Management Notebook

8/8/2019 Management Notebook

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Megan JonesMiddle School

MathematicsClassroom Management Plan

"Do not worry about your difficulties inMathematics.

I can assure you mine are still greater." Einstein


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~Table of Contents~

1. Philosophy

2. Classroom ArrangementBulletin Board Samples

3. Before the First DayFirst Day

4. Classroom Procedures

Character Development

5. Discipline Plan

6. Partnership with ParentsParent-Teacher CommunicationCertificate of ExcellenceReflecting and Learning

News Letter SampleWelcome Letters

7. Substitute Teachers

8. Records and Documentations


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Philosophy

When reading over the list of theories and philosophies I came to the

conclusion that I think it would be hard to only select one of them. I feel as if

all the theories and philosophies should be implemented into a teacher's

classroom. If a teacher runs the classroom in a strictly realism fashion there

will be some students, that do not relate to realism, that might feel left out

or that their educational needs were not met. In this case I feel like the

educator not only needs to know whom she is but who the students are as

well.

If I had to choose just one theory that I felt that I most related to, I

would chose progressivism. I strongly believe and agree with the idea that

all students need to be educated based off of his or her needs, that the

classroom should meet individual interests. I also believe that learning

should be hands on, that the curriculum is filled with activities and projects.

As a math educator, I have to understand that not all students like

worksheets and assignments, but need more tangible ways to learn about

math. One of the most impacting math lessons I remember was when my

geometry teacher had us measure our body to discover that the golden ratio

is a part of us. Until this day, I am still very interested in the topic and

research it on my own. I hope to one day help my students learn that math

isn't just numbers but it is something that is seen and dealt with every single

day of their lives. Because of this real-life scenario I want to help


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students learn to achieve successfully by working in groups effectively. All

of my beliefs and feelings are pegged by progressivism.

In our notes, progressivism states that it is rooted in pragmatism.

Choosing a philosophy is just as difficult as picking just one theory. Again, I

can find a small piece of me in all five main philosophies. I agree with the

pragmatism philosophy that as humans our concepts and knowledge are

based around our own experiences; that we have to interact with the

changing environment. Strangely enough I feel as if idealism is right behind

pragmatism. I feel as if there are some situations that shouldn't change; all

values are universal and not situational. As far as educational implications I

feel as if both idealism and pragmatism are both incredibly important. A

subject matter should emphasize the greatest ideas but I strongly believe

that instruction should be organized and encompass problem solving.

I know that idealism and pragmatism are slightly opposites or have

contradicting ideas, but I feel as if between the two of them, they complete

me. That all of these theories and philosophies should be something that all

educators learn about, understand, and find at least one good concept from

each of them. For us to be able to teach all different types of learning styles

we have to be aware, educated, and concerned about theories and

philosophies. The bottom line is, as long as the students' needs are met,

that is what matters most. It's not how we educate, it is the fact we

educate.


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Classroom Arrangement - Where Math Magicis Made

(Please note: diagram is on next page)

Everything that a student would need to learn math can be found in

this room. One corner there is the hands on for more learning area; where

math manipulative, books, blocks, and puzzles will be located. This area is

for students who have everything finished and want to understand the

subject more. Down from that corner is the student help center where a

student can go for more peace and quiet, where there will be less

distractions; I know that if a student is in that area that I need to make sure

to offer any assistance that he or she needs as well as other students should

not bother the learner. Across from the smart board are the cabinets with the

students computer on it. Next to the cabinets is the closet where I will keep

safety supplies. I positioned my desk in front of the class and the door so I

can see everything at all times, the carpet underneath will let students know

that this is my area, and they need permission to be in it. With the computer

close to the smart board I wont have to run back and forth if there is an

error of some sort. There are four bulletin boards. The board by the door

and pencil sharpener will have my credentials and other awards to display

my confidence in teaching. The bulletin board by the teachers desk and

smart board will have student information, calendar, events, extra credit, a

need-to-know location. The bulletin board by the hands on lab will have the

rules posted while the bulletin board by the window will have the notebook


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and homework procedures as well as the outline to fill out their homework.

The students will be in groups, which I will pick, so that they can help one

another learn better. I will have the students who need more help sit closer

to me.


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Bulletin Board Samples


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Before the First Day of School To Do List:

Make sure all appropriate paper work is completed for employment.

Find and store in a safe location a district and school calendar.

Get to know key resource people in your school/district (principal,secretary, custodian, cooks, nurses, other teachers, media specialists,Xerox aide, technology specialists, district staff).

Locate your classroom/s and inventory your equipment (desks,technology, and support materials) and student equipment(calculators, rulers, glue, paper).

Determine what the students need to have.

Locate class lists from office.

Review the district curriculum guides.

Roughly map out the school year using the districts curriculum guide.

Review the first few weeks of lesson plans.

Script out your daily schedule.

Review the school and/or districts handbooks, policy books, andprocedures guides.

Locate and start reviewing the teachers manuals.

Locate and inventory student textbooks.

Arrange classroom layout.

Review student files and IEPs.

Become familiar with school facility and campus (office, lunchroom,gym, restrooms, parking).

Become familiar with the community. Get to know the district/school web site.

Talk to other teachers in school to get an idea of their discipline plans.

Ask principal to review discipline plan (make adjustments as needed togain support from administrator).

Find out what to do in case of fire, tornado, bomb threats, and intruderand determine the procedure/routine you will establish to meet theseemergency needs.

Make sure room is organized and ready for the first day (bulletinboards/posters/certificates/other information needs to be hung).

Secure a day care or appropriate child care, as well as have back up

plans. Determine what other equipment is available in the school/district that

you need, but is not located in your classroom.

Find out what information is needed for the office, from your class,each day (attendance, lunch) and determine the procedure/routine youwill establish to provide this information.

Find out if the nurse provides a list of students in your class with


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special medical needs. If not, review permanent files and prepare list.

Find out if the school nurse provides a first-aid kit for your room foremergencies.

Prepare record tool for keeping grades and attendance (electronicand/or traditional grade book).

Prepare tool for lesson plans (electronic and/or traditional lesson planbook).

Organize personal calendar.

Prepare your own desk with personal items needed (small first-aid kit,kleenex, small tool kit, emergency apparel, safety pins, sewing kit,flashlight)

Arrange storage bins for teacher and student storage.

Set up files for handouts, tests, student information, importantinformation from the district, and important information from yourprincipal.

Get to know your Mentor teacher (assigned by district). After securing a list of students, consider sending a welcome e-mail

to your students and their guardian a week or two before school starts.(middle level).

Participate in all district summer in-services as possible.

Determine what you will utilize to carry materials to-and-from school(brief case, canvas bag, or backpack) and secure it.

Review professional wardrobe and add to as budget allows.

Plan and time route to school.

Layout professional clothes to wear for the first day of school. (Dressbetter than usual. Not a bad idea to plan what you will wear for the

first week.) Have your keys (and all materials going to school) laid out where you

can find them (maybe by the door).

Do not leave school, the day before, until everything is laid out andprepared for the first day.

Get to bed early the night before your first day.

Set extra alarms and find a consistent sleeping pattern.


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The First Day of School

Wake up earlier, allowing extra time.

Eat healthy breakfast.

Have bottle of water ready for the day (at your desk). Arrive at school early.

Have class list posted outside the door.

Greet students at the door.

Be positive!

Make eye contact with everyone in class.

Have seating chart ready and seat students as they come into theclass.

Teach them your name and a little about yourself.

Let students introduce themselves; having them fill out their personal

card. Discuss/teach procedures and routines (for the first week, until it is

known).o Daily Routine Scheduleo Attendance/Tardiness Policies/Procedureso Class/School Ruleso Grading Policyo Award Systemo Homework/Notebook Expectationso Use of Classroom Supplies/Equipmento

Collecting and Distributing Paperso Dismissal procedure

Make expectations known.

Distribute materials.

Reflect on first day of school at the end of the day and make notesfor next years first day of school. Begin a file.

Do not leave school until you are prepared for the second day ofschool. (The first day of school is the most important day. The firstweek of school is the most important week.)

Make sure to tell Jeremiah how much I love him, and sorry Ive beenworking so hard lately.


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Classroom Procedures forMathematicians

Entering class:1. Enter class quietly.2. Be in your seat when bell rings.3. Immediately start filling out yournotebook.4. Use free time to correct homework.

Notebook:1. Daily, fill out your notebook.2. Date is in the upper right hand corner, above theassignment.3. The agenda will be in the left hand corner.4. The daily problem will be worked in the centered

followed by any class notes.

Homework:1. Follow outline correctly2. Use loose leaf paper, front and back is acceptable, andpencil only.

3. Bring to class.4. After grading, pass to the left.5. No late work accepted.


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If you are absent:1. Talk to teacher before class begins with office note.2. Copy down the missed daily page into your notebookusing the classroom copy.3. Absent homework is to be turned in the following classperiod.

If you are tardy:1. Come into the classroomquietly.2. Take your seat immediately.3. Start on the lesson where theother students are.

4. Talk to the teacher at the endof the class.

Attention!:1. When the teacher says Math thestudents will say Rocks!2. OR if an adult raises their hand.3. Freeze!


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4. Be an active listener.

Dismissal:1. All students are to stay seated.2. The teacher will dismiss the class, NOT the bell.3. Leave calm and quietly.

Pencil Procedures:1. Stand up quietly.2. Go to pencil cans; place used pencil into the usedcan.3. Pick up first sharpened pencil.4. Sit back down quietly and proceed.

Calculator Checkouts:1. Grab a calculator from its pouch.2. At the end of class return calculator.


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3. Help other student return items.4. When all items are returned class will be dismissed.

Missing materials:1. Extra paper will beprovided.2. Quietly go to the back ofthe room and pick up theitem you need.

3. Return to yourassignment, work quietly.4. At the end of the period

return items to their places.

White boards:1. A student from each group will get enough boards forentire group.2. A student will get enough markers for group.3. A student will grab papertowels or erasers for all groupbuddies.4. At the end of class returnmaterials to their places.5. Check to see if desks areclean and arranged in proper

groups.

Bathroom:1. Bathroom is to be used after a lesson.


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2. Raise your hand.3. When permission grantedtake the bathroom pass.4. Follow hallway procedures.

5. Return as quickly aspossible, you dont want tomiss out!

If you are getting sick:1. If an emergency, please make it to the nearesttrashcan or bathroom.2. If there is time, ask for permission to walk to thenurses office.

To participate:1. Have all supplies for the day (notebook with loose leafpaper, book, planner, pencil, calculator, ruler, readingbook).2. Follow directions when given.3. Raise hand when needing to speak.

4. Be an active listener.5. Help others when you see itnecessary.


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Questions:1. Remember there are no dumb questions.2. Raise hand quietly.

3. When selected, ask the question.4. Tell the teacher if the question wasnt answeredclearly.5. If further help is needed, schedule a time to meet withthe teacher.

Done with theassignment:1. Remain quiet.2. Check your work for any errors.3. Work on other homework, extracredit, read a book, or picksomething from the give me morelearning table.

4. Ask the teacher if there are any classroom tasks thatyou can help with.

Extra credit:1. Check to see if it is fully completed.2. Make sure that your name is on the assignment.

3. After class place the assignment in the extra credit bin.


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Group Work:1. The teacher will assign the

groups.2. The teacher will select where thegroups will meet and when.3. Group work will be done quietly,using appropriate voices.4. Groups will turn in one piece ofpaper with all members names onit.

5. Give all students in your group a chance to participate.

Food and drinks:1. Water, in bottles only, is allowed.2. Students will use only their bottle.3. Students without water bottles can follow bathroom

procedure to go to the waterfountain.4. There will be no food brought infrom outside the classroom.

Emergency signals:1. Remain calm, quiet, andcollected.2. The teacher will direct the

students.3. Follow the schools plan of action.


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4. Help others if necessary.

Hallway:

1. Walk quietly down the right side of the hall.2. Keep your hands and objects to yourself.3. Students will respect other laws and the schoolsprocedures.

Visitors:1. Listen and payattention if they arespeaking.2. If the visitor isobserving, do not disrupt them.3. Remain calm and on task.4. Ask questions at the appropriate time.


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Character Development

Part of my management plan I want to incorporate character

development. I plan on teaching procedures and routines the first week of

school. After a week I will determine if I need to continue to teach

procedures or not; for if not learn the rest of the school year will be more

challenging. The students will help me to write the classroom rules; they

will still outline the schools discipline and my own idea of rules. Part of my

teaching math I would also like to teach life skills such as respect and caring.

To do this not only will the classroom rules be based around those ideas, but

also I will have monthly quotes and concepts to teach the middle school

students. Every month I will post a new quote on our information bulletin

board. We will take a class period to learn and discuss the idea of what is

being said as well as refresh our past quotes. I also plan on having a quote

wall where students can post inspirational and fun math quotes for other

students to read (after having me review them). I want the classroom to be

for the students, about the students, to teach the students about their lives;

a safe, fun, learning environment. Below are a few quotes I have gathered in

class. I do love how quickly though the Internet can provide more

inspirational and motivational quotes.

A mistake, if understood, is a step towards wisdom. Unknown

When the bum is numb, so is the brain. Rebecca Gallemore

Insanity is doing something over and over again expecting differentresults. Albert Einstein


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love and inspiration, I dont think you can do wrong. Ella Fitzgerald

Anything students can do by themselves they need to be doing it. JeanCozens

Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas. Albert

Einstein

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving hisgoal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. Thomas Jefferson

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. Francis Bacon

The only medicine for suffering, crime, and all the other woes of mankind, iswisdom. Thomas Huxley

Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash. George S.

Patton

Try not to become a man of success but a man of value. Albert Einstein

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you havewithin you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the starsto change the world. Harriet Tubman

The whole purpose of equation is to turn mirrors into windows. Sydney J.Harris

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. John Dewey

Anyone who conducts an argument by appealing to authority is not usinghis intelligence; he is just using his memory. Leonardo DaVinci

Dream as if youll live forever, live as if youll die today. James Dean

Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live. Unknown

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start todayand make a new ending. Maria Robinson

Arithmetic is being able to count up to twenty without taking off your

shoes. Mickey MouseWhen the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will knowpeace. Jimi Hendrix


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PERSONAL SYSTEM OF DISCIPLINE

Below I provide the main points of my discipline program to implement intomy classroom from the very first day. This plan as of now is only reflectiveupon my goals. The plan will later be changed to accommodate the goals ofthe school and district in which I will be teaching for. Also, during aclassroom meeting students will be able to help create the classroom rulesand consequences to meet their needs; as of now I have laid the foundationof what I think is necessary for a class that is fun to learn in. I created myplan based off the sample that I read and studied in C. M. Charles bookBuilding Classroom Discipline ninth edition. Having a foundation is thebest start to any plan.

Student Needs:- To have opportunities to excel and meet high expectations- To have opportunities to work cooperatively with other students- To learn information that is useful and promote life long skills- To learn in a safe, appealing, and stimulating environment- To learn how to respect and care for others, to feel apart of a community- To learn from a teacher that is helpful, caring, and educated

Teacher Needs:- Organized classroom that is neat with good room arrangement and storage- Schedules that are structured and have routines, that also allow flexibility- Enthusiasm and cooperation from students, coworkers, and parents- Community feeling- A relaxed teaching environment that is not hostile or too loud- Students attention during lessons and participation when necessary- Support and respect from family and friends- Professional dress, speech, and actions

Classroom Dislikes:- Rude behavior; not listening to speaker or other classmates- Being excessively loud, using inappropriate language and name calling- Too much movement that distracts other students- Property abuse- Disrespectful conduct such as sarcasm and bad manners


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Classroom Must Haves:- Open door policy Good communication- Safe, clean, and fun learning environment- Hard work- Honesty and ownership of personal actions- Being positive

Class Rules or the To Be rules:- To Be PREPARED: be on time with supplies and completed assignment- To Be RESPECTFUL: be considerate of yourself, others, and property- To Be HELPFUL: providing assistance and help appropriately- To Be POLITE: follow directions and listen carefully- To Be PROUD: of your work hard on assignments and building a bettercommunity

Positive Consequences:- Praise and verbal rewards will be given daily as seen appropriate- Many smiles and high-fives will be given out- Positive notes home will be given- Thanks for your excellence certificate will be given to students who haveshown exceptional responsibility- Free Friday or PAT (time for students to learn as they wish, read book,math manipulative, etc.) will be rewarded when class has been excellent as awhole.- If the school has a positive student assembly, I will nominate extraordinarystudents

Negative Consequences:- The look warning- Private conversation; What are you doing? Is that helpful to __? How canwe fix this?- If class is acting out as a whole, use I-statements; I am very hurt by howthe class is going today.- Work separately in the calming-space- Fill out think sheet- Call parent and use buddy room for student to cool off in- Meet with parent and students together


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- Meet with other helpful faculty; the counselor or other teachers (pastteachers who the student loved)- Involve the principal as last resort

Preventive Measures to Misbehavior:- Respect the students as individuals- Meet the students needs as quickly as possible- Find the fantastic positive qualities in every student- Start and end each class on a positive note- Communicate with students and parents often- Offer a curriculum that is not only challenging but one that engages thestudents- Use classroom meetings on a regular basis

- Provide the physical parts of the room to be accommodating- Build relationships with the students- Allow students to help make decisions, they are young adults

When Students Misbehave:- Use proximity to raise awareness in the student- Modify the lesson to accommodate the situation- Pay close attention to the student and their work- Implement negative consequences if needed


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Parent-Teacher Communication

My beliefs about parents:

- Parents are always right. In their minds.- It is our reasonability, as teachers, to fix everything.- Some parents will be back-seat teaching.- Not all parents know or show that they care about their students

education.- Parents have feelings too, work with them as individuals.

How I will communicate with parents:

- Have a daily updated blog with assignments and information

-Call at least 8 parents every week with good news (once a month perstudent).

- Make contact early and often.- Share my personal number and e-mail with parents, inviting them to

contact me.- Send newsletters home, as well as posting it on the blog.

How I will deal with upset parents:

- Stay calm and collected.

-Address the issue; the child is not the problem the action is the issue.

- Ask them for their input and suggestions.- Meet with parents as frequently as necessary to help ease their

frustrations.- Open and honest communication is key.- If necessary, get a second opinion.


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Reflecting and LearningName:________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date:_______________________________________ ClassPeriod:___________________________________________

Please fill out the following page to the best of your ability. Be honest and

thoughtful reflecting on the schools creed and the classroom rules. Take

your time and write clearly. If you need to use an extra sheet of paper, feel

free to do so, attaching it on the back.

What was the problem?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________

What caused the problem?

_________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

What is your personal plan to prevent this from happening again?

____________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________


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_____________________________________________________________________________

_______

Who would you like to make your accountability partner(s)?

__________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________

Teachers comments:

Other comments:

Students Signature: _____________________________ Teachers Signature___________________________


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Central Senior High School

423 E. Central St.

Springfield, MO 65802

August 12, 2012

Dear (students name),

My name is Megan Jones but please call me Mrs. Jones or Mrs. J. I have

been married for four years now to my wonderful husband, Jeremiah. We

have (number of kids) and one puppy named Albert. I graduated from

Missouri Southern State University in 2011. I love to travel and have been to

a variety of countries and I will try to incorporate fun facts in our math world.

I enjoy taking pictures and love all art and music. Please come to class with a

question to ask me!

I am so excited to have you in my class! I look forward to the first day

of school where we can start our fun adventure through the world of math. I

am your (grade and subject) teacher. On our first day of class, you will be

filling out a small questionnaire about yourself. So start thinking about what

your favorite food is and what you did over the summer that gave you the

best memories, but do not worry, there arent wrong answers for this!

I hope you are as excited as I am for our first day of school! August 24,

2012 will mark the start of our adventure. I am eager to teach as I hope you

are eager to learn!


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See you soon,

Central Senior High School

423 E. Central St.

Springfield, MO 65802

August 12, 2012

Dear Parent or Guardian of (childs name),

My name is Megan Jones; I look forward to having (childs name) in my

(subject) class. I graduated from Missouri Southern State University in 2011

and loved every moment of my education. I plan on showing students how

much fun learning can really be. My husband, Jeremiah, and I have been

married for four years. We have (number of children) and one puppy named

Albert. In my free time I like to travel as much as possible, learn about

other cultures, and take pictures. I consider myself to be a very open

person, so if you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free

to contact me. You can reach me at the school (schools number) during

(planning period), in the evening on my cell 913-387-9110 or my email

address (insert school supplied email address). I will try my hardest to

respond as quickly as possible and answer any of your questions.

We will be learning about the math world as if it were an adventure;

because to me, math is an adventure! Classes will begin August 24, 2012


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and open house will be a week after on August 31, 2012 between

4:30 and 8:30. Please stop by our classroom to take a look, to meet me in

person, and help your child with his or her math education! I am incredibly

excited to be your childs teacher! Hope to see you August 31, 2012.

Sincerely,


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Substitute Teachers

- Keep a file for the next days lessons on my desk in case I am not ableto attend class the next day, which will also keep me prepared.

-Have a file for extra activities for those students that finish early.

- Have a procedure for students for when they have a substitute.- Create a substitute package that is kept in the office:

o Important times and schedules of who goes where and when.o Emergency drills.o Where to find supplies (extra activity file, paper, calculators,

etc.).o Buddy help; who they can go for help (teacher and students) to

fix equipment or if they have a question.o Copy of classroom rules and procedures.o Personal information for them on where to eat, the restroom

location, and break room.o Small form to explain to me how the class went, if I need to talk

to any students.o How to collect and where to place the graded/finished

homework.o A special notes section for if there are any special events

(holidays, test, early-out, assemblies).


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Records, Assessment, and Documentation:

- Students will turn in their work in the labeled filing trays.- Late work can be found in the late work notebook, taught as a

procedure.

-Grades for each student will be documented in a standard grade bookAS WELL AS entered into an electronic database. If not provided byschool, I will use an excel program.

- I will have an ongoing blog that will also document the events in classfor the day (assignments, up coming test, reviews, extra credit, andother important information).

- I will have a word document that is saved in my private e-mail, so itcan be worked on anywhere by me, that will state who I called, when, ifparents call or contact me, if there were any injuries or classdisruptions.

- Part of my classroom plan is to have students journal and take short

notes about their days events and assignments.- The first day of class I will have students fill out an information card

about themselves that will be kept in a private note card filing box.- Parents will be asked to fill out information on how to contact them;

card will be placed with students card in filing box.

Documents

Management Notebook