Patriot Expectations Guidebook
2008-2009
Dear Students,
This guidebook was created to help you be a successful student here at Independence School. Teachers and staff members want to make sure that all students feel safe and comfortable knowing exactly what is expected of everyone in our building. By following the Patriot Expectations in this book, you will be the best student you can be. You will also be practicing valuable life skills that will help you be a better citizen in your community.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Mulcahy
Mission Statement
The Independence School Community will provide a safe, orderly, and nurturing educational environment where the emphasis is placed on high academic achievement, cooperation, respect, and teamwork. All learners are encouraged to reach for their maximum potential and strive for excellence.
Patriot Expectations / Independence Essentials
BE RESPECTFUL
Essentials:
1. Respect the comments, opinions and ideas of others.
2. Think before you speak or act.
3. Listen carefully when someone is speaking to you.
4. Use kind and appropriate words.
5. When meeting new people, shake hands and repeat their names.
6. Always say “thank you” when you are given something.
7. Do not smack your lips, tsk, roll your eyes or show disrespect with
gestures.
8. If someone bumps into you, say “excuse me”, even if it was not your fault.
9. Voice your opinion respectfully.
10. Ask permission to use other people’s property.
BE RESPONSIBLE
Essentials:
11. Come to school on-time, prepared, and ready to work.
12. When standing or moving in line, keep your arms at your sides and move quietly.
13. Read for at least 20 minutes a day.
14. Do high quality work.
15. Challenge yourself.
16. Celebrate each other’s successes.
17. Work towards common goals.
18. Help members of your team.
19. Make transitions swiftly, quietly and orderly.
20. Use “I statements” when something is bothering you.
21. Request mediation when you cannot solve the problem.
22. Always tell the truth.
23. Show good sportsmanship.
BE SAFE
Essentials:
24.When you cough, sneeze, or burp, turn your head away from other people and cover your mouth. Wash your hands as soon as possible after that.
25. Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
26. Walk and be aware of your surroundings.
Arrival
Be Respectful
· Follow directions from patrols and staff members.
· Use kind and appropriate words when talking to your friends.
· If someone bumps into you, say excuse me, even if it was not your fault.
· Hold the door for people rather than letting it close on them.
· If someone greets you, greet him or her back.
Be Responsible
· Line up on the sidewalk in your grade level line after 8:45 a.m.
· Arrive on time at 8:55 a.m.
Be Safe
· Enter the building single file in your grade level line.
· When entering the building, move slowly, quietly, and respectfully. Do not run, push, or shove.
Academics
Be Respectful
· Listen to your teacher, classmates, and other staff members carefully.
· Respect the opinions and ideas of others.
· Follow directions.
· Do not talk back or argue with others.
Be Responsible
· Make good choices
· Do your homework every night
· Read every night
· Participate in class discussions
· Get involved
· Practice math facts every night
· Print neatly
· Do high quality work
· Take pride in everything you do
· Catch up on any work you have missed
· Ask the teacher for help
· Do extra credit
Hallways
Be Respectful
· Be silent.
· Do not touch hallway bulletin boards
· Be courteous of other classes using the hallway.
· When working in hallways, use quiet voices.
Be Responsible
· Remember your hall pass.
Be Safe
· Stay in line with your class.
· When standing or moving in line, keep your arms at your sides and move quietly
Washrooms
Be Respectful
· Be courteous of other students and classes that are waiting.
· Be quick and quiet.
Be Responsible
· Remember your hall pass.
· Put paper towels (1 forearm’s length) in trash cans.
Be Safe
· Keep yourself and the washrooms clean and germ free.
· Flush toilets.
· Wash your hands (1 pump of soap).
Lunchroom
Be Respectful
· Stand in line quietly with your class as you wait to get your lunch card.
· Follow directions from lunch aides and other staff members.
· Walk to your table carefully.
· Talk quietly and politely when you’re finished eating.
· Raise your hand to speak with a lunch aide if you need something.
Be Responsible
If you are getting a school lunch:
o Be sure you have a complete lunch including three food items,
a drink, fork, and napkin.
o Have your card ready for the cashier.
o Be courteous when getting catsup, mustard, or other sauces.
Put trash in cans and clean up your area.
Be Safe
· Move through the lunch line carefully.
· Walk to your table carefully.
· Sit on the benches correctly.
· Use good manners when eating at the lunch table.
· Line up slowly and quietly when dismissed for recess.
Outdoor Recess/Playground
Be Respectful
· Follow directions of lunch aides and staff members.
· Be courteous of other students.
· Use kind and appropriate words.
· Invite others to play with you and your friends.
· Use good sportsmanship: play fair, share, and take turns.
Be Responsible
· Be a Peacemaker.
· Use “I statements” when someone is bothering you.
· Ask a lunch aide for help solving a problem if needed.
· Return equipment to the tubs.
· Line up quickly and quietly when your class is called.
· Remember your lunch boxes/bags and other personal belongings.
Be Safe
· Remember that food is not allowed on the playground.
· Use playground equipment carefully and appropriately.
· Football is NOT a recess activity.
Indoor Recess/Classroom
Be Respectful
· Walk down the hallway from the lunchroom to your classroom silently.
· Follow directions of lunch aides and staff members.
· Be courteous of other students.
· Use kind and appropriate words.
· Invite others to play with you and your friends.
· Use good sportsmanship: play fair, share, and take turns.
· Keep your voice low. Remember, you are INDOORS.
Be Responsible
· Use classroom games appropriately and carefully.
· Clean up after yourself when you are done playing a game.
· Return items neatly and carefully.
· Be a Peacemaker.
· Use “I statements” when someone is bothering you.
· Ask a lunch aide for help solving a problem if needed.
Be Safe
· WALK and be aware of your surroundings.
Library/Computer Lab
Be Respectful
· Be respectful of all materials.
· Be careful with computer equipment (remember that computers are TOOLS for learning, not toys).
Be Responsible
· Sit down quietly at the tables or in the story area.
· When checking out books, wait in line quietly and be ready.
· Hold books appropriately.
· Close out all computer programs when done.
· Report any problems to an adult.
Be Safe
· Walk in the LMC.
· Follow internet safety rules.
Dismissal
Be Respectful
· Do not touch hallway bulletin boards.
Be Responsible
· At the second bell (3:15), line up carefully and quietly in your appropriate line.
Be Safe
· When standing or moving in line, keep your arms at your sides and move quietly.
· WALK to your appropriate after-school destination.
· Come to the office to wait for your ride if the patrols have been dismissed.
· Check with your teacher or the office before returning to your classroom to get something you forgot.
Safety Drills
Be Safe
· Follow directions of teachers and other staff members.
· Quickly and SILENTLY line up with your class as practiced.
· Do not panic.
· Stay with your class at all times.
· Listen carefully when attendance is taken and respond appropriately.
· If you are not with your class, be sure to tell a staff member who your teacher is.
· Remain silent until further directions are given.
· Raise your hand if you need help.
Guest Teachers
Be Respectful
· Be respectful with your words and actions.
· Listen carefully when someone is speaking to you.
· Be helpful and courteous. Remember, a guest is someone who is not familiar with our school.
· Follow directions given by the guest teacher.
· Use good manners and polite behavior.
· Do not smack your lips, tsk, roll your eyes, pout, or show disrespect with your gestures.
· Make the guest feel welcomed and eager to return to our school.
Be Responsible
· Think before you speak or act.
· Work together as a team to be the best class you can be.
Assemblies
Be Respectful
· Enter the room quietly and respectfully.
· Follow directions of teachers and staff members.
· Be sure to leave enough personal space around you.
· During an assembly, do not speak, touch, or call out to friends.
· Use good manners by applauding or participating when appropriate.
· Do not shout out inappropriate responses or comments.
· Raise your hand to respond to questions or to be selected as a helper.
Be Responsible
· Sit appropriately by crossing your legs and putting your hands in your lap.
· When the silent sign is given, be silent and ready to listen.
Field Trips
Be Respectful
· On a field trip, always be complimentary, appropriate, and respectful.
· Use good manners.
· Be respectful of property.
· Listen carefully when someone else is speaking to you.
Be Responsible
· Clean up any mess you may have made.
· Be responsible for any materials you bring with you.
· Remember that you are representing Independence School as guests.
Be Safe
· Remember bus safety rules and be courteous to the bus driver.
· Stay with your group and follow directions from teachers, aides, parents, guides, or any other adults.
Resolving Conflicts
Be Responsible
· Be assertive in protecting your rights as a student of Independence.
· Resolve conflicts peacefully.
· Take time to calm down or cool off.
· TALK your problems out.
· Respectfully tell the person who is bothering you what you would like from them.
· Listen carefully when someone is speaking to you.
· Respect the comments, opinions, and ideas of others.
· Think before you speak or act.
· Use kind and appropriate words.
· Use “I Statements” when something is bothering you.
· Request mediation.
· When you cannot solve the problem, ask a teacher or staff member for help.
· Think of other ways to solve the problem. Be flexible.
· NEVER push, punch, hit, or bully another person.
Dress Code
Be Responsible, Respectful, and Safe
· Clothing and personal appearance should be appropriate for the school setting.
· NO “Heelies”
· Bring appropriate shoes to change into if needed for P.E. or outdoor recess
· Clothing should cover from shoulder to mid-thigh. Bare midriff, see-through garments, clothing that bares the chest, tube tops and halter tops should not be worn to school.
· Clothing that displays inappropriate messages should not be worn to school.
· Wearing of coats or sunglasses during class-time is not allowed.
· Wearing of hats or bandannas without the principal’s permission is not allowed.
· Cell phones are to be used appropriately as needed before or after school. They should not be seen or heard during school hours.
