PARENT
HANDBOOK
This is an example of a parent handbook that I have published for my classrooms. Each year it is modified to meet the particular changes in the district's policy, updates, etc. However, the elements of the handbook remain constant.
For a parent information guide for a classroom, I would suggest that the book contain:
A cover page with a picture that is representative of your theme for the year,
your room number, and a list of what the handbook contains.
A welcome page with the names of the principal, assistant principal, nurse, and
telephone number. To see an example of a welcome letter, click
here.
A page that contains your philosophy of education.
A list of supplies that the student may need along with a "wish list"
of things parents could provide.
A page devoted to the discipline plan adopted by your district, the school,
and/or your classroom.
Information regarding the curriculum at your grade level. Include
expectations and procedures regarding homework. Include a copy of the
homework assignment paper that parents should look for each week.
Information about conferences, progress reports, and report cards. I
include a copy of each form. In addition, I list the conference
dates and have a sign up page should parents want to schedule a specific time
for that week.
School policy and forms that are required by the nurse and in cases of absences.
Schedules of our special area classes, library days, field trips for the year,
and the district annual calendar
EXAMPLE OF A TEACHER'S PHILOSOPHY OF
EDUCATION
As a parent and teacher, I understand that we have educational and social expectations for our children. Our second grade class will be your family during the coming months of this school year. I want to create an environment that is stimulating, educational, and safe. Children will work with others as considerate, caring, people treating everyone with respect.
The following is a list of a few of my beliefs or an educational philosophy. I hope that the ideas will provide a clarification about our second grade family.
1. I have high expectations for ALL children.
2. Children will be able to learn and will have more success when they have a desire to learn and try each day with their best effort. They begin to believe in themselves and their own potential when they can say, "I can." The phrase, "I can't do it" is not productive and does not serve a constructive purpose.
3. Children need an education that is developmentally appropriate. To achieve this goal, they need an educational environment that is stimulating and interesting.
4. Teachers may be able to teach children educational skills. However, children must achieve an attitude of self confidence. They need to learn how to think and solve problems and learn to develop a sense of responsibility.
5. Respect, consideration, and friendship are important values and are important in our second grade room as well as in the world today. Our students will practice and follow rules treating all people with kindness and respect.
6. Children need diverse learning experiences when developing concepts. They need to experience different social roles and work as a member of a group and community.
7. Each child is a give from God. Therefore, we all come to school with different talents and skills.
8. Learning is a journey that is for a life time. An educational environment should stimulate this love for learning.
9. Each child has the right to learn in a safe and secure environment. Children who are obstacles to the learning process will not be tolerated.
10. I have an open door policy between the school and your home. Communication is important in the educational progress of your child.
HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS AND A SAMPLE
HOMEWORK SCHEDULE
Homework is an important component in the learning process of your child. An important element in your child's success is your support in reinforcing the value of homework.
Homework and school work are the responsibilities of the child. Parents may support and help the children but it is the child's role to learn and be responsible. You may help your child by:
1. TURN OFF THE TELEVISION during the designated homework hour. Limiting the amount and type of television program your child sees is the ultimate responsibility of the parent.
2. Designate a specific time and place to do homework each day. This can be their own desk or a quiet place in the kitchen.
3. Review the homework assignment sheet each night. Review the child's homework. Do not ask, "do you have homework?" It is better to ask, "what is your homework?"
4. Read with your child each day. Reading is so important in your child's life. It does not matter if you cannot read the stories your child is reading in English. Just listen to them read.
Students in our second grades have homework each night. Your child's homework has a purpose such as reading, writing about the story, word work, journals, practicing skills, or a project. All homework will receive a grade. If your child decides that his/her homework is not important, the grade will be a "0" and you will receive a note on a yellow label about this missing assignment. An exception to this policy is absences. Children will have three days to make up work for the day they are absent. If you call me, I will leave work in the office for the day of the absence that parents may pick up.
WEEKLY HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
DATE ASSIGNMENT ASSIGNMENT
| Mon.
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| Tuesday
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| Wednesday
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| Thursday
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| Parent Signature
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Sites for Homework Help:
Grab a Bag & Go http://www.grababag.com
Mrs. Alphabet - Calendars and Newsletter alphabet@shagmail.com
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