Classroom Guidelines

Our three general rules are:

• Cooperate with your teacher and classmates.
• Respect the rights and property of others.
• Carry out your basic student responsibilities.

We expect all children to follow these three simple guidelines.

What to Expect

 Seating Arrangements

Our students sit in groups. It helps the collaborative learning process and it fosters a sense of community. We like to allow the students the opportunity to work together on assignments. Being in a multi-grade classroom, there is a high probability that another student can help with the problem at hand.

Some students may have a difficult time sitting in a group setting. That is why we have individual seating areas throughout the classroom. Children also have the opportunity to work on the floor since many hands on materials are large layout jobs. Even if the child doesn’t have a large lay out job, they can still work on the floor if they feel comfortable that way.

Student Organization
We have a system set up to help foster organization among the students. Each student is given a work in progress file, a student work binder, and a weekly work plan. The weekly work plan shows them their assignment for the week in every subject. It will tell them what lessons they have and what extensions will be done. Each day, they may choose which job to do first.  An example of the work plan is as follows:

Every time a student finishes a job we have them check it off. By Friday, they need to have all the jobs done for the week. Any work that they have not finished goes into their work in progress file. It is an assigned place where they can put those important unfinished papers rather than in their backpack, desk, trash can, etc. Their student binder houses all of their work for the first trimester. 

Classroom Schedule

Our classroom schedule is generally the same everyday. It goes as follows:

Team Teaching

Here at MMCA, we have two teachers in every classroom. Ms. Garcia and Ms. Sherman each teach part of the curriculum. We both have the general understanding of what each child is doing and what they are capable of, but we may have to confer with one another if you have a specific question about an assignment. 

Uniforms

We have a uniform policy at MMCA. It is imperative that your child adheres to the uniform policy. If you are unsure as to what this policy is, check with the office. If your child is not in uniform we will send him to the office for a change of clothes. If the office does not have something in your child’s size, they will call home and have you bring a uniform for your child before they can go back to class.

Snack  

Students may have a "working snack" during class time in the morning.  This means that when they are hungry, students may eat/drink at their work space.  For this reason, we ask that students bring water ONLY!  They will not be allowed to drink juice/Gatorade/etc. at their desks.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Since this is a time for the students to replenish their brain power with HEALTHY snacks. Some examples of healthy snacks are:

Please be sure to send in a reusable water bottle with your child.

Lunch Time expectations

We use grace and courtesy at all eating times. The children are supposed to have two cloth napkins with their lunch. One is used as a placemat for their food and the other is to be placed in their lap. We instill restaurant manners. We do not sit on our feet or yell to a friend two tables down. We are to use quiet voices, chew with our mouths closed, clean up after ourselves, etc. The children are given 20 minutes to eat, which is plenty of time if they are not socializing the entire time. They have plenty of time to socialize on the playground. 

Lunches are to be healthy, just like the snacks. Please make sure your child has a well balanced meal that is nutritious. Sodas and candy are not allowed. Please try to stay away from processed food such as pre-packed lunch items like Lunchables. They are high in fat, sodium and processed ingredients.

Toys and games

Toys and games are to be left at home. They become a distraction in class. If we see a toy or game we will ask for your child to put it in their backpack to go home. If that warning does not work, we will confiscate the toy, and it will need to be claimed by a parent.

Weekly progress reports

We use a grading software system to keep track of your child’s assignments. Your child will not be given credit for an assignment UNLESS they have completed it with 100% mastery. Each week we will post the reports online for you to access. You will have a special ID code that works for you to only see your child’s progress report. Anything with a 0 or blank means the assignment is missing or incomplete. This is a great way to understand what your child has accomplished each week. You can access the progress reports at this link: www.mmcharter.org/aquaroom/grades.htm