Classroom Update

Binders went home on Friday(3/30). They should be reviewed, signed, and returned to school on Monday(4/2). Report cards will be coming home Monday, April 9th. Please keep your eyes open! Also, if you would like to meet for a parent/teacher conference please fill out the conference request form, found in the report card envelop with a day and time that is convenient for you. Thanks!

This week was quite trying for all participants of E-8. Unfortunately, some of us have forgotten how to treat others with respect and the rules of the behavior contract that was signed during the first days of school. The behavior of the whole class, while I was a meeting Friday morning, was less than desirable. Students were disrespectful to each other and the substitute. We had a long discussion about it Friday afternoon and students responded to the situation in their Writer's Notebook with some great ideas of how to change the overall tone of our classroom.

I have been reflecting on their behavior all weekend, taking student's suggestions into account and wondering what I have not done to develop a respectful learning environment for each child in my classroom. I have decided that my expectations have been consistent and clear throughout the year and that it was time for the students to be held accountable for their behavior. At this point of the year I believe it is in the children's hands whether or not they will behave appropriately. I have decided that all students will have to earn their way onto the class field trip, that is currently scheduled for May 7th. Obviously, if your child has been behaving and a participating as respectful member of our classroom they will not have a problem. However, for those students who have had difficulty controlling their behavior, making good choices and being a respectful member of our classroom, they will be closely monitored. They will, hopefully, be working to earn back the trust of their classmates and myself, in able to attend the field trip.

We all must work together to create a respectful environment where all students can learn and confidently grow as individuals, without the ridicule of others. My educational philosophy has always included the development of the whole child and developing a learning community where all students feel safe to learn and grow. I believe I have provided and modeled my expectations to the students all year and it is now their turn to put them into practice.

I am hoping to see a change in each student's behavior during the remainder of the year, in or out of our classroom. Whether it is to lead more by example, stand up to the disrespect and bullying or to begin respecting others and themselves by being a positive member of E-8. No matter what the change we can all be improve and become stronger, more positive members of E-8.