etc.
Newletters
I will be sending home a newsletter each Friday. This newsletter is a vital link to our communication process. It will include important dates, spelling lists, reading assignments and other information to keep you up-to-date with classroom events. Attached to the newsletter will be your child's graded papers, a weekly behavior report and a signature page. I ask that you return the signature page by Monday so I know you have received weekly paperwork and information. I will also use this form to correspond with you on a weekly basis.
Classroom Discipline Policy
In order to provide a positive learning environment for your child, it is critical to maintain a level of discipline. Our district has adopted the PBS (Positive Behavior Support) system, which uses positive strategies whenever possible. Below is the list of our classroom rules and the color-coded card system I use. Our class will run more smoothly if the students know what is expected of them. After reviewing this policy with your child, please sign and return the last page to me.
Rules
1. Listen carefully.
2. Follow directions.
3. Work quietly. Do not disturb others.
4. Respect others. Be kind with your words and actions.
5. Respect school and personal property.
6. Work and play safely.
Color-Coded Card System
Green - Great Behavior!
Yellow - Warning
Blue - Loss of 10 minutes of recess
Hot Pink - Loss of all recess, note or phone call
home to parents.
If behavior continues or a serious infraction occurs, the student will be sent to the office and parents will be notified.
Rewards
I reward students for good behavior in a variety of ways. All students with a green card at the end of each day will be given a "green buck". When they have 5 green bucks, they may buy a prize in the treasure chest. As a whole school our class will also be working to receive tiger paws for our class tiger. We can earn paws by receiving compliments from others, performing good deeds, having perfect daily attendance, showing good behavior, completing assignments etc. When our tiger has all four paws completed, the class will get a reward. When we fill in 3 whole tigers we get to have a class party for good behavior.
Powerschool
Through Powerschool you can monitor your student's grades and keep track of lunch charges. I update your child's grades on a weekly basis and will contact you if there are any academic or behavioral concerns. You will need to contact the school office in order to obtain your child's username and password. I have an open door policy and welcome you into my classroom at anytime. Please feel free to contact me in through email, phone call, letter, or in person at anytime.
Volunteers
I always encourage parent volunteers in my classroom for various reasons. Often I need parents to help cut out materials or work on classroom portfolios. I always welcome parents on party days or field trips. The school district does require parents/guardians to register through the school in order to work with children. This policy is to provide a safe environment for our your children, and to keep track of the volunteer hours parents provide for our students. In advance, I thank you for your support and help this year.
I have tried to address typical questions in this letter. Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions you may still have. You can call me anytime during my planning period (8:30-9:30) at 774-6179 or e-mail me at llaughlin@waynesville.k12.mo.us. I am looking forward to working with you and your child this year.
