Our class is a community where students are able to share their ideas and feel safe and comfortable. To create this community, we work to follow The 21 Essential Expectations and Breeze Hill's 5 School Pillars.
The 21 Essential Expectations
- Always say “Yes ma’am” or "Yes, Mrs. Andersen", and “No ma’am” (or sir) when responding to adults. Nodding or using any other form of yes and no are not permitted.
- Whenever anyone is speaking, make eye contact. Whenever YOU are speaking, make eye contact with your listeners. Turn and face whoever is speaking.
- Always say thank you when you receive something. If you do not say it within 3 seconds, I will take it back. Always show gratitude.
- Follow the specific classroom procedures. This includes procedures for: getting up, speaking, walking the halls, transitions, and all other classroom protocols.
- Be as organized as possible. This means having only necessary supplies and putting things away where they belong.
- When you finish eating, clean up after yourself. This includes the table and area around the table. Be responsible for your trash and be sure not to litter.
- When a classmate does something well, we will applaud that person. Claps will be at least 3 SECONDS in length and in a manner that will give the appropriate clap volume.
- If you win or do well at something, do not brag. If you lose, do not show anger. Instead, say something like, “I really enjoyed the competition, and I look forward to playing you again,” or “Good game,” or don’t say anything at all. To show anger or sarcasm, such as “I wasn’t playing hard anyway. You really aren’t that good” shows weakness.
- During discussions, respect other students’ comments, opinions, or ideas. When possible, make statements like, “I agree with John and I also feel that…” or “I disagree with Sara. She made a good point, but I feel that…” or “What Victor said made me realize…”
- Do not save seats in the lunchroom. If someone wants to sit down, let him or her. Do not try to exclude anyone. We are a family, and we must treat one another with respect and kindness. Plus, what a great way to make a new friend!
- If I or ANY ADULT is speaking to or reprimanding a student, DO NOT LOOK at that student. You wouldn’t want others looking at you if you were in trouble. If you are the student being reprimanded, do not get angry with students looking at you. Let me know and I will handle the situation.
- Sometimes during the year, I will give rewards for behavior, grades, and other things. If you ever ask me for a reward, it will not be given to you or anyone else that was going to receive it. It is rude to ask for a reward for doing something you should do on your own. You should do the right thing because you are trying to better yourself, NOT because you expect a reward.
- Whether in school or anywhere else, if someone drops something, pick it up and hand it back to them. Even if they are closer to the object, it is only polite to make the gesture of bending to retrieve the item.
- If someone bumps into you, even if it was NOT YOUR FAULT, say “Excuse me.” Say it in a polite tone rather than a sarcastic manner.
- If any child at this school is bothering you, let me know. I am here to look after you and protect you. I am not going to let anyone in this school bully you or make you feel uncomfortable. In return, I ask that you not take matters into your own hands; let me deal with the student.
- We will often have visitors to our classroom. Always greet our visitors by saying things like, “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Welcome to our room.” Shake hands when appropriate and remember to thank them for visiting.
- If you are asked a question in conversation, you should ask a question in return. For example: ME:“Did you have a nice weekend?” YOU: “Yes, I had a great weekend. My family and I went to the movies. What about you? Did you have a nice weekend also?” It is only polite to show others that you are just as interested in them as they are in you.
- When you are given something by someone, never insult that person by making negative comments about the gift OR implying that it wasn’t appreciated. This includes classroom activities.
- You must complete your homework every day, no exceptions. For every 10 days our class has 100% homework completion, there will be a reward. (Unless you ask.)
- Accept that you are going to make mistakes. Learn from them and MOVE ON.
- Be the best person you can be. No matter how bad things get, make sure you are always developing into the kind of person you want to be and the kind of person others want to be around.
Breeze Hill's 5 School Pillars
1. Welcome
- Say "Hello" or "Welcome" to anyone you see
- Learn staff member's and student's names
- Greet visitors
- Make each person feel accepted and wanted at school
- Have respect for the differences of others
- Show respect and listen to staff members, teachers, adult supervisors, administrators, classified employees, guest speakers, and substitute teachers
- Respect the property of others
- Keep all equipment, desks, and books free of damaged or defacement
- Give compliments to others and use kind words
- Use acceptable language
- Do not use rudeness, defiance, or disrespectful words towards others
- Arrive to school and to class on time
- Be prepared for class with appropriate materials
- Complete assignments, including assigned homework on time
- Participate in class activities
- Follow classroom procedures
- Have pride in one’s work, and the work of others
- Keep the classroom, campus, and restrooms clean and free from litter.
- Use school equipment properly and return school equipment promptly and in good condition
- Never leave class or campus without a teacher’s or campus supervisors' permission
- Follow school rules prescribed in the student handbook.
- Demonstrate cooperation and responsible behavior in the classroom and at school activities
- Dress appropriately according to the student handbook