Classroom Arrangement:  In our classroom, we use flexible seating.  In order to enjoy the benefits of flexible seating, there are procedures that must be followed.  Attached you will find a copy of our Flexible Seating Expectations and Student Contract.  Your child will complete the student contract on his/her first day.

Classroom Instruction:  I teach in groups.  Student groups are based on data achievement levels and overall work ethic to keep ability in groups evenly matched.  Groups are separated each day into instructional group and independent group.  Each group meets with me for instruction every day.   Each group will also have the opportunity to work independently each day.  Independent groups are given a posted list of activities to complete each day which always includes extra credit. 

Tests:  Tests are scheduled every 4 to 7 class days depending on complexity of the material.  Students are always given advanced notice of a test.  Parents can check my school webpage and class dojo for homework and test updates. 

Make-ups:  Students have 5 class days to make up any missed test.  In the case of extenuating circumstances, students have until the week prior to report cards to make up a missed test. 

Retakes:  Students are allowed to retake any math test with a D or an F as the letter grade.  The student will receive the best grade of the two tests.  Dates for retesting are typically every two weeks.   Students may come during his/her specials time to retake a test.  Once a window has closed for retesting, a student may not retake a test that was given during that window. All retesting windows are posted in class on the white board and promethean board, on my school webpage, and on ClassDojo.

Red Folder: Please, look for your child’s red folder each Wednesday to review his/her grades.  Sign the appropriate date on the signature sheet and return to school by the following Friday.  A reminder phone call or dojo message will be sent to parents of students failing to return his/her test folder.  Students who consistently fail to return his/her signed folder to class will lose 2 minutes of his/her recess until the folder is returned signed. Please, contact your child’s teacher with any questions regarding math test grades. 

Grading Scale:

93 – 100  A

85 – 92     B

75 – 86     C

67 – 76     D

below 67  F

Projects and Extra Credit:  Math projects may be given throughout the year as extra credit.  All students are encouraged to take these opportunities even if they already have a passing grade in the class.  Other extra credit may include correctly answering bellwork and exit ticket questions, completing iReady and Moby Max lessons, correctly completing 40 Task Cards, and bonus questions on tests.  Each holiday break students can expect to go home with a math extra credit project.  These extra credit projects are completely voluntary and always simple to complete.

PBIS and ClassDojo:  At Gramercy Elementary we follow a PBIS program (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports).  These are school-wide expectations created by administration and faculty to hold students accountable for his/her behavior.  In general positive behavior is rewarded and negative behavior endures consequences.  I, along with my 6^th grade colleagues, use ClassDojo to keep track of student behaviors.  Homerooms are linked among the 6^th grade teachers so any points awarded or deducted from a student’s account can be seen by all teachers as well as parents and students.  You have been presented with an access code for Classroom Dojo.  Please, register a free account and download the ClassDojo phone app. Your child will have his/her own access to class dojo, so there is no need to share your login information with your child. 
ClassDojo is a lifesaver for teachers and parents.  It is used as a main form of communication through its messaging feature.  Private messages can be sent between teacher and parent regarding grades, behavior, school activities, etc.  I also use the messaging feature to send weekly updates to parents regarding class assignments, retesting windows, school activities, etc.  ClassDojo is also a great way to make important school forms and notices available to you and to share photos of classroom or school activities by way of the School Story feature.

Contact Information:

Email:  [email protected]                

Flexible seating allows students a choice in where to sit each day in order for them to do their best work.  Research shows that students are able to focus and do their best work when they are comfortable, so what better way to help a student feel comfortable than to make him/her feel at home.  Visit our classroom and you will not see rows of desks.  Instead, your child has a choice of the following seating each day: desks combined into tables, dinette tables, coffee tables, chairs, stools, rockers, yoga balls, yoga mats, standing table, and balance boards.  Students may be kneeling, standing, or sitting; it’s their choice.  They are simply asked to observe the following expectations; Please, review them with your child:

Flexible Seating Expectations:

1. I will choose a seat that allows me to do my best work.
2. If I sit by a friend, I will work QUIETLY.
3. If a spot is not working for me, I may move.
4. I will use seats and community supplies appropriately.
5. I will return all seats and supplies to their appropriate locations.
6. My teacher reserves the right to move me at any time.

There are multiple areas around the classroom where students may find supplies such as pencils, paper, scissors, glue, white boards, markers, calculators, etc. Students may use the supplies at any time as long as they return them to their appropriate places.  Respect of our classroom furniture and supplies is paramount.  This is OUR room.  Students are expected to care for our classroom furniture and supplies as though it is their own.  Any misuse or vandalism of classroom materials or furniture will be handled according to the handbook.  Please, review the student handbook with your child.

Please join us in helping make our classroom a successful learning space for every child. If at any time you would like to donate an item for our classroom, the following would be appreciated: 

–pillows          –carpet squares         –small tables         –bean bag chairs    –stools        –lounge chairs            –clipboards         –dry erase markers  –etc

STUDENT CONTRACT

Flexible Seating

I                                                                       promise to use our classroom seating options the way they were designed to be used.  Each day I will choose a workspace and seating option that will help me do my best.

I understand that our flexible seating options are here to help me learn and should be treated with respect along with all classroom materials.  I promise not to vandalize or misuse the classroom furniture or supplies in any way.

I understand that the freedom to use our flexible seating options is a privilege.  If Mrs. Boucvalt sees that I am not following our agreement, she can move my workspace at any time.  I promise to move respectfully and without hesitation.

If I am not sure, or have a question, about the seating choices, I will ask Mrs. Boucvalt.