Classroom Management Philosophy

I believe that children have a genuine thirst for knowledge. I believe they are ready and willing to learn. I believe my job as an educator is to ensure that their learning environment is one in which they can FEEL SAFE, SECURE, and a SENSE OF BELONGING. I believe that positive consequences and rewards stimulate intrinsic motivation in children to be peaceful, productive citizens.

School Rules

Abney Elementary has defined our school rules in the Student Handbook in the front of your child’s agenda. Please read and discuss these school rules with your child. In addition to these school guidelines, the following will highlight more clearly our classroom policies and procedures.

FISH Philosophy and CHAMPS (EXPECTATIONS)

Our school participates in the FISH for Schools Philosophy. This philosophy was developed by the Fish Market in Seattle, Washington. Employees of the fish market felt that their work was boring and not important. The employees did not find their job enjoying. They decided that they wanted to work in a place where people wanted to come to work and wanted to shop. Employees of the fish market developed a place where they enjoy working. Customers enjoy shopping and enjoy watching the employees in action. Below is an explanation of the "FISH" philosophy. The principles of the FISH Philosophy are also our class rules… See attached rubric for more information on classroom management.

Choose Your Attitude: Each of us choose our attitude. We all need to realize that we choose to be in a good mood or a bad mood. We all must help each other choose to have a good attitude. We all need to learn how to react to each other. Choose your attitude is the most important philosophy.
Be There: We are being there, when we pay attention to each others needs. We need to "be there" mentally and physically. Teachers are in tune to every student's individual need. Students can "be there" by listening, staying on-task and being kind and friendly to each other.
Make Their Day: Making someone's day is as simple as a smile or a helping hand. You can make someone's day by being kind and caring to one another. Make someone's day by understanding their needs and concerns.
Have Fun: Have a playful spirit and attitude and still stay in tune with each other. Allow yourself to have an attitude of fun, while continuing to maintain appropriate levels of instruction and discipline.

Abney is a CHAMPS school! We use CHAMPS to help all students understand their expectations around our school.
Students will find a CHAMPs board everywhere in the school. This CHAMPs board states the expectations for each area of the school.
The acronym can be broken down as follows:

C- Conversation (This is the type of conversation the child should be having.)
H- Help (If a child needs help, this expectation shows how to ask for help.)
A- Activity (This is the type of activity that should be going on.)
M- Movement (This is the type of movement that should be going on.)
P- Participation (This is who/what type of participation should be going on.)
S- Success (If all children follow these expectations, then we will have SUCCESS!)

Rewards J

Students will receive various things as rewards for positive behavior….everything from encouragement and praise, to prizes and privileges!

Consequences

· Consequences range from a Recess Reflection, Minor Infraction, and/or Parent Contact. Major Infractions are handled by the administration. Please refer to Abney’s school wide discipline policy.

ACCELERATED READER

Accelerated Reader (AR) is an exciting computer program that enhances reading comprehension. A student will first select and read a book of his/her own choosing from our school or class library. An AR book list is posted on our school website, and books can be identified in our school library with a star. After reading the selected book, the student will take a short comprehension test on the computer. Points are awarded for correct answers and the points are added to the student’s total score. Rewards will be given at the end of each quarter to recognize students who achieved their quarterly goal.

BOOK ORDERS

Book Clubs, such as Scholastic and Troll, offer great books at low prices. In addition, our class receives “bonus points” for every dollar spent. These points are used to purchase books and materials for the classroom. When book orders are sent home, you will have at least one week to turn in your orders. Please make sure to make your book order checks (NO CASH, please) payable to Scholastic – not to Woodlake. Orders usually arrive 2-3 weeks after the class order has been mailed.

HOMEWORK

Homework is a useful tool that helps your child review material we cover in class.
Your child will record daily homework assignments in his/her agenda Monday through Thursday.
Worksheets, book report forms, text book pages, games, etc. will be sent home as needed to complete the assignment. Please check over any written assignments your child completes at home for errors – it is a good way to see what we are learning and how well your child understands. In addition to any written assignments, each night your child should read at least 10-15 minutes.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Effective two-way communication between parents and teacher is essential to a child’s success in school. I will certainly be in contact with you throughout the year if any issue should occur. Please feel free to contact me with any question or concern that you may have!

FRIDAY FOLDERS

Each Friday your child will bring home a yellow folder with his/her graded work. The papers in this folder are the ones that have been recorded in the grade book. The cover sheet will inform you of the number of grades included as well as any comments. Please review the papers, return them in the folder, and sign the cover sheet on the appropriate date. If you have questions or concerns, please attach a note to the outside of the envelope so that I will find it right away.

VOLUNTEERS

Abney offers many wonderful ways for you to volunteer your time and talents to our school and students. If you are interested, please see me. J

CONTACT INFORMATION

Abney Elementary # 643-4044

· Use this phone number to contact or leave me a message. J

Abney’s Website: http://abneyelementary.stpsb.org

· You can look up school menus, important dates and information, website links, plus pictures of our school and students!

Class Website: http://teacherweb.com/LA/AbneyElementary/MrsDelaups4thGrade/index.html

· OR you can find it from the school website homepage: click on faculty, then 4^th grade, then click on my name. This will be the place you can find important information and picture updates!J

Email: KDelaup0104@aol.com or kristie.delaup@stpsb.org