Policies and Procedures

            I expect each of my students to perform to the best of their abilities and to behave responsibly both in and out of the classroom. I strive to make my classroom management plan as clear and concise as possible.

            In order for your child to receive the best education possible, he or she needs an environment free from distraction where each student is aware of both the rules and the consequences for breaking those rules. Because we will make our rules as a class on the first day of school, I cannot tell you what the specific classroom rules are at this time. However, I can tell you what my expectations are, and that they will be part of our rules. My general expectations are as follows:

1.)    Stay on task when completing assignments.

2.)    Be respectful to your teacher, classmates, and the environment.

3.)    Raise your hand to speak during class discussions.

4.)    Work at an appropriate volume.

If a student does not follow one of the classroom rules that we will make, they will be asked to pull a card. Each student starts each day with three cards – green, yellow, and red. At the first occurrence, the student pulls a green card, followed by the yellow card, and so on. The consequences for pulling cards are as follows:

Green – Warning. Some students just need a reminder.

Yellow – Complete a redirect form, which will be signed by a parent and returned the next day. You can find a copy of this form following this letter for reference. Failure to return the form will result in a phone call home and missed recess until it is returned.

Red – A visit with the principal and a call home. A behavior contract may be made between the student and me as well, about which I will give details should it become necessary.

In addition, at the end of each day I will put a colored star in each student’s planner. The color matches whatever card they have at the end of the day. So if a student pulls no cards, they will have a green star. If they pull their green card and are on yellow, they will receive a yellow star. Two cards pulled will result in a red star. This is an easy way for you to check your child’s behavior at the end of each day.

When your child has accumulated 20 green stars in their planners, they get to choose a prize from the treasure box, and they receive a positive behavior award from the front office!

            Each month I will send home a book order from, from which you can purchase age-appropriate literature at affordable prices. I highly encourage you to consider taking part in this great program. You can pay by cash or check. Please make checks payable to Scholastic Book Clubs.

            You may provide a treat to celebrate your child’s special day. Just let me know when you’d like to celebrate, and what you would like to bring. I highly encourage you to provide a “healthier” treat, such as fruit salad, pretzels, or Yogos. For more treat ideas, please refer to the snack list included in this packet.

            Please do not send birthday party invitations to class unless you intend to invite the whole class!

            The following guidelines are specific to the third grade team. Please refer to the volunteer handbook for school-wide policies.

To allow time to establish solid classroom routines, we will begin having parent volunteers in class in the fourth week of school.  In third grade, students are developing new levels of independence. Therefore, please plan on volunteering only if you intend to complete specific tasks outlined by the teacher, as this is not a time to work solely with your own child. Volunteer time needs to be agreed upon in advance, as teachers have times during their days when having volunteers in the classroom is most constructive.  We recommend setting up a regular weekly time to volunteer. All other visits must be by appointment. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.