Overview of classroom policies

"Forming habits that will lead individuals toward virtue and well-being requires that they deliberately control passions and appetite.
"...only repeated, deliberate action will change one's character. Moral character is related to moderation..." Aristotle
 
CLASSROOM INCENTIVES AND REWARDS: When students follow the rules and do the right thing, such as following rules, turning in homework on time, completing projects, and turning in daily work, they will earn classroom money called "Eagle Bucks". 

Class "Compliment Points" can be earned by the class for things like:
      a. being ready to learn when I ask for their attention,
      b. being ready to listen when I count to three,
      c. cleaning up classroom messes, especially without being asked.
      d. treating others with kindness and respect.
      e. helping others do the right thing.

Sometimes staff members give compliments to our class for things like traveling through the building quietly, or for responsible or respectful behavior.  These compliment points are tallied on the board when we get back to the classroom.
Compliment points from Dr. Beach, Mr. Washburn, or an activity teacher are worth 15 points.

These Compliment Points are converted to skittles and placed into our skittles jar. When the jar is filled, we will have a class picnic for a half day that includes parents.   

Our 4th grade class is also divided into teams.  These teams earn points by returning Communication Envelopes on time, classroom games, completing challenge sheets, and journals.  After two or three weeks, each student on the winning team receives a Frosty.  A PARENT VOLUNTEER TO PICK THESE UP IS ALWAYS NEEDED!

EFFORT:
     Students are always expected to turn in their best work. Students are highly encouraged
to correct low scores on any papers turned in, tests, quizzes, projects or book reports,to make sure they understand what was being taught.     
WATER BOTTLES:
     It would be helpful if students would bring and use a plastic water bottle with a spill-proof lid.  This avoids long lines at our drinking fountain.
 
DISCIPLINE:
    A respectful learning environment is crucial.  We emphasize three rules:
       a.  Be respectful.
       b.  Be responsible
       c.  Be safe.
If a student disrupts the learning of others, he/she will be reminded of the class and school rules and be given a behavior check. For repeated problem behavior, students will visit Mr. Washburn and will take a note home for parents to sign showing awareness of the situation.
 
PARENT VOLUNTEERS:
      I cannot imagine managing a class system without the assistance of parent volunteers.  Parents play a critical role in the functioning of our classroom.  In order to help in the classroom or chaperone field trips, please let me know your talents and skills and I will put you to work! 
 
 CLASSROOM STORE:
     At the end of each quarter, students may spend the "Eagle Bucks" they have earned and saved.  The store will be comprised of garage sale and small sale type items appropriate for Christian fourth graders.  I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY DONATED ITEMS!
 
    GRADING:
     Grading Scale:  See Handbook.
     Other grades you may see:
       O - Outstanding work for your ability level
       S - satisfactory, but keep working
       N - needs more work and effort to be up to standards
       U - unsatisfactory for our grade level GET BUSY
Any assignment with a grade of 60-79 or below is not up to grade level standards and should be corrected and turned back in to make sure concept is understood.
   
These papers will receive a sign and return sticker and should be signed and returned after being corrected. TEAM POINTS WILL BE GIVEN FOR THESE SIGNED PAPERS when possible!