Life Skills Disclosure – Sherlene cotton – Sandridge Jr. High -- 2019-2020
Introduction
Welcome to Cottons class! My staff and I are excited to work with you and your student this year. My staff members and I are a cohesive team that will be working together to prepare your student for success in the classroom, in the community, and in life! Our emphasis is on learning how to be a respectful, good citizen – both at school and in the community. Because each of us will be working with each of the students at some time during each day, we coordinate our efforts to help them accomplish their IEP goals and achievements.
Contact Information
If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I believe that this is a team effort, so please do not hesitate to contact me as needed. My working hours are 7:15 – 3:15. My goal is to respond to emails and phone calls within 24-48 hours of receiving them; however, I am usually able to respond by the end of the day. My cell phone doesn’t get good reception in the classroom – so here is the room number:
Classroom Phone: 801-476-5344
Email:
shcotton@wsd.edu Rules, Rewards, and Consequences
I believe that EVERYONE works better in a positive environment. I choose to ignore the negative and reward the positive. That philosophy has worked well for me over the years. There are times when a consequence has to be given – but those times are few and far between. We work on “Owning their behavior”, just like they own anything else that is theirs. If you could use those same words at home and have them “own” their choices and actions, we’ll all be on the same page. (Thank you!!) ;-P
Rules:
I have two rules, and when they are followed – everything else falls into place. They are:
1.
RESPECT (for others, and for themselves).
2.
Be KIND
We end up with a kind class where the students help each other to succeed, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Daily Schedule
Below are basic instructional courses in the Life Skills Unit.
~~Reading: Weber School District participates in the System 44, Read 180 reading programs. After taking an initial reading assessment, students will be placed in the program and level that is right for them.
~~Math: students will be taught the Essential Elements, which are grade-level standards broken down into stepping stones to work toward grade-level mastery of content.
~~English Language Arts: students will be taught the Essential Elements, which are grade-level standards broken down into stepping stones to work toward grade-level mastery of content.
~~Science: students will be taught life science, physical science, and earth science. As often as possible, we will do hands-on experiences to help reinforce the content learning.
~~Social Skills: students will learn many social skills that will help them in the current and future life so they can be more successful in handling their emotions and dealing with others.
Late Start
Sandridge has late start every Friday so the teachers can have faculty meeting, so school starts at 8:15. For students that ride the bus, the buses still run on their normal schedule. You may send your student to school on the bus, or you may provide your own transportation for the student to be to school by 8:15. Either way is fine. I will not be in class, but there will be an Aide who will supervise.
Homework Policy
I do not give homework unless it is requested, but if the student refuses to do the work during class, I will send it home for homework. It needs to be completed at home and returned the next school day.
Grading Standards
In addition to the report card that the school sends, I will send IEP progress reports home at the end of each quarter so you can see how your student is progressing on his/her IEP goals. For the report card given by the school, I will either give Pass/Fail grades or letter grades, depending on the needs and abilities of each student. The following is a breakdown of the letter grades given. Letter grades are given based on each of the students’ abilities and skill levels based on their IEP goals.
Sometimes there is confusion with out-class grading. If you notice that your student is receiving anything below a B, please let me know so that I can get working on the problem right away.
A+ 97-100 B+ 87-89 C+ 77-79 D+ 67-69 F 0-59
A 93-96 B 83-86 C 73-76 D 63-66
A- 90-92 B- 80-82 C- 70-72 D- 60-62
IEP Meetings (Individualized Education Program)
I will be in touch with each of the parents and guardians concerning your student’s IEP due dates. This needs to be done each year to review the current goals and set new goals for each student to be able to work on throughout the coming year to achieve success within their school year. There are a few students who are scheduled for testing review this year. Our District Psychologist will be examining testing scores and current school goals to determine if new testing is required. I’ll let parents know either way.
School Materials
I have purchased the items students will need for my classes, but each student will need to bring a few things on their own:
For out classes
(Students need all)
Frequently used class supplies
(Please choose a few you might be able to help with.)
Incentive items
•
3 ring binder
•
Package of divider tabs
•
Package of lined paper
•
Pencils and pens
•
Dry erase marker
•
Tissues
•
Clorox wipes
•
Hand sanitizer
•
Fish crackers
•
Fruit snacks
•
Other crackers
•
Juice boxes
•
Hersheys kisses
•
M&M’s
•
Anything your child might want to work for.
We also have a class store where the students are able to earn class money for good behavior, and then use their money skills to purchase items. If you are able, we would appreciate a wide variety of new items being donated for our store so the students can practice money, shopping, and budgeting skills. Slightly used items are wonderful!
Please read through and indicate your preference on the following items:
