3-Baughman
Policies and Procedures
Packet
Go Huskies!
Mrs. Allison Baughman
Third Grade
Homestead Elementary
2015-2016
Please read the following information and return
the signed portion by Monday, August 31, 2015
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Welcome back to school! Homestead is full of students who are eager
to learn, and ready to meet new teachers and friends. This is going to be a
great year! I loved meeting some of you at Preview Night and hope you’re as
excited as I am to be back at Homestead!
I’d like to start, by introducing myself. My name is Allison Baughman
and this will be my 9th year teaching 3rd grade at Homestead. I absolutely
LOVE Homestead and teaching at this level. The students grow so much
during this time of their lives and I enjoy being right there with them.
Teaching and working with kids has been my passion since I was in third
grade! In my opinion, I work with the most passionate staff, understanding
and supportive parents, and kids that are going to change the world by
making their dreams come true!
I grew up in Geneva, Illinois but currently live in Aurora. As of this
last weekend, my family and I will be moving to Yorkville in October! (It’s
been a busy and exciting start to this school year!)
I graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Elementary Education with endorsements in Social Sciences and Language
Arts. Three years ago, I completed my Master’s in Reading through Olivet
Nazarene University. I LOVE incorporating new ideas from my classes to
help students learn to LOVE reading! You will hear your child often refer to
reading as a “gift.” In my opinion, it truly is a wonderful gift that our
children have worked hard to develop.
As many of you know, Oswego continues to grow and with growth,
comes change. Change is a concept anyone who wants to see better results
has to become familiar with. I am pleased to say that we all have the truest
intentions with any changes, to do what is BEST for your CHILD’S learning!
I appreciate your support throughout this journey. Together, we can work
as a team to provide a valuable learning experience for your child.
(Curriculum questions can be answered @ Curriculum Night on Tuesday,
September 2nd)
My husband and I both come from families with educational
backgrounds. Mr. Baughman use to teach 4th grade in our district. This
summer, he accepted a job as an Assistant Principal in West Aurora. We are
thrilled for this new opportunity for him and our family! We both stayed
busy all summer running around chasing our Cockapoo, Holly, and now our
walking little munchkin, Harper. She has been such a blessing and we both
love being parents! Harper will be turning one at the end of September!
I'm really looking forward to this year and getting to know all of you!
I have missed the kids over the summer and am pumped to get back to work!
It is the greatest reward to make a difference in a child’s life. I believe
that my classroom is an interactive, responsive learning environment. We all
learn in different ways and it is very important that my students feel
comfortable in their learning environment. One of my goals is to encourage a
positive desire to learn for all of my students. Learning can be fun for
everyone.
I also strongly agree with a fun, but firm philosophy. My enthusiasm
for teaching is reflected in my students’ work and attitudes. All students
deserve to be equipped with the skills to succeed both academically and
socially in society.
I have developed a strong communication with parents in the past and
will continue this reputation. Please expect a newsletter from me ONCE A
MONTH, ON MY WEBSITE (paper copies available by request) and phone
calls/emails for either concerns or positive reports about your child. Keep in
mind, newsletters are subject to change, please allow up to a 48 hour
response time, especially on the weekends…I will admit…I WILL make
mistakes this year! I’m only human 
My purpose for phone calls or emails is not to get your child in trouble,
but to make you aware of any changes or situations that may occur in the
classroom with your child. I appreciate your open communication with me
and together we can do what is in the best interest of your child.
This packet is an overview of the policies and procedures the students
and I discussed this week. I would like you to please read through the
packet and let me know if you have any questions. Once you have read
through the packet, please sign the last page and you can write any questions
on the back.
I am looking forward to a great year of learning!
Allison Baughman
abaughman@sd308.org
630-636-3163
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please familiarize yourself with the following important
information about our classroom routines and rules. Please keep them
as a reference so there are no “surprises” during the year and so that
Curriculum Night may be devoted solely to the discussion of thirdgrade scope-and-sequence and academic/classroom expectations.
About Our Classroom
Rewards:
I believe in positive reinforcement, but also that there are
expectations that should be met on a daily basis. Therefore, I have
provided various opportunities for all students to feel successful.
Classroom expectations will also be reiterated at Curriculum Night in
September if there are any questions.
Individual Rewards:
Pillar Poms: Students may receive “Pillar Poms” from teachers and
other staff members for showing positive character. Students will be
recognized for their behavior. This is an intrinsic reward for being
caught doing the right thing.
Homework Honors:
Students that turn in their homework all week long will be recognized
on Fridays with their choice of rewards. The reward options are a
choice of choosing to sit at the teacher’s desk for the day, or (1)
Homework Pass, a choice of a chair, or choice of where to sit-as long
as there aren’t any distractions to learning. All students will be able
to start fresh at the beginning of the next week.
Online Behavior Management- Class Dojo!
Class Dojo is an online behavior management program. My
students LOVE it! Class Dojo is displayed on the computer all day and
each student is assigned an “avatar.” Basically, students can receive
positive or negative dojos throughout the day. The kids simply keep
track on the computer! It’s a fun way to motivate good character! You
can sign up through email to see your child’s reports. (A Parent Invite
was sent to your email last week-If you would like to have more than
one email connected, please let me know!) There are times where we
may receive an “All Class” positive Dojo, or “All Class” negative Dojo.
There will be more information sent home to you about signing up, so
stay tuned!
*Students enjoy rewards and it helps to build class community, but
my main focus is for them to learn to do the RIGHT thing,
just because it IS the RIGHT thing to do!*
Guidelines and Rules
Our class has a set of rules that will be followed in our
classroom. These rules echo our Character Counts initiative and align
with our School Improvement Plan. All students signed a “character
contract” and will be expected to follow these rules so that a positive
learning environment is maintained in our classroom throughout the
year. Please have your child review these rules with you.
The rules are as follows:
1. Be Trustworthy
2. Be Respectful
3. Be Responsible
4. Be Fair
5. Be Caring
6. Be a Good Citizen
Positive Outcomes
When your child is “caught” modeling or demonstrating any of
the above character traits, they will be recognized by receiving verbal
praise, Dojo, or a Character Counts Pillar Pom! The Pillar Pom will put in
our Character jars by the office and students will have the
opportunity to share with others their positive behavior/action. This
helps to reinforce the positive behavior and internal reward for the
kids.
Consequences/Discipline
If your child makes a choice to not follow the six pillars of good
character, the following sequence of steps will be taken:
Step #1: A verbal or visual reminder will be issued. Teacher may point
to the 6 pillars or speak to the student.
Step #2: The student will be asked to remove their name from one of
the classroom pillars and place it on the velcro piece located on their
desk as a visual reminder to make better choices.
Step #3: The student will receive a Negative Dojo and be asked to
explain what it is for online.
Step #4: Students will be asked to remove their name from their
desk and place it on the “poor choice pillar”. This indicates that the
students must fill out a character “think sheet” to explain the choice
they made. This sheet will be signed by the teacher, stapled in the
student’s planner, and sent home for a parent signature. All signed
“think sheets” need to be returned to school the following day.
Parents will also be notified through email or phone call.
Step #5: Office visit.
** If a student exhibits any sort of physical aggression towards
others, they will immediately move to step four in the process and
steps two and three will take place as soon as the student has calmed
down enough to accept responsibility for his/her actions.
Behavior will be communicated by your child’s Assignment Notebook,
Dojo Report OR phone call/email when necessary.
*Assignment Notebooks should be signed DAILY by a parent/guardian*
Homework –PLEASE READ 20 MINUTES EVERY NIGHT- You can
read to your child OR they can read to YOU! Enjoy!
This year, your child will be receiving homework in at least one subject
area every night. In 3rd grade, we have Math, occasional online
practice for homework, and Reading every night. Please be aware of
your child’s assignments. Each student will have an assignment
notebook that will be filled out daily. This should be signed by an adult
who discussed the assignments for the night with the student or
supervised the homework session that night. This is a great way to
communicate with me as well.
If your child is unable to complete an assignment due to a family
emergency or other problem, please write a note explaining the
circumstances and when the assignment in question will be completed.
All homework will be kept track of on ClassDojo, separate from
Behavior Dojo.
Homework Dojo’s will start this week and if a student develops
a clear pattern of forgotten or incomplete assignments, they will
be required to complete their work during a recess or a period
that allows for extra time after a conversation with the
parents/guardians.
Curriculum Changes
As the times change, so does education. We are learning more
to help our students grow into successful members of society. There
are plenty of changes to our curriculum this year. All changes will be
discussed AT CURRICULUM NIGHT. Please be patient, as teachers
and staff members are adjusting to the changes as well as you and
your student. Some specific changes are in Reading this year. I
appreciate your support and understanding in advance. (In my opinion,
I think the kids will LOVE the new ideas we’re coming up with as a
district! Change can be a WONDERFUL thing! ) *Be sure to ask your
child what their “Learning Targets” are for all subjects!*
Attendance
There are many experiences and discussions that occur during a
lesson that are not planned. These experiences are
irreplaceable and often help students make connections to the
material we’re discussing. Students are expected to attend class
unless there is an excused absence which will be handled through the
office. Our Math Block BEGINS @ 8:50 A.M. Students will be
expected to be ready to go and picked up from the cafeteria by their
teacher at 8:40. Please keep in mind, if your student is absent for
a day or two, they can easily make up the work. It will not be
sent home for short absences. Extended absences need to be
communicated to the office ASAP and may receive “adjusted” work to
complete while they are gone.
Tardiness/Breakfast:
IF your child is planning on breakfast at school, please make sure
they arrive with enough time to eat before we head to the classroom.
They need to order and eat right away. Of course, if they are running
late, they may bring it to the room, but I would NOT encourage that
to become a routine. When we enter the classroom, we are here to
LEARN.  Doors Open @ 8:30 a.m. PLEASE remind your child to have
a book to read while waiting QUIETLY in the Multi-Purpose Room to be
picked up!
*REMEMBER: SCHOOL STARTS PROMPTLY AT 8:45 A.M.!*
Our Math Block starts right away in the morning. It is very
important that students are on time and prepared to start their day.
It can be very distracting to have students show up in the middle of a
lesson. I understand situations do arise, but I would prefer for the
sake of the students, we keep the tardiness to a minimum. If and when
a student is tardy, the parent/guardian needs to bring their child to
the office and sign them in. One of our secretaries will give the
student a tardy pass to bring to their classroom.
Special Class Schedule
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Music 10:05-10:35
Thursday
LRC 10:05-10:50
Friday
Music 10:05-10:35
PE 10:35-11:05
PE 10:35-11:05
Art 10:05-11:05
SEL (Second Step lesson)
Computer Lab
PE 10:35-11:05
*Second Step Lessons (Social/Emotional Learning): TBD-1x a week*
*We will have (1) HEALTHY Snack in the afternoon due to specials
in the morning-ABSOLUTELY NO PEANUTS/NUTS/SEASME
SEEDS/TREE NUTS! If you’re not sure, don’t bring it! Thanks! *
P.E. Shoes
Students are required to wear gym shoes for P.E. class for their
safety. Kids may leave a pair of gym shoes at school in order to be
assured that they will have them for class. Students may not be able
to participate without the proper gym shoes. P.E. will be for 30
minutes three times a week for our class this year.
Assigned Lunch Period / Lunch Money
Our class will be having LUNCH from 11:50-12:10 then head out
to RECESS from 12:10-12:30. Please reinforce with your students to
be sure to WASH their hands before eating. I will send hand sanitizer
with the lunch basket just in case, but please stress the importance of
actual hand washing!
*Please send any lunch money or checks to purchase hot lunches to
school in a sealed envelope or zip lock bag that is clearly labeled with
your child’s name, the amount of money enclosed, and 3-Baughman.
Transportation Notes
If for ANY reason, there is a change in the transportation for
your child, you MUST call the office at the beginning of the day and
let them know. The office will then be able to record the change and
send a note to me letting me know that they discussed the change with
you. We are required to follow the information that is given to us. I
will assume your child is going home however is recorded at the
beginning of the year, unless you have notified the office of the
change. * PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD KNOWS WHERE THEY
ARE GOING AT THE END OF THE DAY AND HAS A PLAN IF THEY
ARE PICKING UP SIBLINGS! KEEP IN MIND ALL WALKERS GO
OUT DOOR 1 REGARDLESS WHERE THEY LIVE!*
Newsletters
A newsletter will be sent through email and posted on my
website ONCE a month starting in September. Dates and lessons are
subject to change based on the learning in the classroom. Please
remember this is a communication tool to keep you informed. Be sure
to check your child’s assignment notebook for any weekly information.
The reviews for tests will be passed out a few days prior to the test.
The length of time is subject to change due to the understanding of
the class. If there are siblings in other 3rd grade classes, please keep
in mind that as a team we keep pace with each other, but we all learn
and teach in unique ways. We will NOT always be doing the same
lessons or activities at the SAME time.
Bathroom Breaks:
At the beginning of the year, we will review proper bathroom
procedures together. Students will show their trustworthiness in
order to use the bathrooms independently. I encourage students to
use the bathroom in the morning before we head to class and at
recess/lunchtime. It is their responsibility to use the bathroom at
lunch/recess time in order to meet their needs. They will be able to
use the bathroom when necessary, but I’m hoping to keep them in the
classroom learning more, than in the bathroom. Students are expected
to behave respectfully at the bathroom and follow our bathroom
procedures. If you have any concerns with usage of the bathroom,
please contact me through email.
Snack
We will have ONE snack break in the afternoon this year.
*ABSOLUTELY NO PEANUTS/NUT PRODUCTS.* If you’re not sure
about, please don’t send it. The snack is to be brought from home and
is to remain in their backpack or lunch bag until it is time for them to
eat it. Please make sure your child brings in a HEALTHY snack such
as fruit, vegetables, yogurt (with a spoon), fruit snacks, gold fish,
pretzels, etc. There will be NO sharing snacks. What your child
brings, is what they will eat. I ask that you please limit portion size to
one small serving as snacks need to be eaten and cleaned up within a
limited time frame. Thank you so much!
Water Bottles
Students may have water bottles in the classroom. Water
bottles must remain underneath their desks and out of the way of
other students. They must have a secure cap on them at all times.
They will have opportunities to refill their water bottles throughout
the day. Please send ONLY water, no juice or milk.
Birthdays
It is district policy that any baked goods, food, candy
treats, or gum can’t be brought in for birthday celebrations due to
the extensive amount of food allergies. If you send these types of
treats to school, they will not be distributed to classroom
students.
On your child’s birthday, they will receive a pencil, sticker and
postcard. The class will sing the birthday song in celebration of
another year of growth. If you wish, you may send in a birthday
“surprise” or favor consisting of stickers, pencils, bouncy balls,
bookmarks, or any other small toy or party favor. A great idea would
be to send in something for the class such as a book, jump rope,
playground ball, or game that may be dedicated and used in honor of
your child. Summer birthdays will be celebrated at the end of the
year.
***There are currently 21 students enrolled in our classroom. Building
policy states that students may not visit other staff members to
distribute birthday favors.
Friday Folders
Students will NOT be using plastic Friday Folders this year.
Their papers will come home on Fridays in their Take Home folders.
Please check this folder each weekend and ensure that your child
returns any notes, if necessary. All school notes such as Market Day,
field trip forms, and all other important Homestead/District 308
information will be sent home on Fridays. Graded work will also be
sent home on Fridays. Notes distributed to all students at
Homestead will be sent home only with the youngest child in an effort
to conserve paper. (These will be delivered to our school within the
next week, so plan on seeing them next Friday!)
**Take Home folders will come home EVERY night! Please expect
important information to come home on FRIDAYS!
Class parties
I would like to request that I know the plan for the parties a
week in advance. This helps me to know what to expect with the kids
and how to prepare for them. The students get very excited around
these times of the year so it helps with communication and
preparation. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Volunteers
I ask parents to sign up for volunteering throughout the year.
Please look for a sign-up/calendar sheet that will be coming home in
the next few weeks. I think it is important to establish a class
community before volunteers comes in to work with us, so please be
patient and I will contact you when we are ready for your assistance.
Please fill out the form I send home, this will let me know if you are
available to volunteer in our classroom. After you send me your
availabity, I will send home a calendar letting you know what
days/times you are volunteering. We have plenty of different
opportunities throughout the year, so please don’t feel obligated.
Stuffed Animals/Toys
Stuffed animals and toys are recommended to stay at home. If
students have games for Kids Connection they are to remain in their
backpacks until they get to Kids Connection. These toys can be a
distraction to the students and may also get lost. Students are
responsible for their own belongings. They are better off staying at
home.
Adopt-a-Classroom
Information will be on my website and more to come!
Finally…
Your child’s success and self-confidence are very important to
me. My educational mission is to educate the whole child and part of
this message is that I will listen to them, and that I care enough about
them to help them solve any problem they may have.
Caring adults at home also provide a crucial support link and will
help ensure that the outcomes of this third-grade year are
positive and valuable. Please feel free to call, email, or send a note
whenever you have a concern or something exciting to share. Life can
be pretty busy these days for all of us, so please understand that I
will return an email or phone call within 48 hours of receiving it. I’m
looking forward to a fantastic year with you and your child!
Sincerely,
Allison Baughman
abaughman@sd308.org
630-636-3163
Please TURN over to SIGN and RETURN JUST THE LAST PAGE! 
This information is all on my website as well!
www.oswego308.org
Schools
Homestead
Academics
Third Grade
Mrs. Baughman
*You may keep this packet at home for your convenience. Please sign
and have your child return this bottom portion only of this page to
school on Monday, August 31st.
I have read and understand the information about my child’s
classroom.
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
I have discussed third-grade expectations and rules with my parents.
Student Signature
Date
Questions to discuss at Curriculum Night or in general:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
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