Classroom Rules:

 

1.   You may do whatever you like in this class as long as it doesn't cause a problem for someone else!

 

Consequences:

 

1.      No warnings: Super Day!  Thank you!

2.      First Warning: Reminder of appropriate behavior.

3.      Second Warning: Loss of Recess

4.      Third Warning: Phone call home.

 

·        In the event of extremely inappropriate behavior (fighting or disrespect towards teachers/staff), the student will go directly to the principal’s office.

 

Mr. Rossiter’s Three R’s of Discipline:

 

1.      Reasonable: Consequences will be reasonable.

2.      Related: Consequences will relate to the rule broken.

3.      Respectful: Your child will be dealt with in a respectful manner.

 

General Classroom Policies:

 

1.      Sharpening Pencils: Children are asked to do this before and after school, before and after lunch, and in between subjects, so as not to interfere with valuable instructional time.

 

2.      Restroom: Students are expected to take care of their personal business before school starts at 8:30/8:15.  Students will be taken to the restroom, by the teacher, at specific times (before and after lunches, after P.E., Music, and Library). These should be enough for most students.  If a student should need to use the restroom during class time, a bathroom pass will be used.  Restroom use is discouraged during instructional time.

 

3.      Classroom Jobs: Each child will have little chores to do each week.  These jobs help the classroom run smoothly and efficiently.  Good practice for chores at home too!

 

4.      Forgotten Items at Home: We all know how easy it is to forget things, especially when we are running late!  If a student forgets an item at home (lunch, homework, report, etc.), I generally do not let them call home.  My reasoning is that they are fifth graders now, and they should be able to take responsibility for their learning.  However, children will be allowed to call if they forget their glasses or get their clothing wet or muddy at recess.

 

5.      Late work: If a student does not turn in an assignment by the appropriate due date, it is considered late.  Please understand that the child will need to complete that assignment with, at the next free recess, so as not to interfere with other assignments.  You will be alerted promptly if late work becomes a problem.

 

6.      Sickness and Make-Up Work: My policy is that a child receives two (2) days for every day they are absent from school.  This work should be completed outside of class unless the child has free time during the day.  It would be helpful when you call in your child’s absence, to tell the secretary someone we can send work home with.  That will help your child keep up with his/her classmates during their absence.

 

7.      Family Vacations: Vacations with the family are extremely important. Unfortunately, vacation time sometimes falls during school time.  I am very flexible when it comes to scheduling make-up work.  If you will let me know several weeks in advance, I can have all the work your child will need to complete during their absence ready. I will get the work to your child at least a week before he/she leaves.  That way you can work together to complete and turn in the work before you go on vacation.  That affords you the opportunity to ask me questions if you are unsure about some of the assignments. It also makes for a more enjoyable vacation when all of the schoolwork is done ahead of time.

 

8.      Keeping Briarwood Safe: Briarwood Elementary is dedicated to providing a safe learning environment for all children.  Any acts that could endanger the safety of children will be reported to the principal.

 

9.      Names on Things: It is very important that your child’s name is put on everything.  Hopefully, this will cut down on lost or misplaced items.

 

10.  Homework: At the fifth grade level, students should spend approximately 45-60 minutes per evening working on school-related activities. These activities may include: finishing up some of the day’s assignments, studying spelling, studying math facts, going over science/social studies lessons, reading a book, writing in one’s journal, playing a game with the family, putting together a puzzle, etc. Students will receive some type of assignment daily for each subject.  I provide time, in class, for work to be completed before dismissal.  It is up to the student to see that the work is completed and turned in on time.  Please stress the need to use one’s time wisely.  Thanks!  As the year progresses, you should check the “Academic Calendar” portion of the newsletter for homework assignments.  There will also be a nightly homework sheet for you to check over and sign.

 

11.  Snack: We have a short snack time each day.  Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack.  A healthy snack is: fruit, veggies, fruit snacks, granola bars, yogurt, Jell-O, pretzels, crackers, etc.  Stuff like chips, candy bars, cupcakes, and soft drinks are best left for lunch or home.  However, on Fridays, students are allowed to bring in a small snack-sized “unhealthy snack.”

 

 

12.  Birthdays: Should your child wish to bring treats to school, we will be happy to sing “Happy Birthday”, and enjoy a cupcake or brownie.  Birthdays will be celebrated at the end of the day.  As per school policy, party invitations should not be passed out at school.

 

13.  The Phone: As the school year progresses, new friendships are forged between classmates.  Oftentimes, one will invite the other over during math or snack time.  They then want to use the phone to call you to see if it’s O.K. The school policy is that students should go home and arrange to visit their friends then.  It is my responsibility to see that your child gets on the bus/walks home each night, and I take that responsibility seriously.  Please drop me a note if your child will be walking home/riding the bus/going to someone’s house after school.  Thanks!

 

14.  Getting in touch with me: My phone number is 425-837-5027.  During classtime, I have my voicemail on.  During breaks, I check my voicemail, and I will get back to you in a prompt manner.  My e-mail address is rossiterp@issaquah.wednet.edu

 

15.  Volunteers: We would love to have you visit our class at any time!  We would welcome your help in any way!  If you have a special talent or skill that would help our learning, please get in touch with me!

 

16.  Party Help: We would greatly appreciate help at future parties (Holiday/Valentine’s/End of year). Please call me if you would like to help out.

 

17.  Book Orders: I distribute book orders each month. I usually set a two-week deadline for ordering.  Please make checks out to Arrow Books or Scholastic Books. Cash is also accepted.  Thanks.

 

18.  Damage to School Property: Students found damaging school property (desks, chairs, books, equipment, etc.) will be held liable for repairs or replacement of that item. We need to treat all property with respect. Thank you for your support in this matter.

 

19. Kid-Mail: Unless the information is time-sensitive, all fifth grade classrooms will send home "kid-mail" on Friday's in the two pocket "Home folder" provided by the school.  Look for the folder in the backpack on Friday when you "shakedown" your child at the door!  Empty the contents of the folder, and return the folder on Monday.  Thanks!