Policies

The Bennett discipline policy program focuses on a proactive approach using positive reinforcement and problem solving.  The staff has implemented a variety of strategies to encourage and recognize positive behavior and student achievement while emphasizing responsibility and good decision making.  It is our expectation that students and adults at Bennett will demonstrate the following:

1.      Respect for others and school and personal property.

2.      Respect for school safety rules.

3.      Responsibility for self.

Although our focus will be to encourage and recognize positive behavior, warning slips are given to students who choose not to practice and follow expectations.

·        Warning slips are meant to communicate to parents/guardians when their child has violated a school rule. The slip does not go into the student’s school records and does not follow the student to the next year.

·        Classroom teachers receive the yellow copy of the slip and require the student to miss a recess.

·        The white copy goes to the parent/guardian for signature.  No slips go to the office.

·        Copies of warning slips given by any staff member other that the classroom teacher will be clipped down on the clear plastic “to go home: containers inside each classroom, unless other arrangements have been made.

·        If a student receives more than one slip within a month, the classroom teacher will notify the parent/guardian by phone.  If a student receives a third slip within a month, the teacher will request a parent/guardian conference.  A fourth slip within a month will result in a conference with the principal.

Top

Bennett Playground Expectations

1.      Stay within the playground boundaries.

2.      Remain on the playground during recess.

3.      Show respect for other students, adults, and property.

4.      Use the bathrooms in the gym during recess.  Students are not allowed in the building during recess unless supervised by an adult.

5.      Tackle football, wrestling, chase, and tire tag are NOT allowed.  The playground supervisors may, at any time, determine a game to be unsafe and request that you choose a different activity.

6.      Gravel, rocks, sticks, and bark should remain on the ground.

7.      Please do not dig in the playing field.

8.      Stay dry.

9.      When the bell rings, go directly to class.

10.  Students are expected to settle their differences peacefully.  If you need help, please ask one of the playground supervisors or a conflict manager.

Top

Bennett Field Trip Policy

Teacher Responsibility:

·        Provide parent volunteer with field trip schedule, map, student names in their group and written behavior expectations and consequences;

·        Verbally outline behavior expectations to students and chaperones prior to leaving for the trip; and

·        If possible, be available to handle any unanticipated problems that may arise by not assigning yourself a group.

Parent Chaperone Responsibility:

·        Strictly follow the field trip schedule (no unapproved stops or deviations);

·        Remain close to own group of students to prevent unsafe, impolite, or inappropriate behavior; and

·        Report problems with student behavior to teacher immediately – do not accept disrespectful behavior of any kind from students.

Student Responsibility:

·        Be respectful of self, others, and property at all times;

·        Remain close to chaperone;

·        Follow any directions given by the chaperone without argument;

·        No running inside or outside without specific permission to do so;

·        Keep hands and feet to yourself, especially when riding in the car or bus;

·        Use soft voices, especially when riding in the car; and

·        Do not ask chaperone for extra stops, money, etc.

Bennett Homework Policy

 Top

Bennett Elementary School Homework Policy is consistent with Bellevue School District policy and is to be a guideline for all classroom teachers and specialists.

Definition:  Homework is defined as work assigned by teachers for students to complete outside of the regular school day.  The purpose of homework is to develop responsibility, provide independent study, and strengthen the collaboration between parent/guardian, teacher, and the child.  Homework is required work and students will be held accountable. The term “homework” does not refer to optional activities or assignments.

Homework could include:

·        Practice – reinforcement of learned skills

·        Preparation – get ready for upcoming topic of study

·        Extension/enrichment to extend, generalize, integrate, and synthesize learning

For kindergartners:

·        Homework will be given as needed

·        Homework, which may include reading, should not exceed 20 minutes

For grades 1-2:

·        Homework is seen as teaching students responsibility and good study habits/routines

·        Homework will vary per grade level from 15-30 minutes

·        Homework will include from 5-15 minutes of reading

·        Reading includes reading to your child and/or listening to your child read to you

For grades 3-5:

·        Homework is seen as teaching students responsibility and good study habits/routines as well as practicing and extending learning

·        Homework will vary per grade level from 40-60 minutes

·        Homework will include from 5-15 minutes of reading, should not exceed an hour per evening

For Special Programs:

·        Homework given by specialists could support classroom skills

·        G.A.T.E. (Gifted and Talented Education) homework is in addtion to the regular classroom homework

TO BE EFFECTIVE:

Teachers will:

·        Communicate the purpose of the homework with students;

·        Prepare students for assignment;

·        Hold students accountable;

·        Acknowledge attempts;

·        Communicate clearly with parents/guardians about homework expectations;

·        Provide students with feedback on their homework; and

·        Modify expectations as needed.

Role of parents/guardians:

Parents/guardians play a vital role in developing as accountable and responsible student who will be successful throughout her/his school career.  Parents/guardians are asked to support their child(ren).

Parents/guardians are encouraged to:

1.      With your child, set a regular time and place for study at home.  Most children need to unwind from a busy day before beginning homework after school.  Students may need to take a break and have a snack before starting homework.

2.      Reduce distractions during the study period.  For example, television, video games, and household activity can be big distractions for many students.

3.      Build in breaks.  Breaks can increase students’ productivity.  Attention spans vary from child to child.

4.      Contact the teacher if you have questions or concerns about homework.

5.      Help your child by having some basic homework materials available at home such as paper, pencils, ruler, and dictionary.

6.      Give personal encouragement.

7.      Support your child’s responsibility for the actual work.

8.      Minimize absences due to vacations.

9.      Do not use extracurricular activities as an excuse for not completing homework.

Top

Bennett Student Placement Process/Policy

In the spring we begin the important process of placing students in classrooms for the next year.  A great deal of time and effort is put into this process to provide the best placement for each child, while attempting to keep our classrooms diverse and balanced.  The challenge we face when parents request a specific teacher is great. For this reason, please understand that we will make every attempt to make the best match for each student, given our population of students and the need to make sure that no classroom is over-impacted.

Our placement policy states the following:

1.      Parents are encouraged to provide input in writing regarding their child’s specific learning style, academic/emotional/social needs, and optimal learning environment.  Specific teacher requests are not allowed. Parent input forms will be returned to parents and asked to be redone if a teacher name is written on the sheet.

2.        A placement team made up of the current classroom teacher, the counselor, enrichment teacher, special education teacher, ESL teacher, and principal will use student profile cards, teacher input and parent input to make tentative teacher assignments.

3.        Placement teams will meet in the summer to refine and adjust lists and take into consideration new students, students who have moved, and staff reassignments.

4.        Students and parents will be notified by mail the week before school starts of tentative teacher assignments. 

Change request must be submitted in writing to the school office.  The placement team will meet to discuss the change request and possible implications.  The principal will then notify the parents as soon as a decision has been made by the team.