FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is your homework policy?
A: All homework must be turned in on time, no exceptions. If a child is absent then their homework will be expected the next day. Children will be know what there homework is before they leave for the day.
Q: No homework on Friday's, really?
A: Yes. I have kids myself and believe that children have enough curriculum during the week. Besides, parents need a break too.
Q: What is the stoplight discpline?
A: Stoplight discipline is a classroom managment style that I find very helpful and children usually find very easy to understand. Imagine a stoplight with the colors red, yellow & green. In the classroom all the children have pins with their names on them. All names are on green. When a child becomes disruptive in class his pin is pulled and put on yellow(caution). If the behavior continues his pin is pulled and put on red (stop). Usually, if a child's pin is pulled to red -a note wll go home to the parents indicating what happend in the classroom. The note would have to be signed by the parents and returned the next day. All children who stay on green all week get a star put on their star chart.
Q: Do you have any interaction with the other second grade?
A: Yes! Ms. Chavira and I do our lesson plans together. We are a team and look forward to sharing curriculum, ideas, projects and lessons.
Q: Can I visit the classroom and volunteer?
A: Absolutely, I think it is very important for children to see their parents involved in the classroom. I will have a sign in sheet so that you may specify on which date you want to be there. This will help me to better utilize your presence in the classroom.
Q: Why do I need a TB shot to voulnteer?
A: It is the policy of CPS to have parents screened and checked for TB before they are allowed to help in the classroom. This is a safety issue and is for the benefit of all the students in the class.
Q: Why do I have to wait a month to volunteer?
A: As a parent myself I understand how much we like to participate in the classroom. Sometimes we of course want to help ease children's anxiety about starting in a new grade. However, it is my policy that parents not volunteer in the classroom for the first month of school because this helps children transition better into the classroom and helps establish the routine much better. Many new roles get introduced to students in class: teachers, friends, classmates etc… and having a parent in the first moth can sometimes interfere with the dynamics that need to be established which are essential to having a healthy learning environment.
Q: Does my child really need to attend school everyday?
A: Your child learns good school habits from a very early age. It is important for your child to attend school because it teaches them that school is important and that they are an important part of school. In addition, funding for the classroom is based on attendance. If your child misses more then ten days their spot in the classroom is not guaranteed.
Q: Is reading to my child really that imporatnt?
A: Yes, it is. Perhaps no other simple act from a parent has as much impact in children's attitude toward learning, reading and writing. Even if you read to your child just ten minutes a day you are benefiting their education.Please read to your child whenever you can.
Q: Why do students share supplies?
A: Not all students have the same financial means as other students. By culling and sharing supplies we build a classroom community that shares and works together without calling attention to students that have less then others. For this reason I ask that parents not spend the extra money to get a decorated folder or notebook for their children because there is a likelihood that you son/daughter may not get the notebook you purchased for them. The students understand this policy and it really does help to build a strong community in the classroom.