Edison Elementary and Mrs. Archibald's Expectations
Pick-Up, Release, Tardy Policy
The morning bell rings at 8:40am we should be upstairs and in the classroom to: 1.) check-in attendance with Class Dojo, 2.) put everything that we need at our desks because you will not be permitted to your locker until lunch time. 3.) make sure you have your Daily 5 books (a chapter book, a picture book, a non-fiction book), 4.) your chair at your desk, and 5.) lined up silently for specials at 8:50am.
Breakfast begins at 8:00am in the cafeteria. Students must enter through the cafeteria doors and return outside after morning breakfast. There is to be NO WALKING of the halls before the 8:40 bell. We will meet outside by the middle playground entrance doors. Tardiness is a large problem at Edison that we must work together to limit this year. If you are tardy you MUST sign in at the front office and enter the room with a late slip or you will be marked absent. In addition if you do not do your duty to check-in with Class Dojo in the morning, I will mark you absent. Please don't be late!
We will release at 3:30 where we pick up in the morning. I expect the floors of the classroom to be clean and tidy before we leave. If it takes students a while to clean up we may be later than the 3:30 bell. Our custodial staff has a large agenda to take care of each evening and they are not our personal servants.
Breakfast begins at 8:00am in the cafeteria. Students must enter through the cafeteria doors and return outside after morning breakfast. There is to be NO WALKING of the halls before the 8:40 bell. We will meet outside by the middle playground entrance doors. Tardiness is a large problem at Edison that we must work together to limit this year. If you are tardy you MUST sign in at the front office and enter the room with a late slip or you will be marked absent. In addition if you do not do your duty to check-in with Class Dojo in the morning, I will mark you absent. Please don't be late!
We will release at 3:30 where we pick up in the morning. I expect the floors of the classroom to be clean and tidy before we leave. If it takes students a while to clean up we may be later than the 3:30 bell. Our custodial staff has a large agenda to take care of each evening and they are not our personal servants.
Classroom Rituals and Routines
We will adhere to all Edison Elementary expectations by following Edison CARES through being Community Minded, Aware, Responsible and Respectful, Empathetic and Safe. We will show up each day on time and ready to participate at 8:40am sharp. Specials start at 8:50 so you will be late if not here on time!
You can expect 50 minutes of homework nightly. DPS homework policy is 10 minutes for every grade level. You will devote time for reading. These books can also be used for Accelerated Reading quizzes to help build point goals in class. If you ever have reading questions or suggestions please talk to me. I love reading!
There will be nightly math homework from the Engage NY curriculum. To limit copy costs, I will post the nightly homework on the Google Classroom section.
Any classwork that is not finished in class, due to class time not being utilized wisely, will be due the next day for homework. This will effect the "ability to work well during class time" report card grade.
I am working to limit busy work homework. Homework will be related to projects or skills that we are learning in class. Please note that homework is for 5th graders to complete not parents. You've already completed 5th grade and you're off the hook! If your child is confused or an argument at home is brewing please stop what you are doing and email, text, or call me so I can arrange a time to help your child with the concept during class/break time.
Homework will be recorded daily in student planners. Students are not permitted to leave for the afternoon until I have signed off on planners and the room is orderly. In the event you want to double check homework for your child, hover your mouse over "Homework" on the Weebly Website. You will see a drop down titled "Homework Blog." Here you will be able to double check nightly/weekly homework. This is also available for parents to double check that each child is utilizing his/her planner accordingly. As we prepare for middle school, students will be responsible for utilizing the daily planners provided to record homework assignments. We will not leave the room each afternoon until the area is picked up, tidied, and I have signed off on each student's planner. If homework hand in becomes problematic, I might ask that parents sign off on the planner as well. Let's not get to that point! Be responsible.
If you forget homework any time during the week, you will be required to stay in for Friday Fun with either myself, Ms. Runyon, or Mrs. McConnell to participate in the "Homework Club" so you can finish/catch up on your work. If it is a short week where we do not have Friday Fun, expect to stay in during Lunch on Thursday or Friday.
Homework is an important part of learning. All homework is due nightly unless otherwise noted. You may also contact me at anytime if you have any questions regarding homework. I will accept phone calls up until 10pm. If there is a problem with being able to complete homework, I ask that you contact me and we can discuss an alternate plan so that you can still enjoy your Friday Fun/Lunch/Recess time. I will work with you if you communicate with me.
I utilize Classroom Dojo. This is a web based behavior chart where you earn or take away points throughout the day. The goal is to get as many positive points as you can.
There is a menu in the classroom where student's can choose to "cash" in their Dojo Points. Please note that points are given and taken away in fluctuation. This means if you lose a point, it is not the end of the world. In a matter of seconds you can choose to do something that will earn you points.
If you have questions regarding Class Dojo, here is an FAQ on the service. It is completely free of charge and does not use your child's information in any way.
I do NOT hold grudges.
I do NOT argue with 10/11 year olds.
I DO have high expectations for you all to try your best!
A second incentive I have is for meeting AR goals in percent of points goal and average percent correct. Every child who meets each trimesters AR points goal and maintain a 90% or better average will be entered into a drawing. I will draw five students (because 5 is my favorite number) to earn a book of your choice from me. You get to pick the book, it just has to be a $5 maximum or available through Scholastic points. I will have a book challenge each trimester. It is your child's goal to check off every box on the list!
To build a positive learning environment, it is imperative that your work space and lockers remain clean and organized. There is to be NO clutter on top of or inside of desks. The only items permitted on top of your desk will be a water bottle (water filled only) and the necessary work requirements of the moment. Inside of your desk, you must be able to neatly fit your student workbooks, planner, pencils, and reading books. To limit clutter, make sure you are handing in work on time and bringing returned work home with the same urgency. You may gain "neat desk" points or lose "messy workspace" points on Class Dojo. I reserve the right to dump your desk if it does not meet the classroom expectations and you will need to remedy this immediately.
Lockers must remain clean and hold your coats, backpacks, snow boots, gym shoes, and after school activity gear. You may only go to your locker 3 times a day: first thing in the morning, at lunch time, and during afternoon dismissal. It is your responsibility to remember the items you will need. You may gain "locker responsibility" points or lose "locker violation" points on Class Dojo. Please do not leave food, Thursday Folder items, or trash in your lockers!
Each student and parent will be required to sign and complete a technology/internet use contract with me. Students are required to ONLY use their DPS provided email addresses while working on school related material. Students must keep their Username handles as their first and last name. There will be a strict three strike policy in regards to technology/internet usage. Strike 1 will result in a conversation among the student and teacher. Strike 2 will result in a conversation among parents and teacher. Strike 3 will result in an immediate parent, teacher, student conference to determine a way in which classwork will be completed without the use of technology. Technology is a learning tool while at school. Cyber bullying, gossip, off task behavior will not be tolerated. In addition I will be performing random browser/history checks throughout the year. Please note I know how to work around pseudo sessions and already deleted history pages.
- Homework
You can expect 50 minutes of homework nightly. DPS homework policy is 10 minutes for every grade level. You will devote time for reading. These books can also be used for Accelerated Reading quizzes to help build point goals in class. If you ever have reading questions or suggestions please talk to me. I love reading!
There will be nightly math homework from the Engage NY curriculum. To limit copy costs, I will post the nightly homework on the Google Classroom section.
Any classwork that is not finished in class, due to class time not being utilized wisely, will be due the next day for homework. This will effect the "ability to work well during class time" report card grade.
I am working to limit busy work homework. Homework will be related to projects or skills that we are learning in class. Please note that homework is for 5th graders to complete not parents. You've already completed 5th grade and you're off the hook! If your child is confused or an argument at home is brewing please stop what you are doing and email, text, or call me so I can arrange a time to help your child with the concept during class/break time.
Homework will be recorded daily in student planners. Students are not permitted to leave for the afternoon until I have signed off on planners and the room is orderly. In the event you want to double check homework for your child, hover your mouse over "Homework" on the Weebly Website. You will see a drop down titled "Homework Blog." Here you will be able to double check nightly/weekly homework. This is also available for parents to double check that each child is utilizing his/her planner accordingly. As we prepare for middle school, students will be responsible for utilizing the daily planners provided to record homework assignments. We will not leave the room each afternoon until the area is picked up, tidied, and I have signed off on each student's planner. If homework hand in becomes problematic, I might ask that parents sign off on the planner as well. Let's not get to that point! Be responsible.
If you forget homework any time during the week, you will be required to stay in for Friday Fun with either myself, Ms. Runyon, or Mrs. McConnell to participate in the "Homework Club" so you can finish/catch up on your work. If it is a short week where we do not have Friday Fun, expect to stay in during Lunch on Thursday or Friday.
Homework is an important part of learning. All homework is due nightly unless otherwise noted. You may also contact me at anytime if you have any questions regarding homework. I will accept phone calls up until 10pm. If there is a problem with being able to complete homework, I ask that you contact me and we can discuss an alternate plan so that you can still enjoy your Friday Fun/Lunch/Recess time. I will work with you if you communicate with me.
- Classroom Incentives/Behavior Plan
I utilize Classroom Dojo. This is a web based behavior chart where you earn or take away points throughout the day. The goal is to get as many positive points as you can.
There is a menu in the classroom where student's can choose to "cash" in their Dojo Points. Please note that points are given and taken away in fluctuation. This means if you lose a point, it is not the end of the world. In a matter of seconds you can choose to do something that will earn you points.
If you have questions regarding Class Dojo, here is an FAQ on the service. It is completely free of charge and does not use your child's information in any way.
I do NOT hold grudges.
I do NOT argue with 10/11 year olds.
I DO have high expectations for you all to try your best!
A second incentive I have is for meeting AR goals in percent of points goal and average percent correct. Every child who meets each trimesters AR points goal and maintain a 90% or better average will be entered into a drawing. I will draw five students (because 5 is my favorite number) to earn a book of your choice from me. You get to pick the book, it just has to be a $5 maximum or available through Scholastic points. I will have a book challenge each trimester. It is your child's goal to check off every box on the list!
- Work Space and Locker Appearance
To build a positive learning environment, it is imperative that your work space and lockers remain clean and organized. There is to be NO clutter on top of or inside of desks. The only items permitted on top of your desk will be a water bottle (water filled only) and the necessary work requirements of the moment. Inside of your desk, you must be able to neatly fit your student workbooks, planner, pencils, and reading books. To limit clutter, make sure you are handing in work on time and bringing returned work home with the same urgency. You may gain "neat desk" points or lose "messy workspace" points on Class Dojo. I reserve the right to dump your desk if it does not meet the classroom expectations and you will need to remedy this immediately.
Lockers must remain clean and hold your coats, backpacks, snow boots, gym shoes, and after school activity gear. You may only go to your locker 3 times a day: first thing in the morning, at lunch time, and during afternoon dismissal. It is your responsibility to remember the items you will need. You may gain "locker responsibility" points or lose "locker violation" points on Class Dojo. Please do not leave food, Thursday Folder items, or trash in your lockers!
- Personalized Learning and Technology Safety
Each student and parent will be required to sign and complete a technology/internet use contract with me. Students are required to ONLY use their DPS provided email addresses while working on school related material. Students must keep their Username handles as their first and last name. There will be a strict three strike policy in regards to technology/internet usage. Strike 1 will result in a conversation among the student and teacher. Strike 2 will result in a conversation among parents and teacher. Strike 3 will result in an immediate parent, teacher, student conference to determine a way in which classwork will be completed without the use of technology. Technology is a learning tool while at school. Cyber bullying, gossip, off task behavior will not be tolerated. In addition I will be performing random browser/history checks throughout the year. Please note I know how to work around pseudo sessions and already deleted history pages.
Communication & Forms to Fill Out
I intend on using email and this website as my primary form of communication. I will send out a weekly email blast and post them on this website under the Announcements Blog. If you do not have access to email or internet please let me know ASAP so I can ensure these are included in your child's Thursday Folder.
At back to school night or on the first day of school, you will be receiving a folder with your child's name. In that folder are some papers with information for you to keep (left side). There are also some forms that need to be filled out and signed (right side). Including the media/excursion release, school compact, student information, technology tools waiver, and technology contract for 1:1 computer use. Please sign and return these by the first day of school at the latest.
At back to school night or on the first day of school, you will be receiving a folder with your child's name. In that folder are some papers with information for you to keep (left side). There are also some forms that need to be filled out and signed (right side). Including the media/excursion release, school compact, student information, technology tools waiver, and technology contract for 1:1 computer use. Please sign and return these by the first day of school at the latest.
Schedule and Curriculum
We are on year three of Expeditionary Learning curriculum for Reading Core. I utilize Socratic Circles and Daily 5 during our Guided Reading hour. Our writing curriculum is Writing Alive. I teach 6th grade Engage NY Math Curriculum where placement will be decided during the first week of the school year. Remember this is an opportunity for your child's needs to be met, not everyone will benefit from advanced math placement. We are currently implementing the Common Core State Standards in Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening and Mathematics. We are continually working to backwards design all Science and Social Studies units. Also in 5th grade we get to spend two days and one night at our Balarat outdoor education center near Jamestown, Colorado. We also study Young Ameritowne and spend a day at the Cherry Creek Young Ameritowne facility running our very own 5th grade town.
Our Schedule is as Follows:
8:40am Bell Rings
8:50am-9:30am Specials
9:30 -10:15am Reading Core
10:15am-11:00am Science/Social Studies
11:00am-12:00pm Math
12:00pm-12:15pm Daily Sentence Styling/Class Meeting Time
12:15pm-12:40pm Recess
12:40pm-1:00pm Lunch
12:55pm-2:00pm Writing
2:00pm-3:00pm Guided Reading/Reading Flooding
3:00pm-3:30pm Reading Skills
Information on Socratic Circles:
Socratic Circles is a higher order reading and dialogue task. Within Socratic Circles, students are in reading groups of 8-10 students. The teacher selects a piece of text, poem, song lyric, etc. Students must closely read and annotate the reading. This requires students to read the text multiple times, to identify the meaning of words and phrases, and to develop their own questions/meaning of the text. When the circles meet, they are formed as an inner and outer circle. The inner circle shares their dialogue among each other while the outer circle listens and rates the inner circle on the quality of dialogue. When the inner circle is finished, the outer circle shares their feedback for the inner circle. Students set goals for improvement. Then the rolls are switched and the process begins again. This time the outer circle becomes the inner circle and the inner circle becomes the outer circle. The teacher provides difficult text and acts as the facilitator to mediate quality meaningful discussions.
Information on Daily 5:
Daily 5 is a literacy program the runs on the choice of 5 principles: 1.) Read to self, 2.) Work on writing, 3.) Word work, 4.) Read to someone, and 5.) Listen to reading. As I meet with small reading groups, students will be required to choose what they want to work on when not meeting with me in 20 minute increments. Everyday at some point all students must choose Read to self. This is the AR component of Daily 5. If you are not meeting your AR goals, your remaining choices will be limited. By Friday I expect a Work on writing submission and Wordly Wise vocabulary to be completed in class. The Wordly Wise falls under the Word work component of Daily 5. If you manage your time wisely, and finish the required components early in the week, your choices will expand. Word work will include word games like Apples to Apples or Banana-grams and Typing Web practice on the computer. Work on writing will expand to the writing cubes game.
You will be required to read to self daily and to finish the Wordly Wise and writing component by Friday. All stations must be utilized and tracked by the student at a minimum of twice a week. I will ensure that I check out interesting audio books from Denver Public and Jeffco libraries. We will review expectations for all stations at the beginning of the year. If you are not up to par with your AR reading goals that YOU set for yourself with my approval, your choice will be very limited. In addition, I will take away your lunch/recess until your goals are back in check. Make sure you are reading books that interest you and you will not have a problem with your AR goals! This program not only favors choice, but it also fosters independent learning and stamina. I look forward to a fantastic reading year!
Our Schedule is as Follows:
8:40am Bell Rings
8:50am-9:30am Specials
9:30 -10:15am Reading Core
10:15am-11:00am Science/Social Studies
11:00am-12:00pm Math
12:00pm-12:15pm Daily Sentence Styling/Class Meeting Time
12:15pm-12:40pm Recess
12:40pm-1:00pm Lunch
12:55pm-2:00pm Writing
2:00pm-3:00pm Guided Reading/Reading Flooding
3:00pm-3:30pm Reading Skills
Information on Socratic Circles:
Socratic Circles is a higher order reading and dialogue task. Within Socratic Circles, students are in reading groups of 8-10 students. The teacher selects a piece of text, poem, song lyric, etc. Students must closely read and annotate the reading. This requires students to read the text multiple times, to identify the meaning of words and phrases, and to develop their own questions/meaning of the text. When the circles meet, they are formed as an inner and outer circle. The inner circle shares their dialogue among each other while the outer circle listens and rates the inner circle on the quality of dialogue. When the inner circle is finished, the outer circle shares their feedback for the inner circle. Students set goals for improvement. Then the rolls are switched and the process begins again. This time the outer circle becomes the inner circle and the inner circle becomes the outer circle. The teacher provides difficult text and acts as the facilitator to mediate quality meaningful discussions.
Information on Daily 5:
Daily 5 is a literacy program the runs on the choice of 5 principles: 1.) Read to self, 2.) Work on writing, 3.) Word work, 4.) Read to someone, and 5.) Listen to reading. As I meet with small reading groups, students will be required to choose what they want to work on when not meeting with me in 20 minute increments. Everyday at some point all students must choose Read to self. This is the AR component of Daily 5. If you are not meeting your AR goals, your remaining choices will be limited. By Friday I expect a Work on writing submission and Wordly Wise vocabulary to be completed in class. The Wordly Wise falls under the Word work component of Daily 5. If you manage your time wisely, and finish the required components early in the week, your choices will expand. Word work will include word games like Apples to Apples or Banana-grams and Typing Web practice on the computer. Work on writing will expand to the writing cubes game.
You will be required to read to self daily and to finish the Wordly Wise and writing component by Friday. All stations must be utilized and tracked by the student at a minimum of twice a week. I will ensure that I check out interesting audio books from Denver Public and Jeffco libraries. We will review expectations for all stations at the beginning of the year. If you are not up to par with your AR reading goals that YOU set for yourself with my approval, your choice will be very limited. In addition, I will take away your lunch/recess until your goals are back in check. Make sure you are reading books that interest you and you will not have a problem with your AR goals! This program not only favors choice, but it also fosters independent learning and stamina. I look forward to a fantastic reading year!
School Supply List
I am all about deal shopping so please do not feel obligated to buy brand names on anything! Also I may need more supplies in January if students cannot treat items with respect (ie. pushing white board markers down, breaking pencils, sharpening crayons or unnecessary items in the pencil sharpener). Please use Edison CARES when thinking of our classroom supplies. We will share most items in provided caddies to eliminate messy desks.