Additional Information

Late Work:

Late work will be accepted for up to one week after the original due date. However, for each day late a 5% point deduction will be included. In matters such as illness, hospitalization, or other unplanned and avoidable incidences, students situations will be examined and handled on an individual basis. Students will have access to an absent binder that they will refer to if they were absent. This will provide them with any work they may have missed during their absence. I will also mark down their absence for my own records. Students will have three days from the day they return to complete and turn in any work they have missed. After the three day period a 5% late deduction will be added. Of course, this is dependent on each individual scenario. 

Tardiness:

Tardiness is defined as being late. Students will be marked late if they are not in the classroom when the bell rings. Tardiness is unacceptable and disrupts student learning. Sometimes tardiness is unavoidable, and will be handled on a case by case basis. Once a student receives three tardiness marks they will owe me a recess, if they earn four or more parent contact will be made, and if they earn 5 or more a plan of action will be made between myself, the student, and administration. 

Homework:

We will try our best to complete all of our school work in class, however, sometimes that may not happen. In this case, students will be required to bring their school work home to complete as homework, and will be expected to bring it back to school by the specified due date. We will have a daily requirement of 20 minutes of reading each day, that is to be recorded on the reading log provided to your students each month. On Fridays students will have 30 minutes of free time to either silent read or to catch up on any late/missing work they may have. 

Homework Folders:

Each student will have a folder that will be sent home on Tuesday nights each week. This folder will include important forms and reminders for parents such as book orders and the class newsletter. The students are required to bring this folder back signed and with any necessary forms filled out and signed by Thursdays each week. There will be a labeled basket in our classroom for students to hand in forms, notes from parents, permission slips, and so on. Parents are welcome to send notes for me back in this folder as well. The Remind App will also be utilized.

Extra Credit/Extra Help Opportunities:

Extra credit options will be rare, however I will notify parents and students, with plenty of time, if an opportunity does come up.

Opportunities for extra help will always be available. Students can come talk to me if they feel comfortable enough, parents can contact me and request this, or students can fill our a form requesting extra help and turn it in to my basket and I will address them as they come in. I will be available to provide extra help at school, in our classroom during after school hours and occasionally morning hours. If students/parents are unavailable during these times, I am willing to look into weekend hours as well. Students are also welcome to come in during my prep time or lunch time if an arrangement is made in advance. 

Grade Checks and Academic Concerns:

Students grades will be updated consistently as new grades come in. I will send home monthly grade reports and will also be happy to check on grades if requested. I plan to eventually utilize a system that will allow parents and students to log into an online program that lets them check on their grades periodically. I will contact parents if I have any concerns and hope that parents/students contact me as well if any concerns arise. This can be done by email, phone, or an arranged meeting. I would be happy to make a plan of action to improve grades and such if I or parents/student feel it is necessary. 

Office Hours:

My office hours are Monday-Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm. I will be unavailable on the weekends and non school days. I will answer any final concerns and inquiries up to two weeks after class has ended for the summer. Inquiries made after this two week period will be handled on a case by case basis. I love my students, and am greatly dedicated to supporting them along their academic journey. However, it is important to remember that I have a family as well and that weekends and summer breaks are when I get a break to spend time with my family and to recharge! If there are any other additional questions or concerns that may come up, feel free to contact me! Thank you, and I look forward to working with you and your students!

Parent Communication

The three ways that I plan to communicate with parents to establish and maintain a positive relationship are by providing frequent, consistent phone calls to parents regarding their students. These phone calls will take place for both positive situations and in times of conflict. I will maintain open communication and will notify the parents of any important information as soon as possible. This will help the parents and students build a trusting relationship with me. The second way I plan to provide communication with parents is by sending home a weekly classroom newsletter. This will help the parents stay in the loop of what is going on with their students and in the classroom. This newsletter will include reminders, volunteer opportunities, special notes or facts, and more. It will give parents a bit more insight into our classroom. Lastly, I plan to create a class website or download a communication app, or both to stay in contact with parents and guardians. This will provide me an easy way to get the word out to everyone. I can utilize these resources to send homework reminders, homework corrections, answer important questions parents or students may have, and share other valuable information. When everyone works together, success is easier to come by. 

Parents are able to access me via email, phone calls, or in person meetings. However, during school hours I will remain focused on my students and the lessons at hand. I will not be responding to emails, phone calls, or the similar unless it is an emergency situation. However, I would be happy to schedule a time to address any other matters before or after school, during my prep time, or occasionally during my lunch break. Feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have!

Rules, Consequences, & Reward System

Classroom Rules:

1. Treat others the way you want to be treated; with respect.
2. Raise your hand to speak, wait to be called on before speaking.
3. Respect others space, property, body, and learning.
4. Keep your work space and classroom neat.
5. Be prepared and on task.

Consequences:

“Logical consequences are a way to help fix problems that result from students' words and actions when they break or forget rules. They help students regain self-control, reflect on their mistakes, and make amends for them. Logical consequences should be respectful of the student, relevant to the situation, and reasonable in scale.” (Creating Classroom Rules Together. (n.d.). My selected method of consequence/behavior management will be a clip chart, as I have seen clip charts be successful on several occasions and it provides the students a visual. This option allows students the ability to watch how their behavior is affecting them and gives them opportunities to make better decisions, eventually resulting in better behavior or discipline. I like that this option allows you to start over fresh everyday so that students are always able to have a better day if they so choose.

Clip Chart:

-          All students start on “Ready To Learn,” every day.

-          For good behavior students, will move their clip up the chart, moving their clip up to (“Good Choices,” “Great Job,” and “Super Student.”)

-          For poor behavior students, will move their clip down the chart, moving their clip down to (“Think About It,” “Teachers Choice,” and “Parent Contact.”)

-          Once the day has ended, I will record daily where the students ended the day at and I will then move all of the clips back to “Ready To Learn” for the next day.

-          Dependent on where the student ends up for the day they will receive a different reward/consequence.

-           If they end on “Good Choices” they receive one sticker, if they end on “Great Job” they receive two stickers, and if they end on “Super Student” they automatically receive a reward ticket. 15 stickers can be turned in for one reward ticket. 10 stickers can be turned in for a trip to the treasure chest. 5 stickers can be turned in for a pencil or little treat. Once the students have used the stickers they no longer count, and the student must earn more in order to continue receiving rewards. Reward tickets consist of things such as lunch with the teacher, wear fuzzy socks or a hat, sit in teachers chair ect. Rewards can be switched up if students seem to get bored with them.

-          If a student ends on “Think About It” they will take five minutes to sit and think about their behavior immediately. If a student moves their clip to “Teachers Choice” they will lose a privilege that I choose and this could be different for all. At times, it may be losing five minutes of recess, having to write an apology/explanation for their behavior, ect and lastly, if they move their clip to “Parent Contact” the students’ parents will be contacted via a note home, a phone call, or an email depending on what the situation is pertaining to.

-          If the matter is violent or harmful such as kicking, hitting, throwing stuff, ect the student will immediately be sent to the office and the parents will receive a phone call home.

Documentation:

-          Behavior rewards and consequences, and steps taken will be documented in a binder for reference if need be. If the student receives four parent contacts in one month time frame they will owe me a recess. If they receive five or more parent contacts, they will lose a fun day- see special reward.

Special Reward:

Student participation and focus is very important when determining student success, that is why it is crucial that students listen and do not interrupt, or talk with friends during class. That is why I would like to implement “Blurt Beans” into my classroom. Blurt beans helps students take responsibility for their own behavior and helps them learn to refrain from blurting out and talking while others are talking. This method works by having two clear jars or containers. One container for the blurt beans that students lose and one for the reward jar. Start by putting three levels of tape around the jar, each with a reward that the students aim to earn. Everyday each student will start with four pinto beans, which they are responsible for. If they blurt or talk when they are not supposed to they place a bean in the blurt bean jar. At the end of the day they place their remaining beans into the reward jar. Once the students fill the jar to the reward line they earn that reward. Rewards can change each time you start the jar over. Examples can include movie day, pizza party, ice cream party, hat day ect. This will encourage students to remain quiet and work as a team to motivate one another to be quiet. This can be a group or individual incentive and the amount of beans can change depending on grade/ability. 

Student Content and Grading

Students will be learning a great deal of academic curriculum as well as character building techniques. We will touch on material such as manners, classroom procedures, acceptable behavior, accountability, responsibility, and respect. Second grade is an ideal time to continue practicing essential information such as practicing and improving reading and writing skills, mathematical skills, and vocabulary/phonics. We will touch on sight words, and new vocabulary, mathematical operations such as simple addition, and subtraction and so much more! We will have a daily "DEAR" (Drop Everything And Read) time for 20 minutes of our day. This is beneficial for students as it helps improve their reading, fluency, and comprehension skills, as well as many other areas.

Student mastery will be accessed through periodic quizzes, and content-based knowledge tests. Along with consistent hands-on activities, worksheets, projects, and more. Mastery will also be accessed periodically throughout the course of the year using exit tickets, review games, student self assessments, and more. I will grade students on a percentage/letter grading scale. In class work will be worth 40% of the students grade, homework will be worth 30% and tests and quizzes will be worth 30% of the students final grades. An example is pictured below: https://i0.wp.com/greatcollegeadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/slide15.jpg

Behavioral Expectations and Digital Citizenship

My students will begin learning the classroom procedures right away from day one, once they enter the classroom. These procedures will be practiced for as long as it takes to gain mastery, and will be reintroduced and reminded as need be. The first step in this process will be an “Entry or Arrival Routine.” This will be something the students do every day upon arrival. It will include the students entering the classroom, handing in any necessary forms, notes, or homework, selecting their lunch choice, they will then read the “morning message” that I have left for them on the board, and then they will answer the question and complete the activity listed on the board. Often times this will include an activity that they will do at their desk until everyone has arrived and settled. This gets students minds working immediately and gets them focused and into “work mode.” It also will give me time to assist any students who may have concerns. Students will know to first hang up their backpack and coat in their locker, and to come in prepared.

To help my students learn how to effectively and efficiently participate in class I will implement the “Give Me Five” technique that helps students know exactly how they should be behaving during class. It can be used as a simple reminder in gesture form, or as a self- regulation tool for students as well. The procedure consists of five main rules that the students will adhere to for effective listening. (1. Eyes on speaker 2. Lips closed 3. Ears listening 4. Sit up straight 5. Hands and feet still.) The terms can be adjusted for student needs and such.

Procedures are such an important part of a smooth-running classroom that there are several places where having a procedure in place is important. Some other areas where I will have procedures in place are during work time for both individual and group work, walking down the hall, lining up, and more. During independent work time, I will have a procedure in place that has students remain in their seat, working quietly and independently, they will have two colored cards. One will be green and one will be red. When the students are, stuck or have a question, they will place the red card up on their desk and will continue to work. I will then help them, once I get to them. If I see the students green card out I will know everything is going well for them. This process will give me a visual and help me to easily see who needs help while I am walking around. It creates less of a distraction and allows the students to continue working rather than waiting with their hand up.

Digital safety is important for student safety. My students will be advised that they are only allowed to access appropriate/approved websites, they will need to sign a “technology contract” stating they are aware of this and willing to comply. I will require all my students to allow me to see what they are doing at all times and will restrict them from posting any personal information on the internet such as name, picture, address, and so on. They will all have accounts that I can go on and view whenever I would like to ensure they are following the rules.

Student safety in general is another important factor. Accidents often happen when students are being too rambunctious. For this reason, I will require students to line up in a safe manner. This will include students standing up quietly and pushing their chairs in once they are called on and then they will walk to the line joining their classmates, they will face forward, stay still, and remain silent. This will continue throughout the hallway as well.

I plan to have these procedures posted in the classroom, and displayed on a projector/power point every morning for the first couple weeks until the students have them mastered. They will always have them posted in the classroom for reference, and I will send a copy home with them so they can share it with their parents and so they can keep it to refer back to. 

Classroom Engagement and Management

In order to achieve success, students need structure, guidance, and support; this will help ensure they are the most successful individuals they can be. Student success stems from student engagement, this refers to the level of interest and participation a student gains from their learning environment and the academic content presented to them. Student engagement is a key factor in determining student motivation. “Compared to less engaged peers, engaged students demonstrate more effort, experience more positive emotions and pay more attention in the classroom (Fredricks, Blumenfeld, & Paris, 2004).” (Tammy L. Stephens (June, 06, 2016) Teachers play a vital role in the engagement and motivation of students, making consistency, and teacher enjoyment and confidence very important. To be effective educators must relate to their audience, this includes educating themselves on their student’s interests, and background. When students can relate to the topic at hand, they are much more likely to actively participate and to remain focused. Ideally, teachers will focus on creating an engaging environment for their students that will diminish negative behavior, welcome student input, and teach students what is expected of them, and will provide them with insight on how they can become better individuals. This is done by encouraging traits such as responsibility, accountability, reliability, integrity, independence, and so many more useful characteristics that play a major role in becoming successful human beings. By educating students on how to be polite, prepared, and informed listeners you are providing them with skills they can use for the future. 

In my future classroom, I plan to focus my efforts on creating a welcoming and inviting learning environment where everyone feels comfortable with one another. When this occurs, then successful learning is easier to reach. Similar to Harry Wong’s Effective Classroom management model, I intend to greet each and every one of my students at the door with a smile on my face. I will then ensure that my classroom is clean, stocked, and prepared for efficient learning every single day. My expectations will be posted and students will know what is expected of them. My students will be well aware of our class schedule and they will always be welcomed with a morning activity that gets their brain working! Consistency and effective communication are key. As stated in the Love and Logic management system, I will approach every situation with an open, nonjudgmental mind and will calmly and logically listen to my student’s side of the situation, I will inquire about why the situation occurred, and will introduce students with questions as to how they can problem solve and fix the issue. In my opinion, students strive with structure and they want to know their boundaries. When boundaries are clear and consistent, students are more apt to follow them. A well- rounded life is so important for maintaining success in its entirety. This includes living a positive life, full of appropriate decisions, goals, and motivation. Students tend to do better academically, emotionally, and mentally when they are supported, understood, and healthy; as stated in the PBIS management model.

Meet Ms. Holan

Hello!

I am Ms. Holan, and I will be your new second-grade teacher! I am a first-year teacher and have recently graduated from Grand Canyon University with my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. My past professional experiences include vocational training, educational employment, and internships within the local elementary schools and headstarts. In my personal life, I live in Big Lake with my fiancee, and two small children. We have two dogs, and a cat. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, having bon fires, playing cards, and creating fun activities and lessons for my students!

My Teaching Philosophy:

I believe that every student has the desire and ability to learn and achieve success, it just takes a special support system to pull this desire out of them! I feel that every child is unique, and should be treated as such. Each and every student should be provided with the support, materials, and resources they need to do their best. I will meet these needs by offering an array of teaching methods from hands-on activities, to structure based group work, and everything in between, I guarantee to find an approach that my students will benefit from not only as individuals but as a group as well. I strive to teach my students not only the academic essentials, but character building techniques as well. From integrity, to respect, and responsibility,  In order to succeed, I believe I must help my students strive to become well- rounded individuals. I offer extensive opportunities for problem-solving, critical thinking, social skills, physical activity, effective communication, creativity, and so much more! Trust and team- work are key, for this reason, I will work closely with my partner teachers, administration, and my students and their families. This will be done by constant and consistent communication, relationship building activities such as volunteer opportunities, and meet the teacher nights, ect. I have a passion for education and love to see children succeed and grow, and love knowing that I am part of the reason why. I vow to always improve myself, educate myself, and give all of my support to my students and their families. I vow to be open and honest with all, and to always portray myself in an acceptable manner.