Classroom Responsibilities, Expectations and Behavior

Middle School Rocks if you….

  • Come to class prepared
  • Listen and follow directions
  • Be respectful, kind, and supportive to others
  • Keep your things organized
  • Be a team player
  • Do your best work; 100% of the time!
  • Have a positive attitude; 100% of the time!

My classroom management techniques rely basically on students’ ability to apply their understanding of the right thing to do in a given situation.  We discuss what Jesus would have done (WWJD), and what we can learn by our actions towards our classmates, adults, and ourselves.

While the responsibility does not rest solely on their shoulders (I have reward and discipline systems), I do expect respectful, appropriate, on task, and supportive behavior from all of my students. This helps them to continue to build their independence, as they claim more responsibility and understanding of their thinking and their behaviors.

We work together at the start of the year to define appropriate behaviors. We point out examples happening in our classroom as well as instances outside of school. Over time, the students begin to internalize these ideas and apply them throughout their day, in or out of school.

As the year progresses, students need to be reminded less and less about acceptable behavior. They take ownership of their actions, as they develop and apply their understanding of what it means to be a responsible, caring, and kind student, classmate, and person.

TRANSITION BEHAVIORS

  • Single-file
  • Stay to the right
  • Quiet & respectful

SCHOOL-WIDE EXPECTATIONS

  • Follow St. Madeleine’s Uniform Policy
  • Follow Personal Electronic & Electronic Use Policy
  • No Gum
  • Food in cafeteria & classroom only

POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES/REWARDS

Specific verbal praise, notes or calls home, edible treats, extra recess or free choice time, stickers, prizes, etc.(and a huge smile on a “Teacher, of course!)

If students are doing an outstanding job of demonstrating awesome behavior, the following will may happen:

  • Emails from a Happy Teacher: Ms. Bruneel loves to email parents about the outstanding work their children are doing in her class. Who knows, it may even earn you a reward or treat at home.
  • The Coffee Bean Tournament: Ms. Bruneel’s classes compete to earn a free period each month by following our classroom expectations to earn points. The class with the most points by the end of the month earns a free period, and the class with the most points by the end of the year earns a pizza party!

WHEN A STUDENT CHOOSES OTHERWISE….

  • Students will be asked to “reset” or refocus themselves on the task at hand.  If behavior continues to distract the student or others from learning, he or she will be asked to fill in a behavior reflection sheet that will be signed by the student and teacher.  Continued or more severe behavior problems will result in a note or phone call home or and/or a referral to the principal.  In some cases an individualized behavior plan may need to be created (see below).If students fail to follow the classroom expectations, the following consequences will be enforced:
    • Level One: Verbal warning
    • Level Two: Student Reflection/Action Plan
    • Level Two: Temporary removal from class, teacher conference
    • Level Three: Parent contact
    • Level Four: Conference with administrator

*Cell Phones, smart watches, and bluetooth headphones.earbuds brought to school will be collected at the beginning of each day, kept in a box for each homeroom, locked in a cupboard, and returned to each student at the end of each day.

**If a student chooses not to follow the above protocol, the following actions will take place:

  1. FIRST INSTANCE:  Cell phone will be taken to office to be returned to Parent only
  2. SECOND and future INSTANCES:  Taken to office and Referral to Principal

At St. Madeleine’s, together we: SERVE–LEAD–LOVE–LEARN!