THE ESSENTIAL 55
There is the expectation that students know how to conduct themselves in the classroom and around the school. Social etiquette, being respectful and polite, is important to know and practice. I hear many complaints about how rude a salesperson acted or how unappreciative someone acted over a kind gesture. Last year, I had two respectful students who always said "yes ma'am" and "no ma'am" when speaking to me. On the other hand, I had students who would make rude comments to others that caused hurt feelings.
The Vaughan staff attended a staff development based on a book by Ron Clarke, a Teacher of the Year here in North Carolina. He wrote a book, "The Essential 55" based on rules in his classroom that resulted in positive behavior and better learning in his classroom. I want each of my students to reach their potential. Therefore, the following are some new rules being implemented in the classroom and some new rules that are school-wide based on Mr. Clarke's book. They will be subject to the same consequences as the other classroom rules. It is the hope that we have your support in making our school a place where people talk about how well our students behave and act.
1. Repect adults by answering "Yes ma'am" or "No sir."
2. During classroom discussions, respect other students' comments, opinions, and ideas. Do not make fun of or reply with negative statements.
3. When you cough or sneeze or burp, please cover your mouth and say, "Excuse me."
4. Occasionally, we may grade each other's papers. When grading other students' papers, if you give someone an incorrect grade, the ammount the grade differs froom the actual grade will be deducted from your paper.
5. When we read rogether in class, you must follow along. If I call on you to read, you must know exactly where we are and begin reading immediately.
6. Homework will be turned in each day for each subject by every student with no exception.
7. When we are in transition from one subject to the other, the change will be made without talking. The change will be swift and orderly, withno wasted time.
8. You will make every effort to be as organized as possible. Keep your desk neat.
9. While you are with a substitute teacher (or resource teacher), you will obey the same rules that you follow when I am with you.
10. We will follow certain classroom protocols. We will be organized, efficient, and on task. In order to acheive this, we will follow these rules:
A. Do not get out of your seat without permission.
B. Raise you hand when you want to talk.
11. During an assembly or walking down the hall or at lunch, do not try to get the attention of your friends in other classes.
12. When you answer the class phone, please do so in a respectful manner. Pick up the phone and say, "Hello, Mrs. Evans' room." You will not try race antoher student to the phone. The student desk closest to the phone is the student responsible for answering the phone.
13. When in line, walk single file. You should face forward at all times. There will be absolutely no talking! Do not cut in line. If someone cuts in front of you, do not make a scene. Let me know and I will deal with it.
14. If any child is bothering you, let me know. I am your teacher, and I am here to look after you and protect you. I am not going to let anyone in this school bully you or make you feel uncomfortable. In return, I ask that you not take matters into your own hands; let me deal with the student.
15. No matter what the circumstances, be honest. Even if you have done something wrong, it is best to admit it to me, because I will respect that, and will take your honesty into account when thinking about disciplinary measures.
The Vaughan staff attended a staff development based on a book by Ron Clarke, a Teacher of the Year here in North Carolina. He wrote a book, "The Essential 55" based on rules in his classroom that resulted in positive behavior and better learning in his classroom. I want each of my students to reach their potential. Therefore, the following are some new rules being implemented in the classroom and some new rules that are school-wide based on Mr. Clarke's book. They will be subject to the same consequences as the other classroom rules. It is the hope that we have your support in making our school a place where people talk about how well our students behave and act.
1. Repect adults by answering "Yes ma'am" or "No sir."
2. During classroom discussions, respect other students' comments, opinions, and ideas. Do not make fun of or reply with negative statements.
3. When you cough or sneeze or burp, please cover your mouth and say, "Excuse me."
4. Occasionally, we may grade each other's papers. When grading other students' papers, if you give someone an incorrect grade, the ammount the grade differs froom the actual grade will be deducted from your paper.
5. When we read rogether in class, you must follow along. If I call on you to read, you must know exactly where we are and begin reading immediately.
6. Homework will be turned in each day for each subject by every student with no exception.
7. When we are in transition from one subject to the other, the change will be made without talking. The change will be swift and orderly, withno wasted time.
8. You will make every effort to be as organized as possible. Keep your desk neat.
9. While you are with a substitute teacher (or resource teacher), you will obey the same rules that you follow when I am with you.
10. We will follow certain classroom protocols. We will be organized, efficient, and on task. In order to acheive this, we will follow these rules:
A. Do not get out of your seat without permission.
B. Raise you hand when you want to talk.
11. During an assembly or walking down the hall or at lunch, do not try to get the attention of your friends in other classes.
12. When you answer the class phone, please do so in a respectful manner. Pick up the phone and say, "Hello, Mrs. Evans' room." You will not try race antoher student to the phone. The student desk closest to the phone is the student responsible for answering the phone.
13. When in line, walk single file. You should face forward at all times. There will be absolutely no talking! Do not cut in line. If someone cuts in front of you, do not make a scene. Let me know and I will deal with it.
14. If any child is bothering you, let me know. I am your teacher, and I am here to look after you and protect you. I am not going to let anyone in this school bully you or make you feel uncomfortable. In return, I ask that you not take matters into your own hands; let me deal with the student.
15. No matter what the circumstances, be honest. Even if you have done something wrong, it is best to admit it to me, because I will respect that, and will take your honesty into account when thinking about disciplinary measures.
