Mrs. Lamare’s Class Newsletter

Back to School 2016

©     We have a behavior system that focuses on rewarding positive and respectful behavior in class. Students’ goal for the day is to earn $5. Students are required to move their t-shirt if they have to be spoken to about behavior that is not respectful, responsible or safe. We have talked in class about what these behaviors are. The first move is a warning, followed by 5 minutes of recess, 20 minutes of recess, a phone call home and lastly, an office referral. Money earned is redeemed at auctions that focus on school supplies but also have some fun and entertaining prizes.

©     Behavior and work expectations have increased. As the quarters fly by, it is my goal to get students ready for the upcoming school years. Students are expected to act and work in a way that is respectful, responsible and safe. Homework is a nightly occurrence and is expected to be turned in on time. Late homework results in five points off each day it is not turned in.

©     Note-taking is an essential skill in life. It is my goal to teach students the efficient way to take and organize notes for comprehension and studying purposes.

©     Speaking of studying, studying is an essential skill for school starting in fifth grade and continuing through the college years. It is my goal to provide the students with study guides and strategies in order to successfully study and prepare for a test.

©     Fifth and sixth grade are hard. Not to knock the lower elementary grades, but the upper grades really steps things up. There is more work expected. There is more homework. There is more studying and there are more tests. There is more independence with assignments and most importantly, there is a lot more responsibility on the shoulders of the students. We are here to help and guide students in the right direction but the choice is really in the hands of the students. Students realize that we cannot make them do anything and it is therefore their choice whether they do things or not. Students realize quickly that each and every action has a comparable reaction.

©     Lastly, student effort in their daily work drastically affects a student’s grade. If work is not completed up to fifth grade expectations, the student will not receive a satisfactory grade. Students realize quickly that excellent effort is rewarded and that they need to put forth their best effort in order to earn excellent grades. I repeatedly tell the students that I do not give the grades; instead, they earn their grades.

©     Thank you for reading! I hope that this information is helpful for you in order to keep you up to date with the happenings in our sixth grade class.

©     Mrs. Lamare