First, we talked about the fact that each morning we start the day off together on the floor for morning meeting. During this time we have about 30-45 minutes of character education. This consists of watching and discussing Rusty's morning meassage on schooltools.tv. We also may read a book highlighting one of the character traits. We share how we are feeling and why. We greet one another. We also sing our weekly character song. This is my favorite part of the day, as this is when I really get to know your child on a personal level.
We end our day together as well. We write our day's assignments in the planner together as a group. Students are then to highlight what they are bringing home for homework. Students that are in my reading class, not in Read 180 or Language class, always have spelling homework. They are NOT allowed to do this work at school so they ALWAYS have it for homework. It should not take more than 30 minutes. I also require that students read 20 minutes nightly. If students are bringing home subjects other than spelling for homework it means they did not get it done in the classtime they were given. I give plenty of time in class, so if this is happening a lot you may want to question what they are doing during their work time. There is also important reminders of upcoming events on the planner.
Next, we talked about the classroom blog. This is a tool for the parents. I try very hard to blog right after school each day. You can find daily posts, upcoming events, the daily assignments, the weeks spelling words, and glimpses into your child's life at school through pictures and video. You can also get to my blog through the Bitterroot webpage now.
Then, we talked about the money behavior system. There are three main ways students lose money. 1. They make poor behavior choices, usually a 50 dollar fine each time. 2. Not having homework done, usually a 50 fine for each assignment. This includes if they forget even one problem or do not follow directions. 3. They lose money for not having your signature on their planner each morning, 20 dollar fine. There are a million ways to earn money, and there is NO reason for a child to ever go broke unless they constantly do the three reasons above. Students mostly save their money to buy their way into field trips, usually 1000.00 price tag. If students don't have that money then they stay at school. I refuse to take students out in public that can not behave inside the classroom. It is no fun for me or the other students when the fun times are spent disciplining. Bottom line, all choices have consequences...good or bad.
Lastly, we talked about the math notebook. All their math assignments and quizzes are kept in their binder here at school. If I were the parent, I would have my child bring home their math binder once a week so you could look through their corrected quizzes and see how they are doing. If students earn a d or an f on a quiz they are given a redo opportunity after we discuss the concepts again. It is up to them if they take the opportunity or not.
I hope that this helps. If you have any other questions please email me or drop in and let's talk. An information sheet went home today for those parents that did not attend open house. It is very important that I get those back tomorrow, especially the email addresses. I will then send you a test message to make sure I have the right one. Thanks to those of you that replied back today. Have a great evening and ask your child today about the three concepts they discovered by doing experiments with air today in science class. They should mention, Air has weight, warm air rises and expands, and cool air contracts and sinks. If they mention any of those write the word AIR by your signature in the planner and earn them an extra 50 dollars at check in time tomorrow morning. Have a great night!
