Home of the Dragons

Mrs. Wilder’s Fifth Grade Classroom and School Procedures 2024-2025

Morning Arrival

1. Students may arrive no earlier than 9:10 am. There is no adult supervision before this time   

    and children cannot be left unsupervised.

2. Breakfast begins at 9:10 am. Students who wish to eat breakfast will go to the cafeteria when they

    arrive. When students are finished eating, they will report to the gym. Students who do not wish to

    eat breakfast will report directly to the gym.

3.  All students in the gym will need to have a book or some other reading material. This will not be a

     time for socializing or free play.  

Hallway Procedures

1. Students will walk in line order wherever we go.

2. Students will walk to and from all destinations in a quiet, straight line.

2. At no time are they to separate from the class without the teacher’s permission.

3. Students will keep their hands and feet to themselves.

4. When walking, there are certain stopping points the students must acknowledge. We will

     continue when everyone is orderly.

5. For safety reasons, students will not skip steps, jump steps or play on the stairs in any way.

6. Students are expected to travel in the hall at a voice level 0 (no talking) while in the hallway.

Beginning Class

1. Students will begin each day in their homeroom teacher’s classroom.

2. Students will enter the room and go directly to their desk.

3. Students will be instructed to unpack their book bags quickly and quietly. During this time, they need  

    to get EVERYTHING they need for the day (lunches etc..). Bookbags with materials will be carried to

    each class each day.

4. Daily Planners (returned daily with parent’s initials) will be turned in after copying anything that the

    classroom teacher wants them to write that day. These will be checked daily for parent signatures,

    and/or notes from parents and initialed by the teacher. No signatures by a parent will result in a

    consequence for the student. Planners are a great way for us to have contact everyday.

 5. Friday Folders (returned each Monday with a parent signature) Should be placed in the

     corresponding basket/area in the classroom. Signing the Friday folder lets me know you have seen/received your child's papers for the week.

 6. Homework should be turned in to the designated area in each class upon arrival in that class.

 7. If students have notes etc.., for the teacher they are expected to give it to the teacher at this

     time.

 8. Students will put coats, jackets etc. in the closet during this time. Only one student is allowed in the

     coatroom at a time.

 9. Students will not be allowed to return to the coatroom until the end of the day. If they must

      get something from the coatroom, they will have a consequence for not following  

      directions/procedures.

10. Once all the above is completed, students will have an assignment to work on until everyone is ready

       for class to begin.

11. Students are to use their time wisely. They are not to sit idly or visit with other students

      during class time. They will always have relative work/practice activities to work on. 

Sharpening Pencils

1. Each child should have two sharpened pencils to begin each day. These pencils are expected  

     to travel with the student to each class. Not having pencils, paper, books, iPad and other

     supplies mean not being prepared for class and will result in a consequence.

2. Students will have access to sharpened pencils each day.

3. To retrieve a new pencil, the broken/unsharp pencil must be turned in.

4. Students will not be allowed to sharpen pencils during instruction time. This practice will be

     implemented to reduce distractions. The teacher will have pencils readily available. Should pencils

     break or need to be sharpened during instruction time, the students should raise their hand and wait

     to be acknowledged.

5. The student will then place the broken pencil in the “Dull pencils” container and get a

    sharpened one from the “Sharp pencils” container.

Field Trips

1. Students will wear school uniforms on every field trip unless told otherwise by the teacher.

2. If your child has continuous behavior problems, you may be asked to go with your child

    on field trips in order for your child to attend. This is for the safety of your child and the

    safety of the other children.

 Make-Up Work  

1. It is imperative that a student is at school if they are to learn and grow as individuals. We  

     understand, however, that situations arise.

2. When a student is tardy or absent, they will be given the work they missed. They will need to  

    check with the teacher for any make up work.

3. The student will have one day for each day absent to complete and return the work to

     school.                                                                                                                                                                      

Questions

1. If a student does not understand something, he/she is expected to silently raise their hand

    and let me know exactly what he/she does not understand.

2. Students are NOT to call out, yell, or talk. When hands are raised, I will call on the student

    and the student can ask for understanding.

3. When another student is asking a question, talking, or offering an opinion, the class is   

     expected to listen silently. This is a sign of respect.

4. If another student has something they would like to add or offer, they may raise their hands

    silently, NOT call out or be disruptive.

5. If a student does not agree with what is being said and wants to offer their opinion, they may raise

     their hand silently, then respectfully disagree and say what they think and why.

6. No arguing, insults, or put-downs will be tolerated.

Leaving the Classroom Without the Class

1. Students are AT NO TIME allowed to get up and leave the class without permission. This is a

     safety violation.

2. If students need to go to the office, restroom, another class, another teacher, etc., they need  

    to raise their hand, ask permission, and take a hall pass/vest once permission is given. Students

    are not to take passes/vests themselves and leave the classroom without permission.

3. Any work missed while the student is out of the room is to be made up during recess or taken home

    for homework.

Early Finishers

1. Every child is different and will finish work at various times. If all work is completed too the

    best of the student’s ability, and not rushed through and halfway finished, then he/she will

    be allowed to read, complete unfinished work, work on skills apps, write, or do anything that

    is educational. They are NOT allowed to talk, get up, draw, play, or be disruptive.

Toys and other Valuables

1. Toys and personal valuables should not be brought to school. If they are, it is at the child’s

    own risk.

2. All personal belongings (jackets, backpacks, hats etc..) should be labeled with the student’s

    name.

3. According to the school handbook, cell phones SHOULD NOT be brought to school. Please see the Dewey Student/Parent Handbook for more information. For students to bring a cell phone to school, the cell phone policy in the Student/Parent Handbook must be reviewed and signed by the parent and child. The completed document MUST be given to the classroom teacher. If a cell phone is brought to school, it should be turned off and given to the teacher to be locked up until the end of the day. If a teacher sees a phone out during the school day, it will be taken to the office for a parent to pick up at their convenience.

Restroom

1. The students will have two scheduled restroom breaks a day. We will go as a class once in the

     morning and once in the afternoon.

2. The students will be allowed to use the restroom during class in case of emergencies only,

     unless otherwise noted by a doctor. If students must leave the room for an emergency, they

     will travel to the restroom with another student and a hall pass/vest.

3. If a child is leaving the classroom often for emergencies, he/she will use the restroom in

    the nurse’s office. The nurse will let you know if she believes there may be a medical issue.

4. The restroom is not a place to play and socialize. The students are expected to use the

     restroom, flush the toilet, and wash their hands.

Food and Drink in the Classroom

1. Students are not to bring snacks to school unless they are in their lunch from home. They will

    only be eating them at lunch.

2. Students are not allowed to eat or chew gum in my class. However, exceptions will be made during    

    special times (Holiday parties, etc.). If another teacher allows the student to chew gum or eat during

    class it may only be done in that teacher’s classroom. Students will know each teacher’s expectations

    concerning this.

3. Water bottles may be brought to class during the warmer months. This practice will be discontinued if

    it becomes a distraction or is used inappropriately. Water bottles will be placed in a designated area in

    the classroom. They will not be at the student’s desk.

Getting out of Seats

1. If a student needs to get a tissue or anything else, they are to silently raise their hand and

    politely ask.

2. Students are to remain seated until they are given permission to get up.

Cafeteria Procedures

1. At our scheduled lunchtime, we will travel to the cafeteria where students will go to their

     assigned seat and wait for instructions to get their tray.

2. Students need to get everything they need as they go through the line.

3. Students will be able to visit/talk with their classmates during lunch. However, if the noise

    level gets too high, and they have been asked repeatedly to lower their volume, they may be

    asked to eat silently.

4. Students will raise their hand when they finish eating and need to put their tray/trash away.

5. Students are expected to follow the rules and procedures of the staff on duty during their lunchtime.

6. Students need to make sure they are eating during this time and not just visiting. When our

     lunchtime is over, it is over, and we will move on with our daily schedule.

Dismissals and Transitions

1. The bell does not dismiss the students--the teacher does.

2. Students are to remain orderly, quiet, and at their desks until the teacher gives them

    directions.

3. At the end of the day, students will go from the classroom to their bus lines.

4. Students are expected to sit in their bus line as directed by the bus line teacher. The bus line

     teacher will take the students to their bus when the bus arrives.

5. Students will follow the bus line teacher’s rules and expectations.

6. Students that are picked up by an adult at the end of the day will be in the cafeteria. These

    students are expected to follow the expectations/procedures of the staff in the cafeteria.

Early Dismissal/Tardy

1. If your child is tardy, he/she needs to stop in the office and get a tardy slip before coming to

    the classroom. The parent must go with the student to door 1, go to the office and sign the child in.

2. If you need to pick your child up early, please call the office before arriving at the school so

    your child will be ready when you arrive.

3. Teachers will not release students to parents who arrive at the classroom without a slip from

    the office.

Parties/Celebrations

1. We have two parties each year. We have a winter holiday party and a Valentine’s Day party.

    Additionally, we have a fall celebration, but it is not considered a party. As these activities get

    closer, I will send home information in the class newsletter.

2. Birthdays are not celebrated in the classroom. If you wish to celebrate your child’s birthday

    you can drop off cupcakes for the class, to be eaten at our lunchtime.

3. Please do not have your child distribute party invitations in our classroom unless every child

    in the classroom is invited to the party. This ensures that children will not be placed in an

    uncomfortable situation or get their feelings hurt.

Notes Home/Homework

1. If a note is sent home to you from me, the student is expected to give it to you.

2. If the note requires a signature, it should be signed and returned the next day.

3. Notes needing a signature that are not returned the next day will result in me calling you to

    make sure the note was received. The student may also have a consequence.

4. Positive notes stay home.

5. Students are expected to study Spelling words every night to be ready to take the spelling

     test on Friday of each week. Spelling words for the week will be in the weekly newsletter,

    which will be in the Friday folder.

6. Students will be expected to read every night from "MyOn", for 30 minutes or complete skills in "Freckle" which are both district programs.

    Daily homework will be listed in the newsletter which will go home each Friday and posted in their planner each day. 

7. If a student does not finish work in class, they will need to complete it for homework.

8. Homework needs to be completed and returned the next day. Some homework assignments will not

     need to be “returned”, an example of this would be studying spelling words. Projects

     will need to be returned on the due date assigned by the teacher.

9. Homework is given to the students for extra practice and review, not to punish them. It is

     also an effective way for parents to keep up with what their child is learning in class. It also

     teaches responsibility. Homework will be listed each week for the following week in the

     class newsletter that will be sent home in the Friday folder. Students will also write down homework assignments in their daily planner.

10. Homework will be checked. If it is not completed or returned, the child will lose recess.

      Please let me know if your child is having trouble completing homework assignments or if

      circumstances/emergencies occur that prevent your child from completing an assignment.

Assignment Notebooks (Planners)

1. Planners are sent home every day. The students will write down information/homework assignments given to them by their  

    teacher and any special notices that you need to know about.

2. If needed, information concerning behavior issues will also be noted.

3. You will need to sign the Planner EVERY night. I will check the planner the next day for your

     signature and any notes from you.

4. This is a wonderful way for us to communicate about your child. If a child does not have the

     signed Planner every day, they will miss recess. If it is not signed for a couple of days, I will be

     getting in touch with you.

Friday Folders

1. Every Friday each student will bring home a folder. This folder will have the student’s work

    from that week. Please take time to look over the work with your child. Please DO NOT

    return these papers to school.

2. Newsletters are sent home in every Friday folder. This is the key to knowing what is happening in

    our classroom and school. It also has the following week’s spelling words and homework

    assignments from all three teachers.

3. The folder will have a signature sheet (in the clear pocket on the back of the folder) with that

     Friday’s date for the parent’s signature.

4. The folder with the signed signature sheet will be due on Monday of each week. The signature

     lets me know that you have received your child’s papers and the newsletter (with the   

     weekly spelling words and homework assignments for the following week).

5. Failure to return the folder on Monday will result in the student losing recess (unless I get a

     text, email, note or phone call from you letting me know you saw the folder).

Uniforms

1. Uniforms are required EVERYDAY. Shirts must be a solid color and have a collar. Pants, shorts, and  

     skirts must be khaki, black, or navy.

2. Hats, purses, scarves, bandannas, and jewelry are not considered part of the uniform.

3. Students may wear hoodies at school; however, they may not wear the hoodie on their head

    in the building. Hoodies are considered a hat and are not considered part of the uniform. If

    this becomes a problem; parents will be contacted about finding a different jacket for the

    child to wear to school.

 4. If you are interested in reading about the uniform policy in its entirety, it can be found on

     the Dewey website at http://www.slps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=2130.

     It can also be found in the Dewey Parent Handbook.

 5. Notices will be sent home to parents when a student is not in uniform. Students who are

    chronically in violation of the uniform policy are subject to a disciplinary referral.

 6. Please contact the schools Social Worker for help if your family is

     experiencing a hardship. We can help with uniforms in certain situations.

Ipads

1. Ipads need to be fully charged each night, so they are ready for the next school day.

2. An iPad with a full charge at the beginning of the day should last all day.

3. We do not have enough class time for your child to charge his/her iPad, which may result in 

    missed assignments or extra homework to complete the day’s work.

4. Ipads need to be brought to school EVERY DAY.

5. Students are not to get on websites that are not approved by the district. Our iPads are 

     monitored by the district. Suspicious or questionable use is flagged and brought to the

     attention of the principal, which will be relayed to you.

6. Students are not to video or take pictures of others using their iPad.

RULES:

1). Be Safe

2). Be Respectful

3). Be Responsible

4). Be a Problem Solver

5). Never interfere with learning

Consequences:

1. Consequences for inappropriate behavior include missing recess, phone call home, not being allowed

     to take part in certain activities, and possible in school suspension (the administration will decide

     the severity of the behavior)

2. Rewards for excellent behavior include:

    Verbal Praise, Notes Sent Home, Phone Calls, Free Time, Stickers, Treasure Chest, Lunch with Teacher  

    etc.

Contact/Communication Information is as follows:

*Email: Carla.wilder@slps.org This is the quickest way to reach me. * School Office Phone: 314-645-4845

*My Cell Phone: 314-620-4513 You may text/call me at this number. (Please leave your name if you text  

  so I know who you are). I do not answer calls from numbers I do not recognize, so please leave a

  message if I don’t answer. *Do not call/text after 8:00 pm unless it is an emergency.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Wilder