RULES AND PROCEDURES

Classrooms can become better learning environments when teachers have rules, classroom management skills, and a belief that each child can be successful. Rules help create a predictable atmosphere that limit classroom disruptions and encourage children to use self-control. Children need to be taught that it is their responsibility to make appropriate choices and that they will be held accountable for their actions.

Room Use

Teacher’s Desk and Storage Areas

This area of the room is of limited use ONLY with the instruction of the teacher should students be permitted to use the materials, equipment or other supplies in this area of the classroom. This is my area for keeping personal classroom and teaching supplies, paperwork, and other student sensitive or confidential information such as assessment results and/or personal information files and should not be used for classroom use.

This is a topic that will be introduced at the beginning of the year during the first days of a new school year when discussing the rules of the classroom with the students.

Student Desks and Storage Areas

Students should use their desks to store items that they need and use in the classroom. We will take time each month to clean our desks out so that students can learn organizational skills. Storage areas, such as lockers, should be used for coats, hats, mittens, boots (weather permitting), backpacks, and like items for school use. It is important that these areas are used for their purpose so that students have somewhere to keep their personal belongings and have access to classroom tools.

During the beginning of the year, the class will take a tour of the different areas of the classroom. Lockers will be assigned or labeled prior to the first day of school so that each person will be introduced to their own space. We will discuss proper storage of items during this tour.

Storage for common materials

Storage for common materials such as paper, pencils, and erasers will be clearly labeled and within reach for students use in a designated area of the classroom. All items that are returnable should be ‘checked out’ from the teacher. Your student will be required to sign their name on a paper and be responsible to return the items when finished using them or be allowed to ‘check them out’ for a maximum of 1 week and must be kept at the school. Some examples of these items would be markers, crayons, sharpies, etc.

The clearly labeled area gives students a sense of stability and routine use of items in our classroom. Checking out items from me helps them understand the process of borrowing and returning items. It also helps promote responsibility on their part.

We will discuss this at the beginning of the year as we do our tour of the classroom.

Drinking fountains, sink, and pencil sharpener

Water bottles are allowed in my classroom to be used for drinking water only. If your child wishes to bring one into the classroom, they must be plastic or non-breakable, and spill-proof. These can be filled before class starts or before returning to class after lunch, or during morning and afternoon restroom break. I feel that this allows my students a level of comfort and freedom in the classroom.

Sinks should be used in the restroom area if the child is using the restroom. The sinks in the classroom should be used only for events taking place in the classroom. This prevents having to clean up these work station sinks throughout our busy day.

Children should have mechanical #2 pencils for use. If they have pencils that must be sharpened, this should be done so at the beginning of class to prevent disruption. The pencil sharpener should NOT be used during class discussion or during class mate oral presentations, etc. I prefer mechanical pencils. This prevents having to use classroom or instruction time for sharpening pencils.

I will go over this sink usage and the use of water bottles on the first day of school during our tour.

Restrooms

Restrooms are always accessible for students. However, I prefer that students try to make this time a priority before class begins, or during lunch break. I will also have a time slot in the morning and afternoon for restroom use during class transition. Only one student may leave my class at a time and. Students will not be allowed to leave during the first 10 and last 10 minutes of class. All students must sign in and out of the classroom each time they leave.

I believe that this is will provide sufficient time for the students to use the restroom, and will prevent disruption during a lecture, class activity, or work and learning time.

Please contact me to let me know if there are any special situations that would require different restroom times for your student. During this time, children should use the sinks in the restroom to wash their hands before returning to class. (See page 2 for use on classroom sink)

I will discuss this with students during the tour on the first day of school.

Centers or equipment areas

Centers and equipment areas are provided to the students for inquiry, discovery and learning. I expect all students to respect the equipment and centers properly. Items should not be used when there is no purpose or designation for using them. All items are labeled and should be taken care of, cleaned and stored appropriately after use.

I feel that it is important for students to understand the importance of respecting another individual’s property and helping to keep a shared space neat and organized as well as functional.

I will have reminders posted in this area for students to reflect on throughout the year so that they will have a visual reminder. The initial discussion will take place during the tour on the first day.

Computer Stations

Computer stations will have sign-up sheets for individual student use. These times will be 30 minute time slots allotted for classroom use. After each use, students should make sure that they clean the area with the computer wipes provided.

All computers items, including software or hardware should only be used for school use. Internet use and website access will be limited to what students are provided. If these rights are abused this privilege will be taken away for a specific amount of time, depending on the circumstances and it will then be the responsibility of the student to find other access to the internet or computer use for classroom work and projects. It is important to me that the children are safe in the classroom and the internet can be unsafe if bad decisions are made when using it.

There will be a sign up sheet near one end of the computer stations which I will discuss with the students on the first day tour of our classroom.

Chalk/White Board

The chalk and white board is able to be used by everyone in the classroom during class activities if this is part of the activity we are doing. However, they are not a toy and this area should not be something that students should be working with unless I have assigned them to do so while working on a project, game, or using these items as a studying tool.

This will be discussed during the first day of class on our class tour.

 Individual Work and Teacher-Lead Activities

Attention During Presentations

Students will be able to earn participation points during classroom lectures and presentations. However, there may also be times when we have presentations in as a group meeting with the rest of the school. During this time, it is the student’s responsibility to have the proper behavior expected of them in order to earn these points.

I believe that it is important to have respect for others, as an individual you would like the same when you are presenting.

This topic will be discussed together as a class while we work together at setting up classroom rules at the beginning of the school year.

Participation

Student participation is required and will be assessed. I will have students assess each other during group activities as well as provide self-assessment. Participation would then be an essential component not only to learning and acquiring skills for self analyzation, but also to reaching classroom academic goals.

Participation will be something that we discuss throughout the year when starting projects. I will make sure that students are aware of the assessment in this area by providing them with a rubric prior to the activity, unit, or assignment is due so that they are also aware of these points that are able to be earned.

Talk Among Students

Socializing is one of the favorite things that students seem to want to do! I support relationships of my students and believe that talking helps build good oral communication skills as well as building solid relationships. I respect input from students and believe strongly in open classroom discussion and debate. Students may visit with each other during appropriate times such as before class starts, during breaks, at recess, during gym time, while in group collaboration, or when instructed for learning purposes.

Most importantly, this is crucial for classmates to remember because although they may finish their individual projects or work, it is respectful to give others the chance to reach that goal as well and keep visiting with their peers for designated timeframes.

This is an area that I plan on addressing at the beginning of the year and most likely it is a topic to be revisited throughout the year during appropriate times.

Obtaining Help

I have an open door policy and am willing to help students to the best of my ability without performing or resolving projects, obligations, investigations, or coursework during classroom time. Students should feel open to addressing any topic with me and asking for guidance if needed but should not expect solutions to inquiry based work or assignments. If I am not able to help or resolve a question or issue for my students, I will do my best to refer the obstacle to the appropriate resource.

Individuals learn best through inquiry and investigation. Information and the process of learning are actually more likely to be retained in this fashion. I do not believe that it would help my students succeed or learn required material that is attempted to help them succeed, if the answers are handed out to them. It is important to build the skills of self-decision making, understanding which resources can help them gain information for certain subjects or issues, and for them to be able to work independently.

I will let the children know about this at the beginning of the year and revise my policy as needed throughout the year.

When Individual Work Has Been Completed

I will take the time each day to orally assess my students and discuss with them briefly on assignments or tasks that they would/should be working on. I will give unit lesson time frames and homework deadlines before a project begins so that students know my expectations, their responsibility, the grading scale, and the due date of the unit projects or assignments.

If an individual has completed all of their work before the given time frame, I expect the student to stay busy with independent reading (classroom library provided), or working on other assignments if needed.

This topic will be visited during after our discussion of classroom rules at the beginning of the year.

 Transitions In and Out Of the Room

Beginning the School Day

I plan to be able to greet my students every day as the school day begins. When we start the day students will need to come into the room and get settled in and seated and ready for roll call and lunch count. I will have a large digital clock that allows the students a specified amount of time counting down that they can visually see to let them know when class will begin. Once the time is up, students need to be seated and ready for school to begin!

I believe in stability, structure, and a warm greeting in the morning. It is helpful for most to have visual items to be able to keep one aware of time frames. That is my reasoning behind having a large clock countdown for them to be prepared to work when they come into the classroom.

I will introduce them to this fun idea at the beginning of the year and it will be used throughout the year.

Leaving the Room

When we leave the room to move to an activity in another classroom or different area of the school, I will use the technique of some sort to ensure that everyone is quiet, focused and ready for direction. Instructions for the activity and modeling will be given assuming everyone is ready for directions. I will have the students repeat the rules to me to make sure that they understand what we will be doing.

When leaving the room for the day, I will have students line up near the door with their items. I plan on being there to greet them on the way out and to encourage them and thank them for their participation for that day.

I will put this to practice the first day that class begins.

Returning to The Room

Upon returning to the room, I will again give the children the same set amount of time to be prepared for the lesson to begin. I will use the classroom timer to give them a visual amount of time to be ready to learn.

This is a structured, yet fun way to understand how to be punctual and attentive.

It is a strategy that will be used throughout the year.

Ending the Day

I believe in the importance of creating and sustaining meaningful relationships with each of my students. At the end of the day, I plan to give an overview of what topics we have covered and will remind students of any special events or dates to remember. I will be present to greet my students on their way out of the classroom at the end of each day. I will make sure that each student’s planner has been filled out prior to this time. Students are to stay seated and wait to be dismissed at the end of the day.

This will be a topic discussed within the first week of school and a practice that is employed throughout the year.

 Procedures for Small-Group Instruction

Getting the Class Ready

In regards to small group instruction, I will instruct the students on the activity and allow them adequate time for any questions they may have in regards to the activity.

I will set the objective clearly before my classroom prior to the start of any project, and do a formative observation by visiting each group and engaging in oral discussion during this time.

This procedure will be introduced to the students with the first lesson that incorporates this strategy and throughout the year as needed.

Student Movement

I believe that physical activity is a very important part during the day! I want to be able to create an environment where the students are given comfort and choice with the techniques and options in which they feel most comfortable learning. I also may provide mini ‘breaks’ for the students to help them regain focus if they seem to be tired or having a harder time focusing on any given day.

However, I want to make sure that this process is safe and considerate for all students. I expect that each individual will be aware of and have respect for others personal space during transition time.

This will be a topic discussed during transitioning throughout the year. Mini-breaks would be introduced at the time of them throughout the year.

Expected Behavior in the Group

My expectation for students in the classroom or during group work is to be considerate, courteous and respectful to others. Inappropriate behavior includes rudeness, back talk, swearing, name-calling, putdowns, etc. I would also expect the students to try to stay on task with the activity or project at hand while in a group or working with others.

The purpose of school is to provide the best education possible for all students. To achieve this goal, we require certain standards of behavior.

We will be discussing class rules together as a group, and this is something that will be addressed during that time. It may be a topic of reminder or something that may need to be visited throughout the year before or during group time.

Expected Behavior of Students Out of the Group

When not working within a group setting, I would expect that the students are working on school appropriate material or on other school approved work. I will make sure that all students have a book throughout the year that they can resort to for ‘busy work’ if they have completed their independent work or assignments.

The purpose of school is to provide the best education possible for all students. To achieve this goal, we require certain standards of behavior.

We will be discussing class rules together as a group, and this is something that will be addressed during that time. It may be a topic of reminder or something that may need to be visited throughout the year before or during group or independent work time.

Materials and Supplies

The first day of school typically includes several housekeeping activities. These are the things that aren't academic in nature but need to be address or completed before class can truly get under way. Items such as passing out books, organizing school supplies, explaining classroom procedures, reviewing the schedule and collecting lunch money fall under this category.

A printable materials and supplies list is available on my website, at the office in our school, at the nearest library, and at your local retail store for purchase. I encourage anyone who made need assistance with school supplies or materials to contact your local Department of Social Services for resources to assist in purchasing these items for the students. This resource is also a link I have for parents on my website. I will keep some additional materials on hand, but my materials are for classroom use only and I will not replenish for personal use throughout the year.

It is vital to all children to have materials and supplies to use in the classroom and assist in their learning. If there is any need to contact me in regards to this, please do so as soon as possible.

I will not allow students a hall pass to go to their locker to get class materials, because my expectations are that students bring all materials to class.

Procedures for Cooperative Group Activities

Roles of Group Members

Group work can be an effective method to motivate students, encourage active learning, and develop key critical-thinking, communication, and decision-making skills.

When taking roles in group work all group members should feel a sense of personal responsibility for the success of their team mates and realize that their individual success depends on the group’s success. I will make sure to group students randomly and fairly, allowing children to work with a variety of classmates during different group projects. Students should perform roles (e.g., recorder, spokesperson, summarizer, checker, skeptic, organizer, observer, timekeeper, conflict resolver) by following directions provided to them.

Oral or written assessments and reflections will take place following projects and points for participation will be given during this time. I will address this with students given the start of any group assignment and project during the year.

Expected Behavior

Be polite, courteous, and kind to all classmates. Have respect for others and people that you work with. Students need to participate in order to earn their points. I expect proper behavior and participation of their role in the group work.

This will be discussed during the first few days of school and practiced continuously throughout the year.

Interaction to Include Each Member

The opportunity for social interactions with others is very important for the development of all children. Through social interactions, children begin to establish a sense of “self” and to learn what others expect of them.

My expectations for interaction and including each member of a group would be for students to be polite, courteous, and helpful to all of their classmates and each group member. Students should Be willing to share information and respect the views, values, and opinions of other members of the group.

This will be discussed during our discussion and group collaboration of rules at the beginning of the year and reiterated during group work throughout the year.

General Procedures

Distributing Materials

Each student will have their own materials needed in their desk area. If materials are distributed, I may choose to have a student help me by drawing names for their participation. When students complete a project, the class will be assigned a specific bin near the exit door; all work that is to be collected will be placed in that bin unless otherwise instructed. I will have a specified area with my own class materials available upon ‘checkout’ as described above.

This process will help students get into a routine and allows for personal time it may differ for a student’s completion of assignments.

I will discuss this at the beginning of the year, during my classroom tour.

Classroom Helpers

One of the most important considerations of volunteering in a school classroom is the preservation of confidentiality. As a matter of professional ethics, volunteers are expected not to discuss information concerning individual students with any other people. When dealing with our youthful student population, you will undoubtedly overhear, witness, or participate in seemingly unusual, amusing, or confusing incidents. You may be tempted to discuss these experiences with others—please don’t.

Helpers should arrive on time for any activity. The school day and class periods are set for specific times to allow the schedule to run smoothly.

The school and each classroom have an established discipline policy. Please talk with the teacher to see how you can fit into and support the program. When issues arise concerning appropriate student behavior, your responsibility is to call such matters to the attention of the teacher or other supervision school personnel and to support students by encouraging them to make good choices and demonstrate appropriate behavior.

Please make sure to discuss any questions that you may have with me prior to helping out in the classroom. I appreciate the support and interaction that you may want to provide during your child’s and their classmate’s educational experience! Have fun! The kids will love to meet you!

Interruptions or Delays

Check frequently for updated information on school delays, early dismissals, school closings, and school cancellations in Sioux Falls South Dakota due to winter and inclement weather, as well as other emergencies related to Sioux Falls & the surrounding Minnehaha County SD area.

If you have access to the internet, you can check the schools website. You may also want to visit the local weather channels, such as http://www.ksfy.com/ and click on ‘school closings’ link. If you do not have access to the internet, you can also tune in to 92.5 for local listings.

Other Areas

Library

The library is used by many students and staff. While in the library it is expected that students will use good judgment to make sure that it is a positive experience for all. Please speak quietly so you don't disturb student who are reading or studying. Be respectful and considerate of everyone in the library, including staff and students. Treat the books and other material with care. Ask for help if you can't find what you want and please return books on time.

The library is a great resource and study area, so it is important that all persons using this have access to a quiet and safe environment.

This will be discussed before our first class trip to the library and possibly reviewed with the school librarian at that first visit.

Cafeteria

When it is time for lunch, the class will walk down together. I will have a ‘line leader’ each day that will have the chance to be first in line with the class for lunch. Students will be expected to walk (not run) quietly and respectfully to the cafeteria. Once there and while waiting in line, it is important to remember to keep your hands to yourself, use quiet voices, pick up after yourself, and raise your hand for help, and stay seated in the cafeteria area while eating. Inappropriate behavior would consist of taking food off of others plates, yelling across tables, hitting, jabbing, or throwing items.

Please remember that the staff that provides lunch for the students has expectations of good behavior as well. It is important for all students to have this break to enjoy lunch, visit with friends, and feel respected during this time.

Cafeteria rules will be discussed before we are dismissed for lunch.

Playground

Rules for the playground are specifically designed to insure that games and activities on the playground are safe for all students. The rules should also help avoid arguments and disputes.

Students will use appropriate language at all times and be considerate of others feelings. Students will keep their hands, feet and objects to themselves. Fighting is absolutely forbidden and will result in a referral to the principal. Hitting, pushing or play fighting on the school grounds is not allowed.

Personal items, toys and anything considered unsafe is not permitted at school. Unsafe items (such as knives, matches, lighters, cap guns, real or play guns, fire crackers, etc.) are not permitted at school and could result in suspension or expulsion.

Students will be expected to remain in the designated playground areas. All students will show respect to all adults, other students and all property. There will be designated personnel out on the playground supervising activities daily.

The warning bell which rings two minutes prior to the end of recess tells students to stop play and report to their class line. Students should return any balls or play equipment to the proper ball cart and get their ball pass. Any student who does not stop play at the warning bell can lose their recess privilege for the next recess. Students enter their classroom at the end of recess in the same manner that is expected of them upon arrival to class. They should not be running, chasing, or pushing one another.