Accelerated Reader (AR) -
We will be
participating in the Accelerated Reader program, in which students read books
at their
individual reading levels. All students will be tested soon after
the start of the school year and again in January to determine their reading
level. They will choose books from the school library in their level. After
reading each book, students will take a multiple choice comprehension quiz on
the classroom computers. Please look for a report that lets you know how your
child did on that quiz and how he or she is progressing towards a trimester
goal. It is called a TOPS report. Every AR book has a point value. They will
earn points according to their performance on quizzes. I will assist each child
individually in setting a point goal for each trimester to work toward.
Opportunities will be given each morning to go back to the library and exchange
books they have already read for new ones.
Assignment notebooks –
Each child will receive an
assignment notebook on the first day of school. This will be used as another
very important form of
communication. At the end of each day, students
will be asked to record their homework and other messages on the page with the
corresponding date. If you would please look at their
assignment notebook each night and also initial it, I will be assured that you
are aware of all homework assignments and other pertinent information. We
can also use this space to write brief notes to each other, or you may attach
other written communication. Each morning I will look at assignment notebooks
to check for initials and other messages. Assignment notebooks are a
useful communication tool between home and school, as well as, a great way for
students to learn to be responsible, accountable, and organized. I appreciate
your assistance in using this tool consistently.
Homework –
Students will occasionally be given homework. This homework is typically work that did
not get finished during the school day. It should not take longer than 15-20
minutes to complete. Homework will consist mainly of math practice pages and
other short reading and writing assignments. Occasionally larger projects will
be assigned. Advance notice and specific written
instructions will be sent
home for these projects. If a student does not complete and return their
homework, he or she will be kept in for recess to complete the assignment in the
classroom.
Positive Behavior
Interventions and Supports (PBIS) /”Green Light” System –
Newport
School will continue PBIS again this year. PBIS is a behavior plan
that
encompasses all students and every location at Newport School. In a nutshell,
it is a behavior management system in which
expected school behaviors are
identified and taught to students. Those students whose behavior meets
expectations will be
recognized and rewarded. At Newport we expect students
to:
1. Take responsibility
2. Be Safe
3. Be Respectful
We will use the “Green Light” system to monitor individual behavior in our
classroom. It is quite simple. Each student’s name will be on a chart posted
in our classroom. All the names begin the day on a sign that says "Ready to
Learn" (Green).This green "light" represents positive behavior in which students
are following all classroom and school expectations. If there is a problem and
a student has to be given a verbal warning I will move his or her name to "Slow
Down" (yellow). If the problem continues, or a more serious problem occurs,
the student will be moved to "Parent Contact" (red). Additionally, students can
move up as well. Above "Ready to Learn" (green) is "Outstanding" (blue).
Whenever I catch someone doing something wonderful or putting for excellent
effort, I will move their name this blue sign. And there is one step above that
as well! There is a purple level that is above the blue.
At the end of the
day I will record their final color in their assignment notebook to keep you
informed of their behavior. Children who earn a red light will be required to
write a note to you explaining why they received the red light. Please sign
the note and return it to me.
We will be
participating in the Accelerated Reader program, in which students read books
at their
individual reading levels. All students will be tested soon after
the start of the school year and again in January to determine their reading
level. They will choose books from the school library in their level. After
reading each book, students will take a multiple choice comprehension quiz on
the classroom computers. Please look for a report that lets you know how your
child did on that quiz and how he or she is progressing towards a trimester
goal. It is called a TOPS report. Every AR book has a point value. They will
earn points according to their performance on quizzes. I will assist each child
individually in setting a point goal for each trimester to work toward.
Opportunities will be given each morning to go back to the library and exchange
books they have already read for new ones.
Assignment notebooks –
Each child will receive an
assignment notebook on the first day of school. This will be used as another
very important form of
communication. At the end of each day, students
will be asked to record their homework and other messages on the page with the
corresponding date. If you would please look at their
assignment notebook each night and also initial it, I will be assured that you
are aware of all homework assignments and other pertinent information. We
can also use this space to write brief notes to each other, or you may attach
other written communication. Each morning I will look at assignment notebooks
to check for initials and other messages. Assignment notebooks are a
useful communication tool between home and school, as well as, a great way for
students to learn to be responsible, accountable, and organized. I appreciate
your assistance in using this tool consistently.
Homework –
Students will occasionally be given homework. This homework is typically work that did
not get finished during the school day. It should not take longer than 15-20
minutes to complete. Homework will consist mainly of math practice pages and
other short reading and writing assignments. Occasionally larger projects will
be assigned. Advance notice and specific written
instructions will be sent
home for these projects. If a student does not complete and return their
homework, he or she will be kept in for recess to complete the assignment in the
classroom.
Positive Behavior
Interventions and Supports (PBIS) /”Green Light” System –
Newport
School will continue PBIS again this year. PBIS is a behavior plan
that
encompasses all students and every location at Newport School. In a nutshell,
it is a behavior management system in which
expected school behaviors are
identified and taught to students. Those students whose behavior meets
expectations will be
recognized and rewarded. At Newport we expect students
to:
1. Take responsibility
2. Be Safe
3. Be Respectful
We will use the “Green Light” system to monitor individual behavior in our
classroom. It is quite simple. Each student’s name will be on a chart posted
in our classroom. All the names begin the day on a sign that says "Ready to
Learn" (Green).This green "light" represents positive behavior in which students
are following all classroom and school expectations. If there is a problem and
a student has to be given a verbal warning I will move his or her name to "Slow
Down" (yellow). If the problem continues, or a more serious problem occurs,
the student will be moved to "Parent Contact" (red). Additionally, students can
move up as well. Above "Ready to Learn" (green) is "Outstanding" (blue).
Whenever I catch someone doing something wonderful or putting for excellent
effort, I will move their name this blue sign. And there is one step above that
as well! There is a purple level that is above the blue.
At the end of the
day I will record their final color in their assignment notebook to keep you
informed of their behavior. Children who earn a red light will be required to
write a note to you explaining why they received the red light. Please sign
the note and return it to me.