Classroom Rules
In the classroom the children are following rules based on the following two “Big Ideas” and a pattern of thought I learned growing up in Hawaii.
The two “Big Ideas” are:
“Do the right thing.” and “Think before you act.”
The pattern of thought is called Kina’ole and it states:
Do the right thing,
In the right way,
At the right time,
In the right place,
To the right person,
For the right reason,
With the right feeling…
The first time.
We have a few rules but most of your child’s behavior is guided by the above statements.
Four of our rules are:
- Follow directions the first time they are given.
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
- Raise your hand, be recognized, and then speak clearly.
- Use appropriate language.
If students can come to school and keep the above things in mind 4th grade will be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
The consequences for not remembering the above concepts and ideas are as follows:
1st Violation: A verbal warning.
2nd Violation: Lose all recess.
3rd Violation: Lose recess for two days and student will call parent to explain situation.
Severe Violation: Parent and student conference with Principal.
In addition, students will be removed from activities if they disrupt the educational process. In other words if they keep others from learning they will be asked to not participate in the activity.
Since time is a very important element in the classroom we will be very conscious of time wasted. If students choose to waste time when lining up, when coming in from recess, in transition from one subject to the other, and during lessons that time will need to be made up during recess.
Rewards for “Doing the right thing” and “Thinking before you act” and following the idea of Kina’ole involve the whole class. The class will earn extra recess, free time, and/or treats for successful and positive classroom behavior.
Other Information
Birthdays In our classroom we celebrate birthdays once a month. On the chosen day you are invited to bring treats for the class. Usually the celebration is held near the end of the month. I will send home a note with the birthday celebrants. Summer birthdays will be celebrated at the end of the school year.
Visits If you wish to visit the classroom to help with your child’s education please let me know ahead of time so I can find a way to best use your limited time. Please try not to bring small children with you as they may distract you. If you are just visiting or are coming to help please check in at the office first and then please come on in.
Fieldtrips As of now fieldtrips for the year have not been decided. If and when they are you will receive a permission slip to sign that tells you where we are going and when we are going. At that time you will also be asked if you wish to come with us. In most cases we can accommodate as many parents that wish to go on the fieldtrip.
If you have questions please call me at school at 922-1005.
Sincerely,
Dan Blitman
Updated: August 20, 2008