#3147. Emmy's Handbook

other, level: all
Posted Tue Jun 1 18:09:15 PDT 2004 by Emmy Ellis (emmy@lonegroveps.k12.ok.us).
Lone Grove Elementary School, Lone Grove, OK
Materials Required: none
Activity Time: none
Concepts Taught: Parent Handbook

I have a page that gives the general information re office etc. This
is the written part without the pictures.

HOMEWORK
In general, homework is expected to be turned in the day after it is
assigned. Students who do not have assignments completed will
receive a HOMEWORK NOTICE in the Thursday Folder . The
homework notice informs the parent what assignment was not
completed. The parent signs the notice and the student must
bring it to school the next day. Starting with the second 9 weeks, a
detention will be given for no homework. On the fourth detention,
the student loses reward privileges for the 9 weeks. (On four,
reward no more!)

ABC's of Effective Homework given by John Rosemond.
"A" stands for "all by myself". Provide your child with their own
"homework area" and see that it is stocked with necessary
supplies.
"B" stands for "back off". Provide your assistance by helping your
child if they ask for additional help and by checking over their work.
Most of my homework assignments are for reinforcement of skills
already covered.
"C" stands for "call it quits". Set a time that homework should be
completed and put away.

THREE IMPORTANT EVENTS
Three things should be occurring daily in your child's home life in
order for education to have the needed impact on your child's life.
#1 Read everyday for at least 20 minutes and discuss and retell it.
#2 Write every day. Students can write a summary of what they
read , they can write in a diary, make a shopping list or 'To Do'
list, write a letter or thank you note, or write a poem or story.
#3 Practice math computation, especially knowing basic facts of
addition, subtraction, and multiplication. This can be done with a
computer program, flash cards, etc.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS Any late paper will have points taken off the
final grade. All work is expected to be completed neatly and on
time.

CURSIVE WRITING: Cursive writing will be taught the first 9
weeks, reviewed the second 9 weeks and by the third 9 weeks it
will be expected that assignments will be completed in cursive
writing. This is an Oklahoma PASS Skill requirement. We will
use the D'Nealian form.

STUDENT PLANNERS
The assignment notebook was adopted by our school to help
establish communication between the parent, teacher and the
child. Assignments are written on the board and in a class
assignment notebook. Children are expected to write in their
notebook immediately. Parents are to sign the notebook, check to
see that work is completed,and see that it is returned to school.
Even if there is no homework, please sign the book. Student
Planners have a study skills grade. With the first day of each 9
weeks, the student begins with 100. Each time the planner is not
signed, two points are deducted. At the end of the 9 weeks your
child receives a grade in each subject for his completed & signed
assignment planner.

Thursday Folder

Thursday Folders will be sent home each week. They will contain
graded papers, and parent notes. If your child is not turning in
work, is failing to thrive as a third grader or is being a discipline
problem, you will receive notification in the Thursday Folder.
Please sign and return on Friday.

The goal of the PE PROGRAM is to encourage personal fitness. A
parental note is necessary if a student must be excused from PE.
Mrs. Beard is our wonderful PE teacher who plans many
extracurricular activities. Wear tennis shoes on Tues. Thurs.

SNACKS There is no exact snack time. Students may choose to
snack when they need it as long as it does not interfere with the
learning process. We will have a snack calendar that will come
home in the Thursday Folder.

BIRTHDAYS ARE FUN FOR EVERYONE
You may send treats for the entire class when your child
celebrates his or her birthday. Invitations may not be passed out
at school unless each classmate is invited OR unless boys send
invitations to all the boys or girls send to all the girls. Please
consider how your child would feel if he was the
person who was left out. We celebrate summer birth-
days on the half-birthday. I'll send a note home.

BOOK NOTES
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body"
~ Joseph Addison

25 BOOK CERTIFICATES
Certificates are awarded in the May Awards Assembly
to all who have read 25 books on their level. I expect everyone to
reach this goal.
SIX FLAGS 6 HOUR READING CLUB
This generally runs from Jan. to March. contests during the year
and is sponsored by Six Flags and Weekly Reader. There will be a
form that you will have to keep up with. (If you lose it, use notebook
paper.) Students who receive their 6 Flags ticket will be honored
at the Awards Assembly in May. If your student keeps up with his
20 minute nightly reading, he will automatically qualify for the
Book-It and the 600 Minute contests. I expect this goal to be
reached.
BOOK-IT
This contest begins in October and runs through March. Reading
5 AR points a month (we adjust it for Dec) will earn the student a
Book-It certificate for a free pizza. Only the children who reach this
goal for each month will be honored at the Awards Assembly at the
end of the year. That is six certificates in all.

ACCELERATED READER
This program is to help us focus on reading skills. Each student is
expected to stay on track each week. You will be notified weekly as
to the AR status. There are selected books worth certain points.
After your child has chosen a book and read it carefully, he will go
to the computer and take a test on the book. Depending on the
number of correct answers, he will receive various points. There
will be rewards for specific numbers of points.
Each student who earns 100 AR points will get a certificate at the
Awards Assembly. It is expected that each student will reach each
9 week's goal.

BOOK CLUBS
Each month a brochure will be sent home. This is an excellent
way to get quality books for your child at inexpensive prices. I will
always let you know which books are AR books or which books
are classics or award winners.

YES/NO SLIPS:
From time to time, we send home notes that will give you a chance
to join book clubs or purchase magazines, etc. Even if you sign
NO, please send them back. We can receive free gifts for the
room, even with NO slips.

WATER

When the well's dry, we
know the worth of water.
Benjamin Franklin

Research shows that dehydration
causes tiredness, irritability and lack of
mental alertness, not to mention all
kinds of physical problems, when we choose to ignore it.
Therefore, water bottles are allowed in class although there are
procedures to be followed to make sure that this will not be a
distraction in class.

NURSE We have a nurse who dispenses meds, applies first aid,
and conducts lice, hearing, and vision screenings. When a child
feels ill, wesend them to the office for a Tylenol or Tums. If the
illness persists, wethen send them to the nurse where she will
make a decision.

THESE THINGS WILL HAPPEN IN GREAT EXPECTATION
CLASSROOMS

Celebrations
Good feelings come from the positive impact of others. One way to
have this positive impact is to cheer students to success.
Celebrating little successes are important ways to create a
"specialness" within a child. Students who are having difficulties
need this more than others do. The more problems there are, the
harder it is to find things to cheer about but this is the time when it
is needed most.
Why do we celebrate students?
It builds self-esteem.
It shows appreciation for accomplishments made.
It helps students learn to appreciate others.
It creates a feeling of "specialness".
It encourages children to take risks.

When someone does something good, applaud.
You will make two people happy - Samuel Goldwyn

The Magic Triad
The smile, gentle touch, and kind words, when lavished upon
children, as well as all our fellowman, will bring people closer
together, create a caring and trusting atmosphere, and reduce
discipline problems tremendously. The children encourage each
other to do their best which promotes an environment where
relationships are strengthened and children experience a sense
of safety and willingness to cooperate and participate. In this
atmosphere of caring and positive daily routines, the stress for
children is reduced and positive emotions are generated which
activate the brain to make better decisions.
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are endless." -Mother Teresa
Quotes
Quotes are used in the classroom to give the teacher and
students a new way of communicating with each other. Rather
than the old way of saying, "Please finish your work. It was due
yesterday," you could say, "No bees, no honey. No work, no
money." In doing this you have changed the dialogue of the
classroom. The students don't feel put down. Teacher and student
are happier and enjoy one another because of the refreshing
change in the talk.

"The mind is like a parachute; it works
best when it is open." ~ Anonymous

Your child is ALWAYS responsible for his/her own actions as an
individual. His/Her choices determines the consequences. When
students choose to misbehave, helping them realize their
mistakes is important. To do this we will allow students to explain
what happened, why they chose those behaviors, what they would
have done to avoid the misbehaviors, and what they plan to do in
the future to avoid making the same mistakes again. This is done
to help the students become willing to accept responsibility for
their mistakes and their plans to redirect those behaviors in the
future. When consequences are necessary, they will be logical
repercussions that stem specifically from the misbehaviors. This
provides a realistic connection to the world and assists students
in rehearsing adult behaviors and reactions within the safety and
support of the classroom environment.

If you don't have a dream, then how're
you gonna have a dream come true?"
-from South Pacific by Rodgers and Hammerstein

My dream of a classroom is one where everyone is treated with
respect. Everyone works hard and never ever gives up. And there
is a trusting
environment.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS PRACTICES of MS. ELLIS

The teacher models desired behaviors and attitudes.
Students and teacher speak in complete sentences, address one
another by name, demonstrating mutual respect and common
courtesy.
Students are taught whole group, thoroughly and to mastery, with
intensive and specific remediation for each student as necessary.
Lessons are integrated, related to the real world, with constant
and consistent review and connection to subsequent material.
Critical thinking skills are taught.
A non-threatening environment, conducive to risk-taking, is evident.
Mistakes are okay, students are taught to learn from their mistakes
and take action to correct their mistakes.
Memory work, recitations, writing occur daily. Memory work is
chosen to enhance character development, and recitations are
exuberant and full of expression.
Extensive, difficult vocabulary is evident and is drawn directly from
challenging literature. Content is literature-rich, classics are used.
Magic Triad, a positive caring environment, and discipline with
dignity and logic are evident.
Every student's work is posted with positive commentary.
Analytical phonics is used.
Students assume responsibility for their own behavior. Their
choices determine consequences.
School creed is recited daily to reaffirm commitment to excellence.
Every student experiences success. Teacher guarantees it by
comparing the student to him/herself, not others. Every student is
showcased and past failures are disregarded.
Teacher teaches on his/her feet, engaging students personally,
holds high expectations of students and does not limit them to
grade or perceived ability.
Each classroom has a student who greets visitors and makes
them welcome and comfortable.
Teachers and students celebrate the successes of students

Ms. ellis
Expectations of Conduct

A. USE GOOD WORK HABITS
1. Start work promptly
2. Work diligently
3. Have materials ready (homework, pencils, books)
4. Be an active listener

B. FOLLOW MY DIRECTIONS
1. Follow my directions the first time
2. Sit safely (Chair flat, hands & feet to yourself)
3. Respect the property of school and individuals

C. RESPECT OTHERS
1. Call people by their correct names
2. Help others to learn
3. Tend to your own business
4. Follow correct Classroom Procedures

D. RESPECT YOURSELF
1. Think positively
2. Accept responsibility for your own behavior
3. Develop self control

Class Word: Excellence
Class Motto: Do the right thing, 'cause it's the
right thing to do.

LONE GROVE SUPER RULE Keep your hands, feet, objects, and
undkind words to yourself.

In addition, we follow these Lone Grove School Rules
Walk on the right side of the hall
When going through glass doors, only touch the bars...not the
glass
Stop and allow adults or small children to pass through when you
are in a line
Follow procedures to maintain a polite line
Make courteous use of restrooms
Use Inside/Outside voices appropriately
Use good cafeteria manners
Avoid putdowns
Use the proper procedure to handle playground problems

CONSEQUENCES:
Non-verbal strategies are always tried first
1st time: Verbal Warning
2nd time: Receive Red Stop Sign
3rd time: Receive Red Stop Sign. Sign discipline book
4th time: Receive Red Stop Sign. Sign the discipline book. Write
a consequence card at noon recess.
5th time: Detention. Note to parent.

SEVERE CLAUSE: DETENTION. SEND TO PRINCIPAL. Parent
/ School Conference
Whatever action is deemed necessary by the learning
team of parent,teacher, and administrator.
The fourth detention in any 9 week period makes the student
ineligible for any reward activities.
(On four, reward no more)

POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES:
Rewards may include any of the following:
stickers computer time
treats extra reading time
positive notes reward activities
positive comments celebrations
special privileges internal pride
'Lil Horn Club recognition in newsletter
Kelso's Choice Award Longhorn reward
Mystery Friday Reward Trips or activities

Please discuss these classroom expectations with your child.

" The greatest achievements are won through perseverance."

Three Different Learning Styles

People not only learn at different rates, but also in different ways.
Some students want their teachers to write everything out on the
board. Others prefer to listen. Some like to sit in small groups and
discuss a question; others like to listen to a lecture, translating it
into pictorial doodles in their notebook. Let me know if you are
aware of your child's learning style. I will work with your child's
style to strengthen his/her use of the other styles.

Visual Learners: (You have to see it to believe it)
Characteristics:
Needs to see it to know it
Strong sense of color
May have artistic ability
Difficulty with spoken directions
Over-reaction to sounds
Trouble following lectures
Misinterpretation of words
Teaching / learning Tips:
Use graphics to reinforce learning--films, slides, illustrations,
doodles, charts, notes, and flash cards
Color code to organize notes
Written directions
Visualize spelling of words or facts to be memorized
Write out everything for quick and frequent visual review

Auditory Learners: (If you hear it, you remember it.)
Characteristics:
Prefers to get information by listening--needs
to hear it to know it
Difficulty following written directions
Difficulty with reading and writing
Teaching / Learning Tips:
Use audio tapes for reading and for class and lecture notes
Learn by interviewing or by participating in discussions
After you have read something, summarize it on tape
Verbally review spelling words and lectures with a friend

Tactual Learners: (If you can touch it with your hands, you will
remember it.)
Characteristics:
Prefers hands-on learning
Can assemble parts without reading directions.
Difficulty sitting still
Learns better when physical activity is involved
May be very well coordinated and have athletic ability
Learning Tips:
Experimental learning (make models, do lab work, and role play)
Frequent breaks in study periods
Trace letters and words to learn spelling and remember facts
Use a computer to reinforce learning through a sense of touch
Memorize or drill facts to be learned while walking or exercising
Write out facts to be learned several times

READ TO ME
Yolen

Read to me riddles and read to me rhymes,
Read to me stories of magical times.
Read to me tales about castles and kings.
Read to me stories of fabulous things.
Read to me pirates and read to me knights,
Read to me dragons and dragon-book fights.
Read to me spaceships and cowboys and then,
When you are finished -- please read them again.
By Jane Yolen

Top Ten Ways to Help Your Kids Get A's

Parental Involvement Is the Answer
Study after study has shown that parental involvement is the
number-one determinant of how well all children -- regardless of
their background -- do in school. Here are ten ways you can help
your kids succeed in the classroom -- and beyond.

1. Create an environment in your home that encourages learning.
This will be a major influence on how well your children do in
school. Provide them with many different opportunities to become
excited about learning. Make sure that appropriate materials from
puzzles to paints to computers are available to stimulate their
curiosity.

2. Provide your children with a well-balanced life.
A stable home, filled with love, serves as a solid foundation for
getting straight A's. Establish routines so your children get enough
sleep, eat regular nourishing meals, and receive sufficient
exercise. Limit excessive TV-viewing and the playing of video and
computer games.

3. Read to your children every day.
Most of the learning your children do in school involves reading.
Read to your kids to teach them about reading, expand and enrich
their vocabularies, and broaden their experiences. Reading aloud
exposes them to materials that would be difficult for them to read
on their own.

4. Encourage them to read extensively.
As your children progress through school, as much as 75 percent
of what they learn will come from the printed page. The more
children read, the better their reading skills become. Make sure
there is a wide variety of interesting reading materials in your
home to encourage the reading habit.

5. Show your children how to be organized.
Children who are organized find it much easier to succeed in
school. One of the best ways to teach organizational skills is
through example. Show your children how to use such
organizational tools as assignment pads, calendars, notebooks,
binders, and backpacks.
6. Teach them effective study skills.
Good study skills are absolutely essential to get A's. Make sure
your children know how to read their textbooks, prepare for tests,
memorize facts, and use their time efficiently. Encourage them to
have a regular time for studying, and provide a study place that is
free of distractions.

7. Urge your children to listen and participate in class.
Listening in class is the easy way for children to learn. Advise your
older children to take notes, which will help them concentrate on
what is being said. Encourage your children to participate in class
-- it will greatly increase their interest in what they're learning.

8. Help your children learn how to tackle homework.
Doing homework reinforces what your children learn in school.
Show them how to do it so that homework quickly becomes their
responsibility. Help them learn what assignments to do first and
how to plan their time. Encourage them not to rush through their
homework but to consider every assignment a learning
experience.

9. Talk to your children about school.
Your children spend hours in school every day. A lot can happen
during that time. Show that you are genuinely interested in their
day by asking questions about what they did and talking with them
about the papers they bring home. When problems occur, work
with your kids to find solutions.

10. Develop a good relationship with your children's teachers.
Good communication between home and school helps children
do well in school and makes it easier to address problems. Be
sure to attend parent-teacher conferences, visit your kids'
classrooms, and volunteer to help their teachers. And don't forget
to express your appreciation to teachers for all that they do for your
children.

Peggy Gisler, Ed.S. and Marge Eberts, Ed.S.
*

Class List ? on a separate sheet
Calendar ? on a separate sheet

Schedule

grading scale ? on a separate sheet
United We stand great expectations ?on separate sheet
Life Principles ? on separate sheet
"The highest result of education is
tolerance." -Helen Keller

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what
you've always got." - Anonymous
Thirty days hath September,
April, June, and November,
All the rest have thirty-one,
Excepting February alone
Which hath but twenty-eight, in fine,