Classroom Expectations

During our first week of school, the students and I will discuss classroom expectations and create a shared agreement. That agreement will focus on acting with integrity and being curious and respectful learners each day, which will build resilience.

Additionally, we will have class jobs that students will rotate through throughout the year. Once the students and I have identified the classroom needs and established our system, I will share it with you here.

DON'T FORGET TO FILL OUT THE

Family Survey

Daily Schedule

Our schedule coincides with the school's bell schedule as follows:

8:25am-8:35 am Morning Meeting

8:35-9:51 am Math

9:51-10:11 am RECESS

10:11-10:54 am Reading/English Arts

10:54-11:37am PE (M,W,F) or Music (T,Th)

11:37-12:20pm LUNCH

1:00-1:43pm Science

1:43-2:26pm Flex period

2:26-3:00pm Social Studies

3:00-3:10pm Wrap Up

Creating Positive Classroom Culture

Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, I celebrate every child's innate curiosity, imagination, and self-directed learning. I provide a safe, creative, and engaging environment where children have the freedom to explore and be active participants in connected and meaningful learning. In my classroom, we pursue learning as an adventure.

Children are born curious and self-directed learners. They explore the world around them to learn how to eat, roll over, crawl, play, walk, run, and talk. Their natural imagination allows them to be creative and solve problems. As a teacher, I create an inclusive and creative classroom by allowing students the freedom to lead their learning. I facilitate self-directed learning by providing safety, guidance, and feedback.

What does this look like? My classroom is never perfectly tidy. Various projects are underway in different stages of completion, and the bulletin boards are full of student-gathered information and questions. It looks like we are in the middle of an adventure, which we are - we are learning!

Assessing Student Progress

Assessments need to support self-directed learning.

Informal assessments are ongoing between the teacher and student. The teacher provides guidance, additional support, and tools as needs unfold.

Formal assessments are most useful to self-directed students when the content is applied. Students need to demonstrate that they can apply the skills they are learning. In this classroom, this is most often achieved through project-based assessments, where students have multiple chances to demonstrate comprehension. During the project, the teacher can see the students’ understanding firsthand and conference with students to steer corrections.

Self-assessment is a guided reflection that teaches students how to evaluate their learning. Once students know where they are, they can better articulate where they want to be, and together, the teacher and student can make a plan.

Assessment rubrics are accessible to both families and students. I post rubrics for a new unit of study on this website for families to review. Formal assessment results are available at the end of a unit.

Rituals & Traditions

Birthdays - or “how many times I’ve been around the sun”- is a ritual for all children with birthdays during the year. Parents are welcome to attend. If your child has a summer birthday, we will celebrate it on their half-birthday.

Timeline - We’ll build a classroom timeline this year. We’ll begin with birthdays and add events like the publication of their favorite book or historical events. Talk to your child about your family’s journey and stories to enrich this timeline.

Thank You Wall - This year, we will also learn how to say “thank you” in multiple languages. Help your child learn how to say and write thank you in the languages of your family or ancestors. We would love our world map to be covered with new knowledge!

School Wide Traditions

Morning Line Up - Held on the first Wednesday of every month on the Kindergarten blacktop. This tradition brings the entire student body together with staff and parents to highlight student learning and announce upcoming events.

PTA Hosted Events - pumpkin decorating, Back to School BBQ, Multi-Cultural Fair, Book Fair, Read-a-thon, and class parties.

May Day - for over 100 years families have gathered for this town festival. Learn more here.