Behavior goals and expectations help create a classroom community where children feel comfortable in expressing themselves positively and responsibly. All students are expected to display behaviors that reflect the LIFESKILLS® and Lifelong Guidelines.

To help the students achieve the desired behaviors, a system based on clearly-established choices and consequences will be used. The following are our classroom rules:

RULE 1: Respect and be kind to others.

RULE 2: Listen to and follow directions the first time.

RULE 3: Raise your hand and wait politely to speak.

RULE 4: Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

RULE 5: Stay on task and complete work.

RULE 6: Follow cafeteria/playground rules.

The behavior system is based on a three-step process:

Step 1: One verbal warning defines the rule broken.

Step 2: Student brings Star Folder to the teacher’s desk. An “R” (reminder) will be placed in the student’s folder with the number of the rule broken. Teacher and student discuss the rule and its meaning. Student will be asked to problem solve his/her behavior and come up with strategies to improve behavior.

Step 3: A logical consequence will be given as either a lunch recess, time served in a buddy classroom or in another way as deemed appropriate by the teacher.*

*If there are repeat offenses in one week the child will not participate in Preferred Activity Time on Friday and he/she will not earn a reward stamp at the end of the week. During the time when students are enjoying their self-selected activities, the child will write the rule that was broken and a plan for how to improve upon his/her behavior in the future. Student and teacher will review the writing together.

Your child will bring home the Star Folder containing the Behavior Chart each day. THE BEHAVIOR CHART MUST BE SIGNED EVERY WEEKEND AND RETURNED TO SCHOOL EACH MONDAY. If your child forgets to return the Star Folder, he/she will be asked to sit out 5 minutes of recess.

Star Folders are a key component in teaching responsibility for actions within the classroom. It is very important that you praise your child for a job well done in following classroom and school goals. Thank you for your support in this endeavor to help your child be the best that he/she can be!

I am here to help your child perform to the best of his/her ability. A formal grading period will take place four times a year with a spring and fall conference. Our school uses the grading terms E = Excellent, S = Satisfactory, N = Needs improvement and U = Unsatisfactory.  Your child will also be given a 1,2,3, or 4 to indicate how they are progressing on the First Grade Common Core Standards in addition to behavior grades and academic and behavioral indicators from special area teachers. 

Even though we have formal grading periods please do not hesitate to contact me about your child’s progress at any time. We do not have to wait for a formal conference time to address needs and concerns. I am available to you by telephone or voice mail at 623-376-3948 or by email at [email protected]. I will try to return your calls or emails as soon as possible.

One time this year your child will be given a special week to be our STAR student. I will give you a poster in advance for you to fill out so that we can learn more about your child. During this week you may bring a special treat to share with the class. Also, please have your child bring his or her favorite book to share as well.

Any changes in transportation must be communicated to me in writing. Children may be released ONLY to persons indicated on the school emergency card unless otherwise communicated in writing. This is for your child’s safety and will be strictly followed.

If your child is a bus rider, please review the bus conduct rules with him/her. We want to emphasize safe and respectful behavior when riding the bus.

Birthdays will be celebrated in class by special recognition and singing. A SIMPLE treat may be shared that day. Please advise me ahead if you want to send a snack. Party invitations should not be given out at school unless they are given to the whole class.

You may find a link to the Scholastic website on my website to order books for your child’s personal library. These books are very reasonable and particularly valuable to our emergent readers. I will alert you to orders frequently.  Ordering is done online.   Allow approximately three weeks for the order to arrive. Our classroom also benefits from these orders as teachers earn points toward books for the classroom library.

You may obtain a supply list from the school office. Generally speaking the three things that are most needed during the year are Kleenex, paper towels and baby wipes. I will notify parents of particular needs throughout the year if you wish to contribute. Requested items are always appreciated.*

(Arizona law requires that public schools provide supplies required for academic success. Lists represent optional, supplementary items which you may supply, at your discretion. If you have questions, feel free to contact the school.)

Our classroom will have four parties throughout the year: fall, winter, friendship day (Valentine’s Day) and the end of the year.

You can be part of our classroom in many ways. Some parents wish to work with students during the center portion of our day. Some parents choose to serve in the copy room, be a homeroom parent, assist during field trips or “being there” experiences or help with classroom parties. Please fill out a volunteer form if you are interested in helping. Please see me for a form.  Our volunteers this year will help in the classroom from 9:30 - 11:15. 

Please try to get your child to school on time! Our first activity of the morning sets the tone for the whole day and is an important part of the learning day.

An explanation of the star folder is in your child's daily folder.  Remember that this folder goes back and forth to school DAILY.  Please remember to initial any notes in the communication log.   Thank you!  This is great way to keep you informed of important information coming home.