Questions You Should Know the Answer to
Rhythm and Routine
Desk Goals
Character Counts
2026 New Rules
100

This is the style of handwriting that is required. (Starting in January, this is the EXPECTATION) 

What is cursive?

100

The first thing students should do when they enter the classroom to prepare for the day.

What is unpack their backpack? 

(This includes taking out their homework folder, agenda notebook, and any other assignments that should be turned in) 

100

This helps ensure that your supplies don't mysteriously disappear or get mixed up with someone else's.

What is putting your name on your supplies?

100

This is what you should do instead of speaking while someone else is talking.

What is listening

100

This is a new rule that reminds students to listen carefully. This is the response if you ask your teacher to repeat a question.

What is "Ms. McErlain only says things once?"

200

This is what you do when you finish your work early. 

What is read a choice book?

200

This is what happens in between students unpacking their backpacks and the attendance question/devotion.

What is listening to a read-aloud?

200

The best place to keep 2 pencils, 1 eraser, 1 dry-erase marker, colored pencils, scissors, 1 gluestick, 1 pen, and 1 highlighter so they don’t get lost.

What is my pencil pouch?

200

This is what you show when you treat others with kindness, even when someone makes a mistake, or you are different than the other person.

What is empathy?

200

If your pencil breaks and it's not convenient to sharpen it, borrowing one of these will save the day.

What is a pencil from the nursing home?

300

Student supplies, including a pencil sharpener and extra pencils can be found here and are free to use. 

What is the pencil nursing home?

300

The teacher’s cue to begin class might include this sound or signal.

What is "Class, Class?"
300

Papers that have 3-holes punched should go in this to avoid a cluttered desk.

What is my folder? (or science binder)

300

Listening actively and respecting differences are examples of this important classroom value.

What is showing respect?

300

This means everyone gets what they need to learn and succeed, even if it doesn’t look the same for everyone.

What is fairness or equity?

400

You may not ask to do this when the teacher is talking or immediately after lunch.

What is use the bathroom?

400

Before leaving for the day, students should tidy their work areas and do this to ensure the classroom stays organized.

What is stack your chair? 

400

Keeping chairs pushed in, backpacks out of walkways, and materials stored neatly helps ensure this in the classroom.

What is a safe learning environment?

400

This is the belief that with practice and effort, everyone can get better at anything.

What is growth mindset?

400

Starting in January, these items need to go home unless a student has a modified academic plan—and those students already know who they are.

What are fidgets?

500

This is where you turn in completed assignments.

What is the yellow box? (or Ms. McErlain) 

500

At the beginning of the day, students should get this checked to ensure they have all written all announcements to share with parents.

What is their agenda/assignment notebook?

500

This habit helps your desk stay clean and ready for learning every day.

What is cleaning out or organizing your desk regularly? (Even when Ms. McErlain doesn't explicitly say, "Time to clean out our desks!") 

500

This is the ability to manage your emotions and stay calm, even when things are stressful.

What is self-control?

500

This is what students should be doing during independent work time, to avoid distractions and stay on task.

What is working quietly? 

M
e
n
u