Handbook+for+Parents

Ritzman Community Learning Center
Success in school is built on cooperative effort between the parents, the child, and the school. When we work together, we give the children the best opportunities for success. I will do my best to create a comfortable and stimulating learning environment for all students.** I hope you and your child enjoy the discoveries we make together. ||
 * My Teaching Philosophy: Team = Together Everyone Achieves More
 * My Teaching Philosophy: Team = Together Everyone Achieves More
 * **I have high expectations for each student.**
 * **I will provide clear goals and assignments and will provide suggestions on how we as a team can meet these goals.**
 * **I will provide an environment where students are not afraid to take risks and learn new things, and where they are not afraid of making mistakes.**
 * **I believe each student should be a responsible citizen, and is capable of making appropriate choices. Their grades are a reflection of their achievements, and the rewards and consequences received are based upon their actions.**
 * **I believe that students should be able to work with other students to enhance their learning through cooperative learning activities, which will foster their individual growth in academics as well as basic life skills.**
 * ==__**Introduction**__==
 * ==__**Introduction**__==

Welcome to my room! I hope that this handbook will answer any questions you may have about third grade. The Discipline Plan is contained in this packet. Please read it over and return the signed portion tomorrow. Our specials schedule is also included. __About Your Teacher__ I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education and am certified to teach kindergarten through eighth grade. I have my master’s degree in instructional technology in education from the University of Akron. My husband and I have twin sons and a daughter. __Restroom Policy__ We usually go to the restroom as a class twice a day. Your child may use the restroom privately if needed. If your child needs to use the restroom more than three times in a school day, please send in a doctor’s excuse. Otherwise, I trust them to actually go to the bathroom. If they misbehave while on their own they will be encouraged to just use the restroom when the class goes. __Birthday Party/Invitations__ Do not send invitation or thank you cards via my classroom unless the entire class is invited or all the boys for your son or all the girls for your daughter are invited. I will not allow a child’s feelings to be hurt in my class if I can prevent it. Please don’t send them in. (I will take them if I see them.) They’re always discovered and someone is left out and is hurt. Treats may be sent in for the class, if you wish. Just make sure that all supplies are included. One year someone sent in a treat that required bowls and spoons, which weren’t provided, so the children couldn’t enjoy the treat. Also, please do not send in drinks. We have easy access to water fountains. __Planners__ Each student will receive a planner provided by the school. The children are to copy the homework listed in their weekly newsletter into the planner daily. They should check-off any completed assignments and finish the others as homework. The planner is an excellent way to send me a note. Just have your child show it to me. __Computers__ Ritzman CLC must have an internet permission slip on file in order for your child to use the computers/tablets/laptops. The children will write and present reports using the computers, import graphics, get information from the internet, use interactive software, and use websites. They love this and they’ll be very good at it by the end of the year. __Grading Scale__ I use Akron Public Schools’ recommended grading scale. It is: A=90-100% B=80-89% C= 70-79% D= 60-69% and F is below 60% ||
 * ==__Curriculum__==

Social Studies – We will study Akron, Ohio, and the United States. Our map study will provide an understanding of the world’s countries and general map reading skills. Most of the assignments for Social Studies will be completed independently for homework.

Reading – We may read novels obtained from the Main Library. Please make sure these books are not lost. There will be a $5.00 fine for any lost book. The children will work on their seatwork in class. They will have reading stations that will involve computer assignments, seatwork, conferencing, and silent or group reading.

Spelling - Students are to copy their words in their planners on Mondays and take the final test on Fridays. We will be doing choral reading, readers’ theater, and skits this year. We always love an audience if you can drop in. Please check the planner and website for information.

Science – We will study Rocks and Minerals, Plants, and hatch chicks. Most of the assignments for Science will be completed as homework.

Math- In math, we review the four basic operations and then build on them with fractions, decimals, and geometry. We also work with calculators provided in the classroom. Please work with flashcards at home. They need to know their basic facts for all four operations. Our Math text is available online for your convenience. ||
 * 


 * lots of sharpened pencils with erasers attached.
 * NO SHARPENERS
 * some type of zippered carrying case, box, or zippered pouch for pencils and crayons
 * large erasers (they are usually pink)
 * bookbag – large enough to carry homework and lunch but small enough to fit in the lockers- no wheels, please.
 * 16 or 24- count crayons kept in their zippered pouch- art supplies are optional
 * dry erase markers to use at their seats (not yellow!) and something with which to erase like a sock, a piece of cloth, or a dry erase eraser.
 * Any other materials must fit in the locker.

I would appreciate any donations of the following for the classroom:
 * __Donations __**
 * facial tissue throughout the school year
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">dry erase markers
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">pencils – just the plain old yellow wooden ones work fine!
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">paper towel rolls
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">wet wipes ||
 * __Discipline Plan__
 * __Discipline Plan__

By third grade children know what is expected of them in school. They also know that choosing to disobey rules results in consequences. The rules in our class are:

1. Be prepared for class. This includes having all materials for daily work, completed homework, and proper eating and sleeping habits.

2. Respect yourself and others. Only one person speaks at a time, don’t interrupt, don’t push, don’t call each other names, don’t embarrass yourself or anyone else, no put-downs, don’t prevent another from learning, and no fighting.

3. Follow all school rules. The school rules are listed in the school handbook. There are playground rules, lunch rules, bus rules, and school rules included in the handbook. In order to guarantee your child and all the students in our classroom an effective environment in which to learn, the classroom management plan, and rules and procedures as outlined in this handbook, are followed in our classroom. All students have the right to be in a safe environment in which they are treated with respect, treated fairly, and have an opportunity to learn. Student behavior that interferes with teacher and/or with any student learning in not tolerated. Rules and procedures are necessary. To enable us to work as partners in your child’s education, please review the information in the handbook with your child.

Please sign below indicating that you have read this handbook with your child and that you understand the discipline plan, and return it to school.

**Classroom Management Plan - Ritzman Community Learning Center - Mrs. Devus, Room 8, Grade Three** Any student with two Red days for the year will not accompany us on our field trips. If they cannot control themselves in a classroom, I cannot be responsible for them on a field trip. ||
 * Green** – super citizen- We will have “reward recess” for those students who maintain “green” for the week.
 * Yellow** – warning, improper behavior
 * Blue -** warrants a loss of ten minutes of recess
 * Red** – letter from teacher and possible principal meeting
 * [[image:http://w3.akron.k12.oh.us/schools/268/rooms/devus/devush1.gif width="136" height="123"]]

I have read the handbook and understand the steps in the discipline plan.

parent’s signature _ _ date _

child’s signature date




 * I know that when children take pride in their work and in their behavior that their education will flourish.** ||  ||   ||