Classroom
When and how do I get a book to read?
You can search our classroom library (shelves and bins) at the beginning/end of the school day or during independent time. When you are done reading a book, make sure to return it in the correct spot!
When and where do I sharpen my pencil?
There is one pencil sharpener in the room. Sharpen your pencil when working independently or during a transition. Times not to sharpen your pencil are when someone is presenting to the class or working in a group.
Where can you find our homework slides?
Homeroom Google Classroom and any email from Ms. Harris-Ridker
When can I go to the bathroom or fill up my water bottle?
You may go to the bathroom/fill up your water during independent time or a transition. If Ms. Harris-Ridker says no, think about why and then ask again later!
What is our daily exploratories rotation? (What is Day 1, 2, etc.)
Day 1 - Library
Day 2 - STEAM
Day 3 - Art
Day 4 - Drama
Day 5 - Music
How are we excused from our desks or the rug?
Before I excuse you to start independent work or group work I will say “go”
What should my locker look like?
Your books, folders, and notebooks should be neatly organized. All items should be easy to find. You may have your coat on a hook outside your locker and your boots my be placed right in front of your locker.
What is something you have for homework every day?
Reading for 20 minutes.
How should you walk in the hallways? (Whether you are in a class line or by yourself)
Level 0, right side of the hallway, be aware of your body. You can smile and wave at friends and teachers.
What do you do if you have a schedule change (like leaving early or not taking the bus)?
Let Ms. Harris-Ridker know right away - via email or in person.
Where and how do we line up in the classroom? How do you line up after recess?
You line up by the door, single file (head behind a head) at a level 0. We will be discussing how this might change as we prepare for middle school.
After recess, sit down in our classroom line.
I have a cellphone… Can I have it out? What about my smart watch?
Your cellphone should be in your locker turned off or on silent.
If you have a Smartwatch, you may not text or call on it during any point of the school day. It is used only to tell the time. If it is a distraction, you will be asked to leave it at home.
If you do not follow these rules, you will get one reminder. The next time, the teacher will take the item. The time after that, you will pick it up at the end of the day from the office. Finally, a parent will have to pick it up.
What should you do if you forget to do your homework, need help, or run out of time?
Make sure to email the teacher that gave you the assignment. Share specifically about what your question is or why you are not able to complete the assignment.
Why do I need a lanyard with me when I leave the classroom? Where can you find the lanyards?
We need a lanyard so we know who is in the halls at all times! Don't forget to take a lanyard with you when you go get a drink or go to the bathroom.
How should we enter the classroom during morning meeting? How do we enter the classroom after recess?
We enter the classroom calmly. During morning meeting, we may chat. After recess, we enter at a level 0. Never enter the classroom if Ms. Harris-Ridker isn’t here.
How does flexible seating work?
There are several spots in the classroom where you can work in addition to your desk - the circle table, puzzle table, teacher table, benches, or on the floor. These spaces are meant to help you focus. If you are sitting in these spots chatting when you are supposed to be doing independent work, then they will not be an option for you. When students need to work together these spots will also be an option.
Can I borrow a pencil from the teachers?
Not anymore! It is your responsibility to keep your pencils in your pencil pouch and bring your pencil pouch to each class. If you lose all of your pencils by the end of the week, then you will owe time to your teacher. If your pencil gets too short, trade it in for a new pencil with your name on it!
When should you charge your chromebook?
You should charge your chromebook at home! We will start having charging passes if this becomes a problem.
When can I go to my locker?
I can go to my locker during transition times. If you forget something, you will use a locker pass. It is really important to look at your list of things you need for each subject.
When and how do we pack up?
We will pack up after reading at the end of the day! We will make sure there is nothing on our desks, even our water bottles, we put everything we take home in our backpacks and put our stuff on our desk. Don't forget to push in your chair. Then we will have closing circle.
How does the calm down corner work?
If you need a break or are feeling upset you can enter the calm down corner. Follow these directions in order:
Set a 5 minute timer
Choose a strategy to calm down
Begin strategy
Clean up and return to work once the 5 minutes is up
What materials do you need to bring to Ms. Harris-Ridker's writing class?
Chromebook, pencil pouch, student writing handbook, writing notebook, writing folder
What should you do when you come back to school after being absent?
Check in with the person who has the Absent Minded Professor job. Then ask that person or the teacher if you have any questions. Make sure to complete all the assignments that you missed by the end of the week.
How do band lessons work? What about making up work you missed?
Make sure you do the following
Take note of your band time
Make up the work you miss - it is YOUR responsibility to check with your teacher to see if you miss any work
Leave only three minutes before your lesson
If you have a small instrument that fits in your locker, it will go there. Bigger instruments will go in the band practice room
When can I have a snack? What can I bring?
You can have your snack at several points throughout the day, as long as it is not distracting.
You may NOT eat snack during: morning meeting, science/social studies, closing circle, any time on the carpet.
The snack must be relatively healthy and needs to be nut free. You may not be chewing gum! If you bring an unhealthy snack, Ms. Harris-Ridker will ask you to put it in your locker.