Mrs. Bunn
Grades 2-4
2018-2019
Introductory Information
This document will familiarize you with classroom expectations, procedures, and other general classroom information. This will be my 18th year at St. John and I consider it a blessing to assist you in providing a Christ-centered education for your child. Communication is key and it is important for teachers and parents to be able to ask questions, voice concerns, and make suggestions to one another. It is my prayer that we are open to these discussions and have them in a loving and respectful manner.
Implementing our School Motto in my Classroom
As a teacher at St. John it is also my goal to train your child to live as a Christian in a world of sin by following our school motto.
Ignite- I will strive to use strategies that appeal to and support a wide range of learners. Innovative, research-supported, and child-centered strategies ignite a love of learning and will instill a desire for lifelong learning.
Inspire- My leadership style is that of a “servant leader”. Servant leaders strive to model the type of leaders they hope to inspire. Servant leaders value trust, respect, and diverse opinions. They are also humble, look for ways to help, encourage others to be leaders, and most importantly put God and others before themselves.
Infuse- The primary reason for our school’s existence is to provide a solid foundation in the study of God’s Word and to infuse that knowledge across all other areas of the curriculum. It is a tremendous blessing for me to teach at a school that teaches the most important subject and answers life’s most important questions. Students at St. John know that they have tremendous value as part of God’s creation and as redeemed children of God. They know that God loves them and has a plan for them. Their Bible study classes feed their faith and prepare them to share God’s plan of salvation with others. Finally, they know that they and all other believers will someday be with God in heaven.
Rules and Procedures
We have three general principles that we use to guide our classroom behavior. A teacher cannot make and enforce a rule for every situation that may arise in the classroom, so students are given three general principles to guide their choices. We will practice and learn more about the following:
Talking Rules
1. Remember there is a right time and place for most things. Listening time is the right time for listening only.
2. Your eyes, body, and mind are focused on the person giving you information. Sit or stand in a way that shows respect to the person talking and enables you to be a good listener.
3. We listen the first time we are asked to do something. Teachers, parents, and other helpers will not have to repeatedly ask for you to do something.
There will be a number of other specific rules and procedures taught throughout the year like bathroom pass rules, morning procedures, how to treat library books, playground rules, how to use a take home binder, etc. Older students know these rules and will encourage younger students how to follow these procedures. New students are always instructed and given ample opportunity to practice rules and procedures before consequences will be given. We take it a day at time knowing that learning is a lifelong pursuit and with the knowledge that we don’t all learn at the same rate or in the same way. I’m committed to helping your child in whatever way is necessary.
We have a chart monitoring student behavior in our classroom. The students have a clothespin with their name on it that is moved up or down as we progress throughout the day. All students start on the spot called “Ready to Learn” and if they continue to make good choices they get to move their clothespin to the sections recognizing their positive choices throughout the day. If better choices or changes of behavior are necessary, they will move their clothespin to the appropriate section as well. Consequences may include losing recess minutes (students will have to walk laps instead of playing with their friends), “lunch detention” (students have to eat lunch in a different room), having to leave the room and/or see the principal, and notes home. Parents will be contacted when poor behavior becomes a pattern and/or when a child has been referred to the principal. Students who make it impossible to teach, to learn, or willfully refuse to cooperate will be asked to leave the classroom. Students are reminded that being in our classroom is a privilege not for perfect students, but for those ready to learn and make changes if they make a bad choice.
Schoolwork Rules
1. Students will arrive at school in the morning with any work they brought home completed. Memory work is learned prior to arriving at school.
2. Work will be started promptly, completed neatly, and directions must be followed. Questions are asked prior to the time that it should be handed in.
3. Work time must be used for work. Work must be done before privileges like doing art center, building activities, iPad learning games, etc. are granted.
4. All work is put in the designated place when completed.
5. The student’s name should be on all assignments.
6. Dishonesty on work is handled on an individual basis. It is never acceptable, but younger students are learning how to work with a partner. They will also learn how to help others rather than give answers or copy answers from others. Older students know that they must complete their own work.
7. Any student with incomplete work must do the work prior to participating in school activities. Students will complete late work at recess or before they will be allowed to join in activities on a St. John team or club.
Please remember that it is my intention to ensure assignments fall within the homework guidelines in the handbook. In fact, it is my goal to help students get the majority of their work done at school. Ideally, students should only need to do a short worksheet or activity, read, study spelling words, and work on memory work at home. Most students fine tune their work habits at school so that they take home little to nothing that has to be completed at home except reading for enjoyment and memory work. If you are seeing a lot of “homework”, please know that I do not assign a lot of homework. Most homework is the result of improper use of work time. When students choose to make 5 minute activities turn into hours long activities, interventions will be put in to place to modify the behavior.
Grade 3-4 Only- Students in grades 3 and above have extra consequences for late work. Working efficiently and meeting deadlines are critical life skills. Work that is handed in incomplete, late, lost, left at home, etc. will result in receiving a free ticket for the first one each quarter, and the following occurrences will result in a “late slip”. A late slip means that the student will lose privileges until all work is complete and they will stay after school for an hour to review how to use their assignment books, clean their desk, complete the work, etc. If late work is an ongoing occurrence, other interventions will be implemented. More information about this policy is in the school handbook.
Classroom Parties and Birthday Snacks
On occasion we will have parties throughout the year where students may bring snacks for the whole class. Students have also, in the past, brought snacks for the class to celebrate their birthday. No one is ever required to bring snacks, but may bring them as long as they bring one for everyone.
We plan to have approximately 15 students in our classroom this year and to the best of my knowledge there are no health or diet restrictions that would affect what students bring for snacks. If your child has special dietary needs, please let me know so that we can have a plan in place. While healthy snacks are the ideal, students may bring in foods that are best enjoyed in moderation like cookies, cake, candy, etc.
Water and Bathroom Breaks
Students can bring a “spill-proof” water bottle to school to keep with them throughout the day. Only water is allowed inside these bottles. Water and bathroom breaks can be taken by students any time throughout the day when the students are not in class. If your child is experiencing a condition that would require frequent or long bathroom breaks, please let us know so that we can plan accordingly. At this age “bathroom accidents” are rare, but still occasionally do occur. Please send a change of clothes to be stored at school if you think this is a possibility for your child.
Lunch and Snack Breaks
All students are encouraged to bring a morning snack since research has shown that food and plenty of fluids are helpful for maintaining energy levels and supporting optimal brain function.
Students are also encouraged to bring a healthy lunch and to eat as much as possible. Students who cannot eat everything are asked to bring home whatever they didn’t eat so that parents are aware of what is being eaten. Students who have signed up for milk are asked to drink all or most of their milk. We also ask that you do not send pop, soda, or any Kool-aid type beverage in your child’s lunch. These types of drinks should be offered rarely since they can affect behavior and learning.
We do have microwaves at school that students may use. You must provide the plate on which the item will be microwaved. School does not provide plates for this purpose. Lunch is approximately 25 minutes, so meals that require 5+ minutes in the microwave are not recommended. Spoons and forks are available for student use as well. They are expected to wash any utensils they use at school.
Once a month, we have hot lunch days at church. You will find notice of these events sent home in your child’s Friday folder or through e-mail. These lunches are provided by volunteers and food is donated by school and congregation members. Please consider donating or volunteering for these special days. Pop and/or juice are served on these days after students have finished their milk. If you would prefer that you child not have a soda, please let us know.
Classroom Observations and Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parents are always welcome to come and observe throughout the year. There will be various times when parents will be invited like open house, visitor presentations, special party days, etc. While you may come at any time, please be aware that unexpected visits are a disruption to normal classroom function. If possible, schedule any necessary observation days.
All parents are strongly encouraged to meet with their child’s teacher for the regularly scheduled parent/teacher conferences. However, in certain situations more meetings may be scheduled. Parents are encouraged to schedule meetings with me as often as they wish. Do not feel that you must wait for a conference day.
Prescription and Over the Counter Medications
If for some reason your child needs to take prescription medication or over the counter drugs at home or school, please send a note to school. We would like to keep this information on file in case of medical emergencies. If the medications need to be taken at school, the medicine and any necessary explanations should be given to the teacher. It is recommended that that you try to take care of medications at home, since they can be lost or forgotten at school.
Arrival and Dismissal
Please check the guidelines in the handbook in regards to before and school programs, when students can enter classrooms, and when and how they should be picked up.
All students are expected to depart on the bus, with a parent, or other arranged transportation. In the event that a change needs to be made, call or send a note to school in the morning so that I can ensure that your child departs school safely with parent-approved transportation. I will try respond to texts, but a text notification is not always heard amongst the daily activities in a classroom. Teachers at St. John do not have “breaks” or “off periods” during the school day so taking time to check texts or e-mails may not occur until after students have been dismissed.
Extra-Curricular Activities
There are a number of valuable athletic, academic, artistic, and social events available at our school or within our community. Information about these types of opportunities will be sent home throughout the year. We support your child’s participation in these activities as much as possible. However, your child’s faith and academic life are our top priority. Please assist us by not letting extra activities interfere with your child’s need to worship, complete school work, play, rest, and spend time with family.
School Newsletter and Friday Folder
Please review all materials that come home and read the newsletter and notes that accompany the Friday Folder each week. Communication is most effective when there is active participation at school and at home.
Planned/Unplanned Absences and Missed Work
Missing school should be avoided as much as possible. It often leads to undue stress for the child and teacher. Each situation is unique and will be handled accordingly. Please let me know as soon as possible if your child will have to miss school and we will decide how to handle missed school work. All tardies and absences will be reported and action will be taken for excessive tardies or absences. All vacations planned during the school year need to be cleared with the principal. Please see the school handbook for more information regarding absences and tardies.
Take Home Binder/Daily Communication
Your child has a binder that will come home and back to school every day. It is my recommendation that this binder stay in your child’s backpack when not in use. This is where you will find your child’s memory work assignments, spelling list, reading log, work that needs to be completed, and any other notes or communication you should need. If you prefer written communication, feel free to send notes to school in that binder. I check in with each student each morning and checking this binder is part of that process.
Assignments Books
Students in grades 3-4 are required to have the assignment book on the school supply list and use it daily. They will be instructed how to use it and it will be sent home with them every day. Parents are encouraged to check it to help ensure that your child is recording their assignments and marking them off as they complete them. If your child loses their assignment book, a replacement will have to be purchased.
Contact Information
Mrs. Bunn school phone: 920-532-4361
Mrs. Bunn cell/text: 920-217-3405 (If you text, please let me know who is texting since I don’t recognize all parent phone numbers.)
Mrs. Bunn e-mail: [email protected]
Mrs. Bunn Facebook: Request to add me as a friend by searching for Jennifer Mulinix-Bunn.
Classroom Website: http://mrsbunnsclass.weebly.com/
Grades 2-4
2018-2019
Introductory Information
This document will familiarize you with classroom expectations, procedures, and other general classroom information. This will be my 18th year at St. John and I consider it a blessing to assist you in providing a Christ-centered education for your child. Communication is key and it is important for teachers and parents to be able to ask questions, voice concerns, and make suggestions to one another. It is my prayer that we are open to these discussions and have them in a loving and respectful manner.
Implementing our School Motto in my Classroom
As a teacher at St. John it is also my goal to train your child to live as a Christian in a world of sin by following our school motto.
Ignite- I will strive to use strategies that appeal to and support a wide range of learners. Innovative, research-supported, and child-centered strategies ignite a love of learning and will instill a desire for lifelong learning.
Inspire- My leadership style is that of a “servant leader”. Servant leaders strive to model the type of leaders they hope to inspire. Servant leaders value trust, respect, and diverse opinions. They are also humble, look for ways to help, encourage others to be leaders, and most importantly put God and others before themselves.
Infuse- The primary reason for our school’s existence is to provide a solid foundation in the study of God’s Word and to infuse that knowledge across all other areas of the curriculum. It is a tremendous blessing for me to teach at a school that teaches the most important subject and answers life’s most important questions. Students at St. John know that they have tremendous value as part of God’s creation and as redeemed children of God. They know that God loves them and has a plan for them. Their Bible study classes feed their faith and prepare them to share God’s plan of salvation with others. Finally, they know that they and all other believers will someday be with God in heaven.
Rules and Procedures
We have three general principles that we use to guide our classroom behavior. A teacher cannot make and enforce a rule for every situation that may arise in the classroom, so students are given three general principles to guide their choices. We will practice and learn more about the following:
- We make good choices when we show love and respect to God. We make good choices when we show love and respect to others.
- We make good choices when we do our best with that God has given us. (This includes using our time, our abilities, material possessions, and God’s creation in responsible and God-pleasing ways.)
- Students will also be instructed in specific rules and procedures that exist for common and expected situations. The following are examples of those situations:
Talking Rules
- We take turns talking quietly. We talk at the right time and the right place. Raising your hand lets the teacher know that you have a question or comment.
- We listen when others are talking.
- We are supportive of other’s ideas. We use a respectful choice of words and tone when talking to anyone. Arguing with adults is not accepted. If you have a conflict with classmates, it will be handled in a calm manner or you will get teacher help.
- In a multi-grade classroom, the “three before me” rule is in place. If Mrs. Bunn is teaching a class, you must try to answer your own question first, or seek help from at least three others before interrupting a class. Things that can wait, should wait.
- We T.H.I.N.K. before we speak. (Our words should be T.rue, H.elpful, I.nspiring, N.ecessary, and K.ind. It’s not enough that words are truthful. Many true things are not necessary, helpful, kind, etc.)
1. Remember there is a right time and place for most things. Listening time is the right time for listening only.
2. Your eyes, body, and mind are focused on the person giving you information. Sit or stand in a way that shows respect to the person talking and enables you to be a good listener.
3. We listen the first time we are asked to do something. Teachers, parents, and other helpers will not have to repeatedly ask for you to do something.
There will be a number of other specific rules and procedures taught throughout the year like bathroom pass rules, morning procedures, how to treat library books, playground rules, how to use a take home binder, etc. Older students know these rules and will encourage younger students how to follow these procedures. New students are always instructed and given ample opportunity to practice rules and procedures before consequences will be given. We take it a day at time knowing that learning is a lifelong pursuit and with the knowledge that we don’t all learn at the same rate or in the same way. I’m committed to helping your child in whatever way is necessary.
We have a chart monitoring student behavior in our classroom. The students have a clothespin with their name on it that is moved up or down as we progress throughout the day. All students start on the spot called “Ready to Learn” and if they continue to make good choices they get to move their clothespin to the sections recognizing their positive choices throughout the day. If better choices or changes of behavior are necessary, they will move their clothespin to the appropriate section as well. Consequences may include losing recess minutes (students will have to walk laps instead of playing with their friends), “lunch detention” (students have to eat lunch in a different room), having to leave the room and/or see the principal, and notes home. Parents will be contacted when poor behavior becomes a pattern and/or when a child has been referred to the principal. Students who make it impossible to teach, to learn, or willfully refuse to cooperate will be asked to leave the classroom. Students are reminded that being in our classroom is a privilege not for perfect students, but for those ready to learn and make changes if they make a bad choice.
Schoolwork Rules
1. Students will arrive at school in the morning with any work they brought home completed. Memory work is learned prior to arriving at school.
2. Work will be started promptly, completed neatly, and directions must be followed. Questions are asked prior to the time that it should be handed in.
3. Work time must be used for work. Work must be done before privileges like doing art center, building activities, iPad learning games, etc. are granted.
4. All work is put in the designated place when completed.
5. The student’s name should be on all assignments.
6. Dishonesty on work is handled on an individual basis. It is never acceptable, but younger students are learning how to work with a partner. They will also learn how to help others rather than give answers or copy answers from others. Older students know that they must complete their own work.
7. Any student with incomplete work must do the work prior to participating in school activities. Students will complete late work at recess or before they will be allowed to join in activities on a St. John team or club.
Please remember that it is my intention to ensure assignments fall within the homework guidelines in the handbook. In fact, it is my goal to help students get the majority of their work done at school. Ideally, students should only need to do a short worksheet or activity, read, study spelling words, and work on memory work at home. Most students fine tune their work habits at school so that they take home little to nothing that has to be completed at home except reading for enjoyment and memory work. If you are seeing a lot of “homework”, please know that I do not assign a lot of homework. Most homework is the result of improper use of work time. When students choose to make 5 minute activities turn into hours long activities, interventions will be put in to place to modify the behavior.
Grade 3-4 Only- Students in grades 3 and above have extra consequences for late work. Working efficiently and meeting deadlines are critical life skills. Work that is handed in incomplete, late, lost, left at home, etc. will result in receiving a free ticket for the first one each quarter, and the following occurrences will result in a “late slip”. A late slip means that the student will lose privileges until all work is complete and they will stay after school for an hour to review how to use their assignment books, clean their desk, complete the work, etc. If late work is an ongoing occurrence, other interventions will be implemented. More information about this policy is in the school handbook.
Classroom Parties and Birthday Snacks
On occasion we will have parties throughout the year where students may bring snacks for the whole class. Students have also, in the past, brought snacks for the class to celebrate their birthday. No one is ever required to bring snacks, but may bring them as long as they bring one for everyone.
We plan to have approximately 15 students in our classroom this year and to the best of my knowledge there are no health or diet restrictions that would affect what students bring for snacks. If your child has special dietary needs, please let me know so that we can have a plan in place. While healthy snacks are the ideal, students may bring in foods that are best enjoyed in moderation like cookies, cake, candy, etc.
Water and Bathroom Breaks
Students can bring a “spill-proof” water bottle to school to keep with them throughout the day. Only water is allowed inside these bottles. Water and bathroom breaks can be taken by students any time throughout the day when the students are not in class. If your child is experiencing a condition that would require frequent or long bathroom breaks, please let us know so that we can plan accordingly. At this age “bathroom accidents” are rare, but still occasionally do occur. Please send a change of clothes to be stored at school if you think this is a possibility for your child.
Lunch and Snack Breaks
All students are encouraged to bring a morning snack since research has shown that food and plenty of fluids are helpful for maintaining energy levels and supporting optimal brain function.
Students are also encouraged to bring a healthy lunch and to eat as much as possible. Students who cannot eat everything are asked to bring home whatever they didn’t eat so that parents are aware of what is being eaten. Students who have signed up for milk are asked to drink all or most of their milk. We also ask that you do not send pop, soda, or any Kool-aid type beverage in your child’s lunch. These types of drinks should be offered rarely since they can affect behavior and learning.
We do have microwaves at school that students may use. You must provide the plate on which the item will be microwaved. School does not provide plates for this purpose. Lunch is approximately 25 minutes, so meals that require 5+ minutes in the microwave are not recommended. Spoons and forks are available for student use as well. They are expected to wash any utensils they use at school.
Once a month, we have hot lunch days at church. You will find notice of these events sent home in your child’s Friday folder or through e-mail. These lunches are provided by volunteers and food is donated by school and congregation members. Please consider donating or volunteering for these special days. Pop and/or juice are served on these days after students have finished their milk. If you would prefer that you child not have a soda, please let us know.
Classroom Observations and Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parents are always welcome to come and observe throughout the year. There will be various times when parents will be invited like open house, visitor presentations, special party days, etc. While you may come at any time, please be aware that unexpected visits are a disruption to normal classroom function. If possible, schedule any necessary observation days.
All parents are strongly encouraged to meet with their child’s teacher for the regularly scheduled parent/teacher conferences. However, in certain situations more meetings may be scheduled. Parents are encouraged to schedule meetings with me as often as they wish. Do not feel that you must wait for a conference day.
Prescription and Over the Counter Medications
If for some reason your child needs to take prescription medication or over the counter drugs at home or school, please send a note to school. We would like to keep this information on file in case of medical emergencies. If the medications need to be taken at school, the medicine and any necessary explanations should be given to the teacher. It is recommended that that you try to take care of medications at home, since they can be lost or forgotten at school.
Arrival and Dismissal
Please check the guidelines in the handbook in regards to before and school programs, when students can enter classrooms, and when and how they should be picked up.
All students are expected to depart on the bus, with a parent, or other arranged transportation. In the event that a change needs to be made, call or send a note to school in the morning so that I can ensure that your child departs school safely with parent-approved transportation. I will try respond to texts, but a text notification is not always heard amongst the daily activities in a classroom. Teachers at St. John do not have “breaks” or “off periods” during the school day so taking time to check texts or e-mails may not occur until after students have been dismissed.
Extra-Curricular Activities
There are a number of valuable athletic, academic, artistic, and social events available at our school or within our community. Information about these types of opportunities will be sent home throughout the year. We support your child’s participation in these activities as much as possible. However, your child’s faith and academic life are our top priority. Please assist us by not letting extra activities interfere with your child’s need to worship, complete school work, play, rest, and spend time with family.
School Newsletter and Friday Folder
Please review all materials that come home and read the newsletter and notes that accompany the Friday Folder each week. Communication is most effective when there is active participation at school and at home.
Planned/Unplanned Absences and Missed Work
Missing school should be avoided as much as possible. It often leads to undue stress for the child and teacher. Each situation is unique and will be handled accordingly. Please let me know as soon as possible if your child will have to miss school and we will decide how to handle missed school work. All tardies and absences will be reported and action will be taken for excessive tardies or absences. All vacations planned during the school year need to be cleared with the principal. Please see the school handbook for more information regarding absences and tardies.
Take Home Binder/Daily Communication
Your child has a binder that will come home and back to school every day. It is my recommendation that this binder stay in your child’s backpack when not in use. This is where you will find your child’s memory work assignments, spelling list, reading log, work that needs to be completed, and any other notes or communication you should need. If you prefer written communication, feel free to send notes to school in that binder. I check in with each student each morning and checking this binder is part of that process.
Assignments Books
Students in grades 3-4 are required to have the assignment book on the school supply list and use it daily. They will be instructed how to use it and it will be sent home with them every day. Parents are encouraged to check it to help ensure that your child is recording their assignments and marking them off as they complete them. If your child loses their assignment book, a replacement will have to be purchased.
Contact Information
Mrs. Bunn school phone: 920-532-4361
Mrs. Bunn cell/text: 920-217-3405 (If you text, please let me know who is texting since I don’t recognize all parent phone numbers.)
Mrs. Bunn e-mail: [email protected]
Mrs. Bunn Facebook: Request to add me as a friend by searching for Jennifer Mulinix-Bunn.
Classroom Website: http://mrsbunnsclass.weebly.com/