EXPECTATIONS

Behavior & Classroom

PERSONALLY OWNED DEVICES

Digital tools can facilitate more and more learning opportunities. While that is not always possible due to the limited number of devices available, we aim to make it achievable through an initiative that allows students to use their own devices (PODs) at school. The goal of the PODs initiative is to leverage these devices so that students have access to learning applications and online information throughout the school day, not just when they are using school-owned technology. If your child has a device that they would like to bring to school, they may. Please note- if they choose to bring a device to school, they are solely responsible and accountable for its proper use and care. These will be used for academic purposes only and while students' may have some Apps or games on their device for time at home, we will be asking students to only access the applications and programs we are using for an educational purpose.

NETIQUETTE & DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

Going hand & hand with the use of devices in the classroom, whether school or personally owned, is the incorporation of "Netiquette (network etiquette)," and Digital Citizenship into many of our projects and lessons. Responsible, appropriate, and kind use of the internet and digital tools are essential for any young person to understand and practice. We strive to embed these skills into our daily instruction so that our students can become responsible digital citizens that use technology in positive and productive ways. We hold our students to high expectations and any misuse/abuse/mistreatment of technology will result in the loss of tech privileges. All students and parents are required to sign the attached form below.

STUDENT SELF-ADVOCACY

5th grade is a wonderful year for students to become more responsible and to practice self-advocacy skills. If students have a question or if a conflict should arise, we encourage them to advocate for themselves first. We urge parents to suggest having students communicate with us first when faced with a challenge at school. We believe that self-advocacy leads to responsibility and accountability by giving students a voice and empowering them to solve problems.

HOMEWORK

       Here at Sage Canyon we are very proud of our students--how they work hard, stay on task, and follow expectations for behavior and academic focus throughout the seven or so hours they are here with us at school.  Just as adults generally do not prefer to spend all evening continuing to work at our jobs, we don’t want our students to have to do the same.  In fact, research shows that there is not a positive correlation between academic achievement and homework.  In his article Down with Homework, Alfie Kohn says, “On top of causing stress, more homework means kids have less time for other activities. There’s less opportunity for the kind of learning that doesn’t involve traditional skills. There’s less chance to read for pleasure, make friends, play games, get some exercise, get some rest, or just be a child.

       Due to this, our philosophy regarding homework is that students should have time to do just these things! In fact, when you think about playing a family round of Monopoly,  a child is practicing math, reading, critical thinking, and real-life skills just by playing this game alone!

       To this end, you will find that our teachers are continuing to assign homework differently this school year.  While at times students may be asked to finish incomplete work from class if they haven’t used their time wisely, homework will mostly consist of reading each day, or as many as they can, to support their reading skills at home.  This is especially valuable when children spend time reading or talking about reading with an adult or other proficient reader. We hope that this frees your family up to spend more time together and to enjoy your evenings after that 4:00 school bell!

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Spelling- Each Monday, students will have a spelling test and will get their new words for the following week. They need to practice and study these words as needed to prepare for the tests on Mondays.

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Students will have the option to complete a reading log each week for an extra $5 in class money. This is not required but encouraged. 

SNACKS

Students are welcome to bring healthy snacks to eat throughout the day. Water is the only acceptable beverage in the classroom. We have a strict NO PEANUTS/TREE NUTS policy.

COMMUNICATION

This year, we will be trying out Bloomz for parent/teacher communication. It is a private online/mobile app where important dates, class pictures, volunteer opportunities, and much more, will be sent out to each individual class. Look for an email from your teacher for more information. 

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Email is still the BEST (and fastest) way to reach us. Please make sure we have your most up to date email address in parent portal. We are also available to schedule phone conferences and in person meetings when necessary. Students in Douglas County have a district Google apps account, including email, which we will be using regularly. Please take some time in the next couple of weeks to make sure that your information is current in our Infinite Campus/Parent Portal system. For assistance, call the main office at 720-433-0110

BEHAVIOR POLICY

We believe in rewarding the positive and will be using a Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBiS) in each of our classrooms. This is also a school-wide system. PBiS is based on the idea that students learn appropriate behavior the same way they learn to read- through instruction, practice, feedback, and encouragement.

LIGHTNING DISMISSAL

Unfortunately, we live in an area that sees quite a bit of lightning which seems to frequently occur right before the dismissal at the end of the school day. If lightning occurs anytime between 3:50 and 4:14pm, a lightning dismissal will take place. In the event of this dismissal, students will be allowed to make calls home and a message will go out to parents from the school. Students that ride the bus will be escorted to the bus route and will take the bus home as usual. Walkers and car riders will need to wait in the classroom until a parent or guardian can come in the building, go to their class, and sign them out. Parents, guardians, or emergency contacts are the only adults allowed to sign your child out. If you wish another person be allowed to pick up your child, please make sure that this is updated in Parent Portal.