Shared responsibility
See something that needs to be done? Do it.
Helpers lead the way, but every student is a caretaker of our room — chairs, books, pencils, plants, and kindness.
House customs
How our class works
A caring classroom community where kindness, questions, and brave mistakes are welcome. High expectations, lots of heart, and a little classroom magic.
The week’s rhythm
Our Weekly Schedule
Mornings belong to math. Then we rotate through specials, stories, and science. Wednesday is our shorter day — we head home after Read Aloud, around 1:20. Times can shift a few minutes on special days; Owl Post will always say so.
Monday
8:30–8:45
Monday Morning Muster
8:45–9:38
Math
9:40–10:08
PE
10:10–10:38
Spelling
10:40–10:53
Recess
10:55–11:30
Reading
11:30–11:53
Writing
11:55–12:28
Lunch
12:30–12:58
Voyager Time
1:00–1:20
Read Aloud
1:20–2:18
Science / History
2:20–2:48
Latin
2:50–2:57
Clean-Up
- Morning gathering
- Math
- Reading & writing
- Specials & Latin
- Science & history
- Voyager Time
- Recess & lunch
- Clean-up
Our classroom promise
- Come to school every day they are healthy, on time, rested, in uniform, and ready to learn.
- Give their best effort and turn in classwork and homework.
- Help our classroom feel kind, respectful, and ready for learning.
We create our class rules together so every student has a voice.
Shared care
This hall belongs to all of us
We take care of this space not because it is assigned… but because it belongs to all of us.
Classroom Helpers
Each day we have two Classroom Helpers. During morning attendance, the next card on both rings is flipped. Those two students are the helpers for the day — they model care, lend a hand, and help our hall feel ready.
Helper card
Helper card
Ways we celebrate great choices
- Thumbs up, high fives, and words of pride
- Potter Dollars and dots
- Stickers, small prizes, and homework passes
- A happy note home
- Extra recess minutes or a 3-minute dance-at-your-desk party
- An occasional class party
Gentle guidance
Consequence Ladder
We start at the bottom. Most days never leave the first rungs — a look, a step closer, a quiet reminder. The ladder is how we stay calm, fair, and consistent when a reset is needed.
- 7
Admin referral
For a serious concern, a conversation with school administration. Families are always notified.
- 6
Parent contact
A family message so we can plan positive supports together. You are always part of the team.
- 5
Logical consequences
A natural follow-through — a few minutes of missed recess, a Potter Dollar fine, or stepping out of an activity.
- 4
Offer a choice
Two good paths forward, so the student can pick the next right thing.
- 3
Card reminder
A gentle card check. Students practice noticing their choice and steering back toward green.
- 2
Proximity
I move closer. A teacher nearby is often all a busy brain needs.
- 1
Non-verbal cue
A look, a quiet signal, a pause. Most moments end right here — and that is a success.
Along the way, a student may also talk with Ms. Laird, our school counselor, when a calm conversation would help. Families hear from me if we reach parent contact or above.
Potter Dollars
Our classroom has its own little economy. Potter Dollars are earned every day for staying on a green card, doing class jobs (our Classroom Helpers lead the way), turning in homework, and going above and beyond. Students save and spend what they earn — a playful lesson in choices and economics.
Homework by owl light
Most days, work can be finished at school. A typical night is:
- About 20 minutes of reading
- 5 minutes of math facts
- 10 minutes of spelling
Unfinished class math is the math homework. Please peek in the orange communication folder each day. Reading logs live in the orange folder.
Being here
When your child is healthy, being in class matters so much. If they are sick, please keep them home. They gather missed work when they return. For planned trips, send the dates — work is collected while they are gone (not sent ahead, because our pacing shifts with the class). Keep daily reading going.
Uniforms & belongings
Clean uniforms follow Odyssey’s guidelines. Phones, smart watches, and other devices stay in backpacks. Recess toys stay put away until recess. Confiscated items are held for a parent.
Snacks, water & allergies
A refillable water bottle is welcome. Morning recess snacks (named Ziploc) help hungry brains. We have friends with nut allergies, so please have children wash hands and faces after eating. We use sanitizer as we come and go.
Birthdays
We sing and I have a small gift ready. A poster or short video about themselves is welcome, never required. Summer birthdays are celebrated in May. Edible or non-edible treats (pencils, stickers, prizes) are both lovely.
Grades
Grades are updated in Aspire at least once a week. A quick look online is the easiest way to see that your child is on track.
The weekly map always lives in Owl Post. School websites and logins live in the Family Common Room.