Welcome to Our Class Policies and Procedures Page!

Good day and welcome to Mrs. Struthers 5th grade class! I am really excited about the 2011-2012 school year. Here are a few facts about me. My full name is Mary Anne Struthers, but you may call me Mrs. Struthers. I have an 11 year old daughter (she is actually my step-daughter, but I love her just the same) named Rachel. I have a 3 year old Yorkie named Spencer Struthers. He is the craziest dog I have ever known, and he keeps my husband and me laughing all day.

I love teaching and more importantly, I love teaching 5th grade. This will be my fourth year at Williams Traditional Magnet School. I used to substitute at Williams a few years ago and have always dreamed of returning as a teacher (one of my dreams came true, YES!).

I love running, playing softball, and basketball. I also like doing little crafts and things like sewing and knitting. You will also notice by checking out our classroom that I love snoopy- he is everywhere. In my family, we are all big animal lovers.

My husband, Rachel, and I love to travel. We are all lifelong learners and have found that there is a lot to learn all over the place! In the classroom, I try to make learning a fun experience.

Enough about me! You will learn lots more in class. I cannot wait to hear about you. Keep in mind a few facts about yourself that you can share with me. I hope you and your parents get a chance to check out our website. See you all soon. - Mrs. Struthers

Weekly Behavior Chart
Every week, I send home a weekly behavior chart in the Friday folder. The behavior chart is a record of both positive and negative behaviors shown from your child throughout the week. It is also a way that I keep records for the conduct portion of the report cards and for making decisions about the monthly good citizen. Behavior charts are to be signed and returned every Monday.

Class Expectations
In fifth grade one of our primary goals is to prepare students for middle school. I have high expectations for all of my students and I work diligently to hold students accountable. Here is a list of the expectations I will have for your child for the school year:

To turn in homework daily (including Friday Folder on Mondays)
To remain on task
To have all required materials
To be respectful to fellow classmates, teachers, and volunteers
To wear the uniform and following its guidelines
To be a good citizen

Behavior Documents and Such
       As much as I would like for classroom incentives and positive reinforcement to solve all of our classroom behavior needs, I know that realistically this may not work for all students. Behavior documents and following the Williams Magnet School behavior plan is still carried out in my class. Behavior documents are issued after a student has received 3 consecutive negative marks (including homework) on a behavior chart or 5 total negative marks on a single week’s behavior chart, whichever comes first. Please also note that certain offenses merit an instant behavior document without a warning. Such offenses include, but are not limited to, fighting, threatening, using foul language or hand symbols, hitting, defacing school property, etc. The behavior plan goes as follows:
          1st Offense- Warning. I will write this on an actual behavior document and write the word WARNING very large on it. Once this has been sent home the next offense will be an official behavior document.
          2nd Offense- 1st Behavior Document. Disqualified from Good Citizen of the month, an automatic N on the report card for not following classroom rules, disqualified from Friday Fun activities. Parents will be notified by phone.
          3rd Offense- 2nd Behavior Document. Disqualified from Good Citizen of the month, an automatic N on the report card for not following classroom rules, disqualified from Friday Fun activities, parents will be notified by phone (and informed that the next offense will result in a send home), and the student will complete a written essay on the undesired behavior that has continued. The essay will need to be in the following format:
1st paragraph: The student needs to explain what the undesired behavior is that has taken place and identify why he/she believes it has continued.
2nd paragraph: The student needs to come up with a plan that will help himself/herself to avoid the undesired behavior in the classroom in the future.
3rd paragraph: The student will indicate what they feel the appropriate punishment should be if the undesired behavior continues.
4th paragraph: The student needs to reflect on how this behavior has interfered with their academic abilities and how it might be affecting others in the classroom including other students, teachers, and administrators.
Conclusion: The parent and students needs to sign and date the essay. Students will have 2 school days after receiving a behavior document to turn the essay in.
          4th Offense- 3rd Behavior Document. Disqualified from Good Citizen of the month, an automatic N on the report card for not following classroom rules, disqualified from Friday Fun activities, send home.

Homework Expectations
Homework is assigned everyday Monday through Thursday and occasionally on Friday’s. Students are responsible for recording their homework assignments each day in their daily assignment planner. Students should plan to spend approximately an hour every evening on homework (unless they have unfinished work from class which might take longer) If homework takes longer than an hour on a regular basis, please let me know.

Homework Affects Your Grade!
I check to make sure homework has been turned in daily. Homework is a daily participation grade.

A Note for Parents
Parents are encouraged to discuss homework assignments with their children as this will foster a deeper understanding of the material. However, if a student’s has difficulty with an assignment, it alerts me that your child may need further instruction in that area.
Students are expected to have homework completed and turned in on time, daily. Failure to turn in homework will result in a “0” for that day’s homework and strike on the weekly behavior chart. Three strikes in a row for failure to turn in homework will result in a behavior document.
Here are some tips for helping your child with homework:

Have a weekly meeting with your child to plan out homework. Use your child's assignment planner and weekly newsletter to set a schedule for the week.
Set a timer for your child; have him/her estimate how long each assignment will take and set the timer for that amount of time. Timing each assignment helps to keep the child on task.
Review your child's planner EVERY night.
If homework is taking more than 1 1/2 hours per night, it could be because he/she's not finishing work in school, finds the concepts too difficult, has difficulty concentrating, or is disorganized. Try to figure out what exactly is the problem.
The primary role of a fifth grade parent is to: make sure the child understands the directions, be available if he/she needs help, check the work, and encourage him/her as he/she works. Please do not simply give your child the answer. Help him/her work through the problem. The purpose of homework is to practice.