Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- How is the classroom managed?
- What is the Whole Group policy?
- What is the Team policy?
- What is the Caught a Cougar award?
- Red Light/Green Light
- What happens when there is a serious infraction?
- Can I come in and observe my child?
- How do I know how my child is doing in class?
- What if I think my child needs help?
- What are Damkier Dollars?
How is the classroom managed?
In my class we have a 3 tier system of management;
personal, team, and whole group.
What is the Whole Group policy?
When the whole group responds in a positive manner or does
something exceptional, marbles are placed in the jar . As the jar
fills, this gets them closer to a class party, which can be
anything from extra free time to a movie or game time. This will
occur on a Friday afternoon or minimum day.
What is the Team policy?
Students are arranged by tables. If the whole table responds
well, they can earn points towards a treat at end of day.
Sometimes, it is just first out the door, but it can also mean a
piece of candy or other treat. They work hard as a team to "get
that reward". They will often help each other to be the first
table quiet to earn the "big points".
What is the Caught a Cougar award?
Students are rewarded with Caught a Cougar tickets for showing
good character attributes. These can be given by any teacher, but
are placed in our classroom "bucket". Each month, the school will
draw from each grade level for additional prizes. If a
student "wins" in class, their card is placed back into the
drawings for the rest of the month. They can be given for showing
responsibility in class by maintaining a clean desk or for
showing responsibility in the school by helping out in some other
manner.
Red Light/Green Light
Students who stay on task will keep their star on the green
position. Students who have need for a time out and to rethink
will turn their stars to yellow and sit in the time out chair or
on the floor for 5 minutes giving them time to rethink and
redirect their actions. Students who remove their cards to the
lost recess box will lose recess and a call or note home will
also be given to the student. Occassionally, a child needs to be
totally removed from class after already losing a recess. That
child would be sent to another 1st grade classroom or to the
office and a call home would be given to help determine what may
be going on with the child that day. Every day, every child
starts back on green.
What happens when there is a serious infraction?
Serious problems are handled by the office administration
following the Code of Conduct matrix all students and parent sign
in the beginning of the year. First step is to contain situation
and secure safety of all students. Next step is to hear both
sides of the story and to figure out what actually happened,
including witnesses. I find that the kids (witnesses) tend to be
fairly honest, even when a best friend was involved. Lastly, the
students will receive some form of discipline from losing a
recess or returning an item to various forms of suspension
depending on the infraction and the matrix. Parents are contacted
immediately.
Can I come in and observe my child?
Parents are welcomed to come into the class announced and
unannounced to see how their child is interacting with their
peers. Parent conferences can be arranged on a moment's notice to
ensure your child's needs are being met.
How do I know how my child is doing in class?
Report cards come out 3 times a year, with progress reports going
out when a deficientcy is noted mid-term. Students take home
their work regularly, so you can check progress in this manner as
well. Parent conferences can be scheduled to check on
progress if it is felt necessary by either you or myself. Daily
check their red special papers folder for weekly homework and
special notices from the school and myself. This can also be used
to send a message to me.
What if I think my child needs help?
Let's schedule a parent conference and then we can best determine
what needs are not being met and proceed from there. Educating a
child is a team effort with parents, teachers, administration,
and the community. ALWAYS remember, you are your child's first
and most important educator! Be their advocate...
What are Damkier Dollars?
These are special rewards given to the children as rewards. They can buy items or use them for using the bathroom
outside of recess (non-emergency). They can lose them with negative behavior and gain them with good. It is like
money and they are responsible for them. They write their name on the backs of these dollars to help keep students
from stealing each others' money.