Mrs. Shaw's

Parent Information

I would like welcome everyone to what I know will be a wonderful year. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about me. I have an Early Childhood and Elementary Education degree from the University of Mobile. This is my eighth year at Dodge Elementary School. I am married with two sons, Russell who will be in third grade here at Dodge this year and Carlen who is going to be in kindergarten this year.  I also am raising my 18 year old sister who is a freshman at USA..

I am very excited to have your child in my class this year. We will have lots of fun and lots of learning. Thanks so much for entrusting your child to my care for the next year. I will do my best to ensure a great year! I have an open door policy and encourage you to check in with me before or after school or through a planned conference. If you have any concerns or questions, please call 221-1195.

Thanks,

Mrs. Nikki Shaw

Homework Policy

Homework assignments will be sent home on Monday in the Daily Folder. These assignments should take no longer than 10-15 minutes each day to complete. The assignments should be completed independently or with little adult supervision. Homework assignments will be due back to class on Friday of the same week. The assignments should be placed in the Daily Folder to be collected. I will not check backpacks or desks to search for missing homework.  There is no need to send the assignments early unless your child will be absent on the due date.

Behavior

Your child's success in school hinges on appropriate behavior. A student must understand the importance of appropriate and acceptable behavior before he can focus on learning. Please see the attached "Lifting off with Good Behavior" information.

Classroom Rules

1. Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself.
2. Complete all assignments on time.
3. Follow all directions.
4. Speak in a quiet voice.
5. Be respectful to others.

Privileges

1. Recess
2. Outdoor reading time
3. Extra treats from your teacher
4. Stickers and awards
5. Extra center time

Consequences

1. Verbal Warning
2. Five minute time out
3. Loss of privileges
4. Note/ Call to parents
5. Conference and discipline in Principal's office

*Depending on the severity of the offense, a conference with the Principal may be the only option.

Conferences

Parents are encouraged to schedule conferences whenever they have questions or concerns. Calling the school office at 221-1195 or sending a note with your child can do this. I will let you know my conference time as soon as it has been assigned. I will answer your notes and return phones calls as soon as I can. 

Newsletter

I will attach a calendar to the inside of the Daily Folder at the start of each month. This will give you information about upcoming events during that month. I will also periodically send home newsletters to update you. Please check you child's backpack/Daily Folder each day for notes from me.

Daily Folder

Each day your child will bring home his/her Daily Folder. Please look over the work completed in class and send the empty folder back to school the next day. Parents are also asked to initial the calendar daily to let me know that you have checked the assignments, but also that you are aware of the daily conduct.  These calendars should only be removed by the teacher.

Absences

Students who are absent should bring a note from a parent or a doctor upon returning to school. If a note is not sent within two days, the absence will be coded as unexcused.  Absences for personal illness or death in the family are excused with a note. All other absences must be approved by Mrs. Tillman prior to the absence in order for it to be excused. Make-up work will be given to students with excused absences.

Illness

Students missing school due to illness should be fever free for 24 hours prior to returning to school. Please keep your child's emergency card updated in the event of changes in phone numbers and work locations.

Supplies

All supplies need to be at school on the first day of class. Students can not successfully complete all assignments without proper supplies. Please put your child's name on all personal supplies (except folders and pencils).   Throughout the year I will update you on any additional supplies your child may need.