Mrs. Hartley

Contacts:
320-274-8218 Ext: 1226rhartley@annandale.k12.mn.us

Responsive Classroom:
Our class will be using the Responsive Classroom approach to learning and behavior management.  Through this approach, the students will help formulate our classroom rules in hopes that they take ownership for their own rules.  When rules are not followed, the child will “take a break” as a consequence.  The student must then “fix it,” with help from an adult.  Common “fix it” solutions are writing an apology letter, cleaning a mess made, or losing a privilege for a short period.  Your child may also choose to take a break if he/she feels the need for a moment alone.  We will start the day by having a “Morning Meeting” where students will greet one another, share a message, and participate in a group activity.  This is an important time to build trust and friendships. 

Community Supplies:
Part of the Responsive Classroom approach is focused on building community.  Instead of having individual supplies, the students will share most of their school supplies with the classroom community.  All students will have access to the same materials.  The students’ notebooks and folders will not be shared. 

Snack:
We usually have the opportunity for a daily snack break. If your child would like a snack, please send your child to school with a small, healthy snack each day.  Fruits, vegetables, nuts, granola, and crackers are all acceptable snacks.  When planning snacks, keep in mind that our snack break is short, as we are busy learning much of the day.  Please do not send candy, as it does not give your child the energy and nutrition needed during the school day.  You may feel free to send a container of snacks to keep in your child’s locker so that he/she doesn’t have to remember to bring a snack every day.  Please help to explain to your child that he/she may eat ONE snack out of the box/container each day.    Milk will be supplied to your child for snack on a daily basis at no charge to you.   

Friday Folders:
Your child’s Friday Folder will be sent home with your child every Friday (or last day of the week when school is not held on a Friday).  The folder will contain notes and papers for parents/guardians, as well as practice work you can help your child do at home.  The folder will also contain a class newsletter that will help to keep you informed of what your child has been learning while at school.  Please help your child make sure the folder is emptied each weekend and returned back to school with any paperwork on Mondays. 

Library: 
Our class gets to go to the school library on Tuesdays.  Your child will be allowed to check out one book during our library time.  Books need to be sent back to school with your child each Tuesday or earlier so that a new book may be checked out.  Children cannot check out a new book until their other book has been returned.  If your child needs more time with a book, it still needs to come back to school, so it can be renewed. 

Arrival/Departure From School:
Upon arrival by bus (or car), students are to wait in the hallway just outside our classroom door.  Your child is to unpack his/her things and have a seat in front of his/her locker until students are allowed to enter the classroom at 8:00 A.M.  Please do not drop your child off at school before 7:50, as there is no supervision before that time.  Students arriving at school after 8:15 need to be “checked-in” at the office by a parent or guardian. 

**It is important that I receive a note in regards to all student pick-up situations.  I must send a child on the bus (or regular pick up scenario) if I do not have word from you.  I also recommend that if your child is to be riding the bus to/from school during the school year, that you have them ride the first week.  It is the first week that gets the most attention as far as memorizing bus numbers, helping students transfer buses at the high school, and trying to establish a busing routine. 

Absence/Late Arrival:  Please be sure to send a note, send an e-mail, or call the school if your child is absent from school or arrives late.  Without proper notification, your child’s absence/tardy will be marked as unexcused.  (See the student handbook for more info.)