First Day!

What an exciting first day!  I love the process of getting to know your child, and today was especially enjoyable as we each introduced ourselves and told something we like to do.  We will work hard to develop our oral speaking skills this year.

Let me take a moment to explain our discipline system.  We use the card system, in which each child has a set of colored cards in a chart.  The colors represent a progression of behaviors.  Green (where every child starts each day) is SUPER!  My wish is for every child to always keep their green card showing in front.  When a child chooses to not obey or break a rule, he may be told to turn his green card to the back of the stack and yellow is then in front of the stack.  This is "turning one card"  The yellow card means your child has received a warning to stop a certain behavior.  Most of the time, a child will have received several verbal warnings before he is told to turn his card to the yellow warning.  If the behavior is not stopped, or another unacceptable behavior happens, the child will be told to turn his yellow card to the back and his orange card will show in front of his stack.  This is "turning two cards".  Orange means the child will lose 5 minutes from the next recess.  If unacceptable behavior continues, the child will turn the orange card to the back of the stack and the blue card will be in front.  Blue means the child has "turned three cards" and will lose 10 minutes from the next recess.  Should unacceptable behavior continue, the child would then turn to his red card, which will result in a phone call or email from me and/or a visit to the principal.  If I am unable to reach you by phone or do not receive a quick reply by email, I will write down the attempt has been made and we may go on to the principal.  Sometimes a child will turn more than one card for the same misbehavior, and sometimes each card is for a different behavior.  It depends on the child and what is going on with him that day.  Certain serious behaviors, such as fighting, throwing rocks, or being disrespectful may result in being sent directly to the principal without turning cards first.

A yellow card does mean your child has been warned, but there is no other physical consequence.  Remember and remind your child that often turning to the yellow card is not acceptable behavior at school.  A child should not consistently have to receive enough warnings to turn the warning card.  Correct behavior should be learned and practiced as warnings are given.  Your child will write about his cards in his planner each day.  Please discuss any behavior that resulted in turning a card and help your child understand and correct that behavior.  Contact me by blog response, note or email if you have any questions.
Students who do not turn any cards all semester will get to paint their handprint on the wall in Pyron's main hallway. What an honor!

Our Activity Class schedule is: 
Monday - Library (Students will turn in Library books at 8:00 am every Monday morning.)
Tuesday - Lights (GT) and Computer Lab
Wednesday - Music
Thursday - Physical Education (Wear tennis shoes every Thursday!)
Friday - Art 

Mrs. Bradford