Welcome to 4th grade!
Mrs. Neumann & Mrs. Reichardt are developing ahandbook to help you have a successful and productive year! The first section of the handbook is a discussion about four important terms and how they relate to the handbook. These four words are ‘rules’, ‘procedures’, ‘choice’ and ‘consequences’.
There are ‘4’ rules listed in this handbook. These are School-wide Rules and must be followed by all St. John Bosco students. The word ‘rule’ is defined as a prescribed guide for conduct or action. We all need rules. For example, it would be nearly impossible to arrive safely at school every morning without traffic rules or laws. Can you imagine what the streets would look like without these laws? Cars driving on the wrong side of the road or not stopping at red lights, it would be a mess!
Similarly, we also have procedures in life for almost every task or activity. A procedure is a series of steps necessary to accomplish something. Let us use the example of sending a letter to a friend. There are many steps involved beginning with writing the letter, folding it and then placing it in an envelope. Next, you must seal the envelope, write your friend’s address on the front of the envelope and place a stamp in the upper right hand corner-but you are not finished yet! Finally, you must drop the envelope in a mailbox.
The next term that we need to discuss is the word choice. The dictionary defines the word ‘choice’ as the act of selecting freely after consideration. It is important to realize that you, as students, have the power to choose freely and ultimately create a great classroom environment. It is your choice to follow St. John Bosco’s four rules and our classroom procedures. Yet, you must realize that there will be consequences to your choices.
A consequence is the result of a choice. It is also important to realize that a consequence can be good or bad. We usually experience bad consequences if we do not follow rules and procedures. For instance, there are many negative consequences when the state’s traffic laws are not followed. If any traffic laws are broken, a driver risks receiving a citation, a fine or sometimes even jail time, not to mention damage to their car and possible injuries if an accident occurs. Likewise, if you miss any of the steps in the letter writing process, the letter will not reach your friend. Yet, if you follow all of the rules and procedures for the letter writing process, the letter reaches your friend- a good consequence! Additionally, if you CHOOSE to follow all school RULES and classroom PROCEDURES, the good CONSEQUENCE will be a positive learning environment and safe classroom- where everyone can learn!
The goal of developing this handbook is to provide a safe and efficient classroom. Please read it carefully and ask any questions if you do not understand a procedure. Let’s have a great year!
Peace and Blessings,
Mrs. Neumann and Mrs. Reichardt
