Please read this handbook WITH YOUR CHILD and then fill out the form below to verify that you've read it.
NOTE: I will only use your phone and email as a way to contact you. It will not be used for any other reason.
NOTE: I will only use your phone and email as a way to contact you. It will not be used for any other reason.
Absences
When a student is absent, all of the work they missed will be placed on their desk. (All work is also listed on our Google Classroom.) It is the STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to make sure all of the missing work is done and turned in within two days of returning to school. If they miss multiple days, they may make arrangements with Mr. Taylor for a time frame of when work is due. I'm sorry, but no work will be given out prior to an absence.
Academics
Birthdays
Students may bring a treat to celebrate their birthday. Due to district and school rules, the treat must be store-bought and unopened when it arrives in class. (No chewing gum or red punch, please.) NO HOMEMADE TREATS CAN BE GIVEN.
Cell Phones
As per school and district policy, phones are not allowed in class. If your student has a phone, they may keep it turned off and in their backpack during school hours. If I hear a phone, the student will get a warning. If I see a phone, it will immediately be confiscated and taken to the office where a parent must pick it up after school. No exceptions! (Compliance form below)
Class Expectations
Read about expectations HERE.
Consequences
Consequences for breaking classroom rules may include, but are not limited to: loss of privileges (recess time, class activities, etc.), written parent notification, conference with parent/guardian, referral to administration, white slip and/or suspension.
Field Trips
We may have the opportunity to take a few field trips this year. If so, we will need chaperones to help. I will let parents know if and when the occasion arises.
Grade Reports
A Missing Work Report will be sent home regularly. Please look at it and get the homework done in a timely manner. You can also go to Gradebook to check grades at any time.
Grading
I want each student to succeed and master the skills we will cover this year. If your student earns a score under 3 on any assignment, they will have the option to redo that assignment and earn up to a 3 on the redone work. To receive this credit, the corrected work needs to be turned in the day after the original assignment is returned to them. I’m sorry, but this does not apply to tests.
Holidays
Most years we're allowed to have two holiday parties, which usually coincide with Halloween and Christmas. However, this year is a bit different. If we are able to have parties, I would appreciate any and all help from parents. I will let you know when I know.
Homework
Besides reading, I try not to give homework. Usually the only reason students will have homework is if they don't finish it in class.
Honesty
Honesty and integrity is expected in the classroom. If your child is caught cheating - either giving or receiving answers - they will receive a zero on the assignment or test.
Late Work
Late work can be turned in up to three days after the original due date. However, one point will be taken off for every day it is late:
Media
Before becoming a teacher, I worked on the radio for 20 years. For this reason, my class is very media interactive. I feel like the internet is a good way to get information to the parent of what happens daily. I post pictures and videos of students throughout the year on social media, as well as my class website and blog. (I do not, however, post any names along with the photos.) It is your option to choose whether your child will be included on these posts. Personally, I think they will feel left out if they are not included. However, you are their parent and I respect your choice in the matter. For this reason, I ask you to fill out the a permission slip below. If I do not get a permission slip back from you, your child will automatically be left out of any media that I post online.
Planner
Students are responsible for writing daily work assignments in their planner. Please check the planner daily and make sure that they did their work.
Pledge of Allegiance
We will recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning in the classroom. (With the exception of the days when we sing “The Star-Spangled Banner”.) A note from a parent/guardian is needed for a student that cannot participate due to religious or personal reasons.
Recess
We have three recesses during the day: one in the morning; one at lunch; one in the afternoon. (There is no afternoon recess on Friday, due to it being a short day.) If a student is ill, a parent note is required to allow them to stay in at recess. If that request extends beyond a week, a doctor’s note will be required.
Tardies
It is expected that your student arrives at school on time. Class begins when the tardy bell rings at 8:15. If your student comes in after that, they will be marked tardy and will be responsible to make up any missed work.
Tests
All students will be required to take tests in most subjects. Spelling tests will occur weekly. Math tests will be at the end of each chapter. Other tests will happen as needed. Please help your child review for each test. State and district mandated tests will also take place throughout the year.
Wristbands
On occasion, your student will come home with a colored wristband. Sometimes the wristband will have writing: “School pictures tomorrow”. Other times, it may be a reminder for your student to show you a paper that needs to be signed or work that they are missing.
When a student is absent, all of the work they missed will be placed on their desk. (All work is also listed on our Google Classroom.) It is the STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to make sure all of the missing work is done and turned in within two days of returning to school. If they miss multiple days, they may make arrangements with Mr. Taylor for a time frame of when work is due. I'm sorry, but no work will be given out prior to an absence.
Academics
- Language Arts - We will be working on guided lessons from the Wonders text book, which will teach grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure and spelling.
- Math - We will be using Go Math! this year. We will be working with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, graphs, units of measure and geometry.
- Reading - Students need to read at home every day. Details are HERE.
- Science - This year we will be studying the solar system, energy, climate and ecosystems.
- Social Studies - We will be studying World History. This includes ancients civilizations, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and the World Wars.
- Writing - We will be using the Six Traits of Writing. Students will have many opportunities to use their writing skills, including a journal that will be kept in class.
Birthdays
Students may bring a treat to celebrate their birthday. Due to district and school rules, the treat must be store-bought and unopened when it arrives in class. (No chewing gum or red punch, please.) NO HOMEMADE TREATS CAN BE GIVEN.
Cell Phones
As per school and district policy, phones are not allowed in class. If your student has a phone, they may keep it turned off and in their backpack during school hours. If I hear a phone, the student will get a warning. If I see a phone, it will immediately be confiscated and taken to the office where a parent must pick it up after school. No exceptions! (Compliance form below)
Class Expectations
Read about expectations HERE.
Consequences
Consequences for breaking classroom rules may include, but are not limited to: loss of privileges (recess time, class activities, etc.), written parent notification, conference with parent/guardian, referral to administration, white slip and/or suspension.
Field Trips
We may have the opportunity to take a few field trips this year. If so, we will need chaperones to help. I will let parents know if and when the occasion arises.
Grade Reports
A Missing Work Report will be sent home regularly. Please look at it and get the homework done in a timely manner. You can also go to Gradebook to check grades at any time.
Grading
I want each student to succeed and master the skills we will cover this year. If your student earns a score under 3 on any assignment, they will have the option to redo that assignment and earn up to a 3 on the redone work. To receive this credit, the corrected work needs to be turned in the day after the original assignment is returned to them. I’m sorry, but this does not apply to tests.
Holidays
Most years we're allowed to have two holiday parties, which usually coincide with Halloween and Christmas. However, this year is a bit different. If we are able to have parties, I would appreciate any and all help from parents. I will let you know when I know.
Homework
Besides reading, I try not to give homework. Usually the only reason students will have homework is if they don't finish it in class.
Honesty
Honesty and integrity is expected in the classroom. If your child is caught cheating - either giving or receiving answers - they will receive a zero on the assignment or test.
Late Work
Late work can be turned in up to three days after the original due date. However, one point will be taken off for every day it is late:
- One Day Late = The highest possible score a student can get is a 3
- Two Days Late = The highest possible score a student can get is a 2
- Three Days Late = The highest possible score a student can get is a 1
Media
Before becoming a teacher, I worked on the radio for 20 years. For this reason, my class is very media interactive. I feel like the internet is a good way to get information to the parent of what happens daily. I post pictures and videos of students throughout the year on social media, as well as my class website and blog. (I do not, however, post any names along with the photos.) It is your option to choose whether your child will be included on these posts. Personally, I think they will feel left out if they are not included. However, you are their parent and I respect your choice in the matter. For this reason, I ask you to fill out the a permission slip below. If I do not get a permission slip back from you, your child will automatically be left out of any media that I post online.
Planner
Students are responsible for writing daily work assignments in their planner. Please check the planner daily and make sure that they did their work.
Pledge of Allegiance
We will recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning in the classroom. (With the exception of the days when we sing “The Star-Spangled Banner”.) A note from a parent/guardian is needed for a student that cannot participate due to religious or personal reasons.
Recess
We have three recesses during the day: one in the morning; one at lunch; one in the afternoon. (There is no afternoon recess on Friday, due to it being a short day.) If a student is ill, a parent note is required to allow them to stay in at recess. If that request extends beyond a week, a doctor’s note will be required.
Tardies
It is expected that your student arrives at school on time. Class begins when the tardy bell rings at 8:15. If your student comes in after that, they will be marked tardy and will be responsible to make up any missed work.
Tests
All students will be required to take tests in most subjects. Spelling tests will occur weekly. Math tests will be at the end of each chapter. Other tests will happen as needed. Please help your child review for each test. State and district mandated tests will also take place throughout the year.
Wristbands
On occasion, your student will come home with a colored wristband. Sometimes the wristband will have writing: “School pictures tomorrow”. Other times, it may be a reminder for your student to show you a paper that needs to be signed or work that they are missing.
