Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions 
of students and parents.

1. Classroom rules
2. Homework
3. Reading Logs
4. AR goals
5. Absences and tardies
6. Breakfast and lunch
7. Dress code
8. Transportation changes
9. Birthdays
10. Volunteers

Classroom rules

In order to create a community of learners, we have certain 
classroom rules and procedures that need to be followed.
1.	Be nice and kind to others.
2.	Follow directions.
3.	Listen to the teacher.
4.	Work time is quiet time. 
5.	Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
 
I will use a bracelet system in our classroom. At the beginning 
of each day, your child will start with four bracelets on his/ 
her arm.  Each time your child does not follow our rules, he/she 
will lose a bracelet. Before the first bracelet is taken, a 
verbal warning will be given.  If your child continues 
to have trouble following the rules, the following consequences 
will be enforced:  

1. Loss of Privileges-lose 10 minutes of recess/free time or 
classroom isolation/lunch isolation
2. No recess or free time, parent phone call or note home, and 
writes an I can improve plan
3.  Referral to the principal

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Homework

Homework will be sent home on Fridays.  It is designed so that 
you can complete the homework at your own pace based on your 
family's schedule.   Completed homework needs to be placed in the 
back pocket of the Bear Binder.  Homework is due on Fridays.  
Homework will typically consist of math sheets, spelling word 
practice, writing, and reading log.  Thursdays we will have 
vocabulary tests on Thursdays, and reading and spelling tests 
will be given on Fridays.  Projects will also be assigned 
throughout the school year.   

Homework is an important part of the learning experience.  I 
expect it to be completed and turned in on time.  If your child 
does not complete it and turn it in on time, he/she will have to 
finish it during recess.  Missing homework assignments will also 
result in points being deducted from your child's grade in that 
subject.  Completed homework will receive a + and incomplete 
homework will receive a -.  There will be a place on the 
homework sheet for a parent to sign recognizing that homework was 
completed for the entire week (reading log included).   Excluding 
the time for the reading log, your child should spend no more 
than 20-30 minutes a night on normal homework.

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Reading Logs

Reading minutes are a must.  Please record these minutes in the 
green Midland handbook.  I will check these on Friday when 
homework is turned in.  This is part of your child's homework 
grade.  Your child must have read at least 80 minutes a week for 
an A on the reading log part of homework.

Your child will bring home library books, classroom library 
books, and our reading books, which can be used for the Reading 
Log.  If your child is NOT bringing books home, please let me 
know.

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AR goals

Next week your child will take the STAR reading test on the 
computer. This test will determine your child's ZPD or the range 
of books he/she needs to read for the Accelerated Reader 
program.  Every child's beginning range will be 2.0 or lower so 
that your child does not miss out on good second grade 
literature.  For example, if your child's ZPD is 2.4-3.4 
(according to the STAR test), I will give him/her a ZPD of 2.0-
3.4.  

When your child takes an accelerated reader test, he/she receives 
points for the test based on the level of the book and the 
percent correct on the test.  
Each nine weeks, your child will be assigned a goal based on his 
or her ZPD level.  A note about your child's AR goal will be in 
the cub report.

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Absences and tardies

School starts at 8:30 a.m., your child is allowed to go into the 
building at 8:15 a.m.  Instruction begins at 8:30 with morning 
work.  If your child is late, he or she begins the day behind.  
Please make sure your child is at school on time.  I teach until 
3:05 p.m. When you check your child out early, he or she is 
missing out on instruction.  I know there are special 
circumstances for appointments that can only be made during the 
day.  Please let me know ahead of time if you need to check your 
child out early so that he/she can be packed up and ready to go.
If you know ahead of time that your child is going to miss 
school, please write me a note and send it in the Bear binder.

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Breakfast and lunch

Breakfast is served beginning at 8:05 until 8:30. Breakfast costs 
80 cents.  The cost of lunch is $1.75.  Extra milk is available 
for 40 cents.  I have to turn in a lunch count for students and 
parents joining us for lunch daily.  If you plan on having lunch 
with your child and will be purchasing a lunch for yourself, 
please let me know first thing in the morning so I can include 
you on our count. Lunch menus are available in the Bear Binder.  
Please remember that lunches from restaurants are not allowed in 
the lunchroom.

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Dress code

The dress code is stated in the handbook.  A couple of reminders: 
1.  Shirts need to be either solid, with a pattern, or design; no 
graphics are allowed.
2. Tennis shoes are required for PE activities.  We will have 
scheduled times for the playground.  In order for your child to 
participate, he or she is required to have the necessary shoes. 
3. Belts are necessary if the pants can not be worn properly at 
the waist or above the waist.
4.  No flipflops or shoes without backs.

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Transportation changes

If you would like your child to go home a different way than 
normally he of she goes, then you must send a WRITTEN NOTE.  If I 
do not receive a note then I will send your child home the usual 
way.  This is for your child's safety. Children will not be 
allowed to ride home with other children unless the person is on 
their check-out sheet and I have a note.  Children will not 
be permitted to ride the bus home with a friend unless that 
friend rides the assigned bus of your child.  This is a rule the 
Dept. of Transportation has established.  It will not be broken 
for any reason.

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Birthdays

You may send in treats to celebrate your child's birthday. Please 
let me know in advance if you are going to send in treats.  Send 
in treats in the morning, I will pass them out after lunch.    
Also, please do not send invitations to school unless the ENTIRE 
class is invited or all the boys (girls). When there are only a 
select few invited, this creates hurt feelings.  We appreciate 
your understanding and cooperation with this delicate matter.

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Volunteers

Parent volunteers are greatly appreciated and always welcomed in 
my classroom.  Please sign up if volunteering fits into your 
schedule and it is something you would be interested in and 
committed to.

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