Kindergarten Classroom

Here is an overview of our classroom behavior management plan, classroom rules, attendance policy, and homework policy.  Please read them carefully and go over them with your child. 

We will also be looking for volunteers to assist on field trips and for other school functions. In order to be a volunteer, you must have a background check on file.  We are looking to go on a field trip very soon and the background check could take up to 2 weeks to come back so please go into the office and fill it out as soon as possible!

If at any time you need to reach me throughout the school year, you can call the school.  If I am unavailable please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as I can.  I will also be available after school from 3:35-3:45 p.m. or by appointment.  You may also reach me by e-mail at barakam@dearbornschools.org.

Positive Behavior Support (PBS)

This is the behavior management technique that will be used throughout the school year.  Your child will come home with a homework folder every day.  Inside that folder there will be a behavior chart and each day we will fill in a color on the chart.  The colors and their meanings are as follows:

Purple/Blue:  Outstanding!

(If a student is on purple at the end of the day they will get a treat from the treasure box!)

Green:  Ready to Learn

(This is ALWAYS the expectation. All students begin the day on Green.)

Yellow:  Stop and Think About It

(This is a warning. If the student must be spoken to about behavior more than once, they may be asked to go to yellow.)

Orange:  Needs to Make Better Choices

(Students may lose 5 minutes free/recess time.)

Red:  Parent Contact

(Teacher contacts parents.)

Classroom Rules:

1. Listen when someone is speaking.
2. Raise your hand to speak.
3. Feet are for walking.
4. Follow directions quickly.
5. Be a caring friend.
6. Always do your best work.

Attendance:

Please make sure your child is in school and on time every day.  We know things come up and children get sick but it is imperative for your child to be in school.  Please make sure you come into the building and sign your child in if you arrive after the bell rings. Please do everything possible to be here on time because frequent interruptions make student learning difficult.  The children will be dismissed at 3:35 p.m. every day.   

Leader in Me: 

Our school participates in the Leader in Me program designed to empower our students to become leaders in their school, community and at home.  You will be receiving more information on the program as the year goes on.  Please encourage your child to be a leader and learn the 7 habits with them (please see 7 Habits handout).

Snack:

We will have snack every day.  Please send in a HEALTHY snack for your child daily.  (Examples: pretzels, graham crackers, cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, etc.)  The students can also bring in a water bottle to place in the back of the room in case they become thirsty during the day.  Please CLEARLY LABEL the water bottle with your child’s name.

 If anyone would like to donate large boxes of cereal, graham crackers, goldfish, etc. for the times when students forget to bring in a snack I would appreciate it. 

WE HAVE AN ALLERGY IN OUR CLASSROOM.  I AM ASKING THAT THERE ARE NO SNACKS BROUGHT IN THAT HAVE PEANUTS/TREE NUTS, SEASEME SEEDS, OR SUNFLOWER SEEDS.

Homework:

Your child will bring home a homework folder every day.  Students will have weekly math packets and they will be expected to read or be read to for 15 minutes every day. Your child will also have rainbow words to practice weekly (more information will be coming). The homework directly reinforces concepts we are working on in class, therefore, it is an essential part of your child’s learning.  The math homework is checked weekly and is due on Friday. On occasion, there may be other homework assignments in the folder that your child will need to complete.  That’s why I am asking that you PLEASE look through their folders EVERYDAY so that they do not miss these academic opportunities.  You will also find a behavior chart inside the folder.  I will mark your child’s daily behavior color on this calendar.  You will be asked to initial the behavior chart as well.  I am asking that you do this so I know you have seen your child’s behavioral progress each day.  There is also a place on the back of the behavior chart where you may write any comments or concerns. It is a great way to communicate with one another on a daily basis.   I recommend that you have these supplies at home so that your child can complete their homework. 

• Scissors                             – Crayons
• Pencils                               – Erasers
• Glue Sticks

Star of the Week:

Each week there will be a star of the week.  This child will enjoy special privileges in the room for that week.  The Star of the Week can also bring in an item for show and tell. (Please make sure the item is suitable for school and please do not bring in pets!)  The Student of the Week will receive their stars on Friday and they will need to be completed and returned by the following Monday.  Each student will have the opportunity to enjoy this activity during the school year. 

Grading:

Grading in Kindergarten is a difficult subject.  I will use observations, classwork, small group notes, and testing to determine your child’s progress.  Each child has a Leadership Binder and their progress will be documented in the binder.  They will also have individual goals that they will be working towards in the classroom for each subject.  If there is ever a concern with your child’s progress I will contact you to discuss it and I hope you will do the same.  There may be papers that come home that have no grade on them, it does not mean I haven’t seen your child’s work, I may have simply acknowledged that it was completed and took note of their progress.  I don’t want the students to focus on their “grade,” I want them to focus on growing academically. 

Extra Set of Clothes:

Please send in a change of clothes for your child in case of an accident.  (Please put the clothes in a Ziploc bag and label it with your child’s name.)

Lastly, if you can save these items and bring them in throughout the year it would be appreciated.

-Box Tops for Education

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