Seeker Expectations
Welcome to 3rd grade your child is officially a Simmons Seeker. I wanted to inform you about a few procedures in our classroom. Our class name is Simmons Seekers and our motto is “Seek Adventure, Seek Knowledge, Seek Truth.” When we seek adventure, we will learn and will have truth and understanding. Also we focus on our Ikego GLOW Expectations.
Good safe choices
Lead by example
Own your own behaviors
Work respectfully with others
I am excited to start this new year full of adventures, learning, and fun. I have high expectations and know that your child will excel this year, but I need help from you! [Symbol] Below are a few items to be looking for on a daily/weekly basis.
Planners
Planners are used daily which is the constant point of information and key to what we are learning daily. The students write down their daily assignments and homework every morning. This is a great overview of what we are covering in class, in addition to the Newsletter, which is sent home on Mondays. A key marking to look for on the planner is a * next to an assignment. This signifies an assessment. The planner is a great tool for communication between school and home. It is your child’s responsibility to bring it, as well as their Passport on a daily basis. If they forget they will lose money (look under Expectations section). Also I ask that you initial at the bottom of each day for me to know that you reviewed the planner. The planner is also a great point of contact for me if you have any questions or concerns.
Passport
Passports are important as well. They are used daily as a carrier of important papers. It is a blue folder with a laminated paper glued atop. The students will use the Passport to carry homework, important papers and graded work home. It their responsibility to bring it to class and home on a daily basis. If they forget they will lose money (look under Expectations section). ***I would highly suggest they use a 3-ring binder to carry the Passport and planner.
Homework
Homework is a daily activity, which shouldn’t be more than 30 minutes long. It should consist of 10-20 minutes of reading and 10-15 minutes of math. They can read books, magazines, online articles, etc.. They will have a math sheet almost every day, which shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to complete. The rest of the time could be used on multiplication flash cards or online math programs. They will need to return homework on the following day. If they forget they will lose money (look under Expectations section). If they are struggling with the concept be sure to have them seek help from me. They will also have spelling and vocabulary words they will need to study. Their words are specific to each child. These are words that they struggle with and are misspelling. I will also assign domain specific words. [Symbol] They will also need to study the vocabulary words for understanding, not for spelling. Those tests are given every Friday.
Graded Work
Every Tuesday graded work will be sent home, through the Passport.
Snack
We have snack daily so be sure to send a snack in with your child. It cannot be candy or any other sugary snack.
Website
I am also using a website as an additional tool to inform you and students about what is going on in the classroom. My goal is to use the website as an additional tool for communication. You will be able to retrieve the newsletter, spelling list, links to websites, and other useful information. When available the weekly stories can also be accessed from the Reading tab. Please take a moment and check out the site so that you will know what is available. I am transitioning the website from my previous school so it will take time to change. The site can be found at www.simmonsseekers.weebly.com
Expectations in the Classroom
All students are here to learn so any misbehavior that disrupts our learning will not be tolerated. Everyone has ample opportunity to follow directions. If they continue to misbehave they will be disciplined. Under most circumstances they will be warned first. Second they will lose money. Third they will go to the Refocus area for an assignment. Fourth they will get a phone call home about the issue and/or sent to the office. Of course either could be changed, based off extremity. I understand it will be difficult to go from one behavior management plan to another. If you have any questions about the changes do not hesitate to contact me. In a few weeks I will schedule an afternoon meeting for parents to attend for a “Meet and Greet.” At that time I will take you through a daily schedule as well as informing you about my expectations.
My classroom management utilizes a classroom economy. They have opportunities to earn money and lose money based on behavior throughout the day. Students will also be able to have jobs, which they will be paid on a monthly basis. This encompasses a classroom management plan as well as incorporating real world skills. Throughout the month and year I will have a store open for them to purchase items. If you would like to donate snacks, books, items, etc please let me know!
It is their responsibility to keep up with their money and wallet. If they lose all of their money and are in debt (negative) they will lose opportunities within the classroom.
Welcome to 3rd grade your child is officially a Simmons Seeker. I wanted to inform you about a few procedures in our classroom. Our class name is Simmons Seekers and our motto is “Seek Adventure, Seek Knowledge, Seek Truth.” When we seek adventure, we will learn and will have truth and understanding. Also we focus on our Ikego GLOW Expectations.
Good safe choices
Lead by example
Own your own behaviors
Work respectfully with others
I am excited to start this new year full of adventures, learning, and fun. I have high expectations and know that your child will excel this year, but I need help from you! [Symbol] Below are a few items to be looking for on a daily/weekly basis.
Planners
Planners are used daily which is the constant point of information and key to what we are learning daily. The students write down their daily assignments and homework every morning. This is a great overview of what we are covering in class, in addition to the Newsletter, which is sent home on Mondays. A key marking to look for on the planner is a * next to an assignment. This signifies an assessment. The planner is a great tool for communication between school and home. It is your child’s responsibility to bring it, as well as their Passport on a daily basis. If they forget they will lose money (look under Expectations section). Also I ask that you initial at the bottom of each day for me to know that you reviewed the planner. The planner is also a great point of contact for me if you have any questions or concerns.
Passport
Passports are important as well. They are used daily as a carrier of important papers. It is a blue folder with a laminated paper glued atop. The students will use the Passport to carry homework, important papers and graded work home. It their responsibility to bring it to class and home on a daily basis. If they forget they will lose money (look under Expectations section). ***I would highly suggest they use a 3-ring binder to carry the Passport and planner.
Homework
Homework is a daily activity, which shouldn’t be more than 30 minutes long. It should consist of 10-20 minutes of reading and 10-15 minutes of math. They can read books, magazines, online articles, etc.. They will have a math sheet almost every day, which shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to complete. The rest of the time could be used on multiplication flash cards or online math programs. They will need to return homework on the following day. If they forget they will lose money (look under Expectations section). If they are struggling with the concept be sure to have them seek help from me. They will also have spelling and vocabulary words they will need to study. Their words are specific to each child. These are words that they struggle with and are misspelling. I will also assign domain specific words. [Symbol] They will also need to study the vocabulary words for understanding, not for spelling. Those tests are given every Friday.
Graded Work
Every Tuesday graded work will be sent home, through the Passport.
Snack
We have snack daily so be sure to send a snack in with your child. It cannot be candy or any other sugary snack.
Website
I am also using a website as an additional tool to inform you and students about what is going on in the classroom. My goal is to use the website as an additional tool for communication. You will be able to retrieve the newsletter, spelling list, links to websites, and other useful information. When available the weekly stories can also be accessed from the Reading tab. Please take a moment and check out the site so that you will know what is available. I am transitioning the website from my previous school so it will take time to change. The site can be found at www.simmonsseekers.weebly.com
Expectations in the Classroom
All students are here to learn so any misbehavior that disrupts our learning will not be tolerated. Everyone has ample opportunity to follow directions. If they continue to misbehave they will be disciplined. Under most circumstances they will be warned first. Second they will lose money. Third they will go to the Refocus area for an assignment. Fourth they will get a phone call home about the issue and/or sent to the office. Of course either could be changed, based off extremity. I understand it will be difficult to go from one behavior management plan to another. If you have any questions about the changes do not hesitate to contact me. In a few weeks I will schedule an afternoon meeting for parents to attend for a “Meet and Greet.” At that time I will take you through a daily schedule as well as informing you about my expectations.
My classroom management utilizes a classroom economy. They have opportunities to earn money and lose money based on behavior throughout the day. Students will also be able to have jobs, which they will be paid on a monthly basis. This encompasses a classroom management plan as well as incorporating real world skills. Throughout the month and year I will have a store open for them to purchase items. If you would like to donate snacks, books, items, etc please let me know!
It is their responsibility to keep up with their money and wallet. If they lose all of their money and are in debt (negative) they will lose opportunities within the classroom.