Communication
I want to welcome parent communication and feedback. The best way to
contact me is via email at mrawls@atlanta.k12.ga.us. I am usually available
to meet with you before school (from 7:00 to 7:30) and after school (from
2:30 to 3:00). It is difficult for me to return your phone calls during the
school day, however I will try to return them within 24 hours.
Our Classroom Essential Agreements (Rules)
* Be respectful to everyone and everything.
* Don't interrupt others; raise your hand if necessary.
* Come to class organized and prepared.
* Keep hands, feet, objects and unkind words to yourself.
* Use the appropriate voice level for the activity assigned.
Consequences
There will be consequences for those who are not able to adhere to
our classroom essential agreements. Students will be given a verbal warning
for the first offense. A seoond offense will result in a visual reminder to
modify behavior. A third offense will result in a note being sent home to
the parent explaining which of the agreements was not fulfilled by the
student. The note must be signed by the teacher, student, and parent, and
then returned to the teacher for record keeping. These notes will also help
determine conduct grades. Students may also lose recess time or classroom
privileges if he/she does not adhere to our essential agreements. Any major
offense such as physical fighting or verbal threats will be referred
directly to an administrator. On the other hand, positive consequences will
result for those who exhibit exemplary behavior, including
extended recess, special classroom privileges, and small treats.
Absences/Tardies
School begins each day at 8:00 AM. Students who arrive after 8:00 AM should
stop by the office for a tardy slip before reporting to class. Please make
every effort to be present and on time every day. Students having perfect
attendance (this includes not being tardy) will be recognized by the school
at the end of every twenty-day period. If a student is absent he or she is
responsible for checking with the teacher to learn what work needs to be
completed. You will have one day for every day absent to complete the
missed assignments.
Transportation Changes
Please remember that a transportation change must be made with a written
note from the parent or legal guardian. This written documentation helps to
ensure the safety of your child. When I receive the written notification, it
will be sent to the office to be documented.
Extra Credit/Tutoring
Extra credit will not be given with exception to bonus questions worth a
minimal amount of points on certain exams or quizzes. Tutoring will be
available each Wednesday afternoon.
Late Work
Students should be conscious of turning in assignments on the assigned due
date. If an assignment is turned in late, 10 points will be deducted from
the grade for each day past the due date. For example, if a student turns
in an assignment one day late and received an 88 on the assignment, his/her
grade would result in a 78.
Staying Seated
Each student is reminded that moving around the classroom during lessons is
not appropriate. If a student needs to leave his/her seat, the best policy
is to raise your hand and ask permission to move throughout the room.
Students getting out of their seat can be a disruption to others and one of
our essential agreements is to be respectful to everyone. There will be
times when students are free to move through the room to do things necessary
to complete a task (research at the computers, sharpen pencils, turn in
work, go to the reading center, etc.).
Talking
Talking within the classroom is permitted and encouraged at appropriate
times. It is important to remember to speak one at a time and to use the
appropriate level of voice within the room/school for specific activities.
Restroom/Water Breaks
Restroom breaks will be scheduled throughout the day. Students may use the
restroom before coming to class or during the morning work time from 7:30 to
8:00. The next scheduled break will be before lunch. A third scheduled
restroom break will be after recess. Unless there is an emergency, students
should not ask to use the restroom during lessons. If a student needs to
use the restroom during an unscheduled time, he/she should try to wait until
he/she is working independently and there is no direct instruction taking
place.
Hallway Conduct
Hallways are silent zones. We must remember our essential agreement to be
respectful to everyone (which includes students in other classrooms who are
learning as well). When walking as a class through the hallways, students
should walk single file, not side-by-side. Students should also walk with
their hands at their sides (not touching the walls) facing forward.
Neatness
Our classroom should be found neat every morning when students arrive and
therefore it should be left neat and organized every afternoon when you
leave. The classroom environment is the responsibility of all students and
the teacher, and it is up to us to keep it clean so that all of us may enjoy
it.
Writing
All formal written assignments should be completed in cursive handwriting.
A maximum of five points will be deducted from a student’s grade if an
assignment is not completed in cursive. Print may be used when taking notes
or informal writing assignments such as rough drafts. Also, students should
complete all assignments in pencil. In some situations, pen may be required
in which case only blue or black ink may be used.
Sharpening Pencils/Throwing Away Trash
Students need to be courteous to other students as well as the teacher.
Sharpening a pencil or throwing away trash during a lesson is not
appropriate and can be a distraction to others. Please wait for an
appropriate time before leaving your seat to either sharpen a pencil or
throw away trash. All students have a hand-held pencil sharpener at his/her
desk to avoid having to leave one's seat to sharpen a pencil.
Seating Arrangement
Seating arrangements may change from time to time throughout the year.
There will be many times when students are sitting in close quarters with
other students. Students should remember to be courteous to those around
them by remembering our essential agreement that we should keep all hands,
feet, objects, and unkind words to ourselves. It is important to give
everyone ample workspace in which to complete their assignments.
Heading Papers
Papers should be headed with the student’s name (first and last), date of
the assignment in the upper right hand corner on the top line. The class
voted, and the majority decided a five-point deduction will be made from
graded papers without a name.
Book Checkout from the Classroom Library
If a student wishes to borrow a book from our classroom library, he/she may
borrow the book without having to ask. Books should be respected, cared for,
and returned promptly. Students who abuse books will not be allowed to
borrow them in the future.
Snacks
Your child is allowed to bring a snack (preferably healthy) to eat during
the school day (usually during our reading/language arts block). This is a
working snack, so please do not send in any messy foods! Water bottles are
permitted during the day.
