Mrs.

Novak Classroom Policies

2023-2024

Mrs. Novak’s Classroom Policies and Procedures

As a class, we will be working on treating each other with respect, putting forth 100% effort,
and teamwork.  In addition to these, I will also focus on instilling responsibility, enhancing
study skills, and establishing organizational habits.  Students will be challenged to learn and
I expect everyone to do their best!

Monday Morning Meetings

Every Monday, the entire school will meet in the gym with our principal, Mr. Kulik. At this time,
birthdays will be announced, student awards, and school news.

Absences
When your child is absent from school, another student will complete a sheet outlining the
work missed. We will do our best to have handouts and assignments attached and placed on
in the student’s absent pocket chart. Students can also check the assignment page of my
website for homework too. Google Classroom pages should be checked for missed work,
lessons, and notes. Students will have one day for every day they were absent to turn in the
missing work.  For example, if a student is absent on Monday and returns on Tuesday, the
work that was assigned on Monday will be due along with Tuesday's assignments on
Wednesday morning.  The only exception to this policy is if the assignment due had been
assigned well before the absence, in which case needs to be turned in the day the student
returns to school (book bingo, projects, etc.).

Of course, depending on the circumstance and length of absence this rule may change upon
the teacher’s discretion. If you know in advance that your child will be absent, please send a
note, and I will do my best to put together a list of subject material that will be covered while
you are gone; however, oftentimes the student will still have to catch up on additional work
following their absence. Checking the class website daily will be helpful!

Assignment Notebooks
Students need to have a school assignment notebook. It is an important communication
tool. Please be sure to check and sign it everyday. Homework will be written in it, as well as
important notes pertaining to the class or school. Time will be given in between each period
to write assignments. Additionally, we will fill these planners out together as a class at the
end of each school day.  Either I or another teacher or aide will personally scan each planner
before students are allowed to leave for the day.  This assures both the teacher and the

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parent that the students know exactly what is expected of them regarding the next day's
assignments.  This is a quick scan, so it is still encouraged to check the class website for
more details on assignments/projects. In the event that a student forgets his or her planner
at home, I will have an assignment sheet available for students to fill out. All assignments
will also be posted on my class website; however, this does not excuse students from writing
their assignments in their planners.

Holiday Celebrations and Parties

Information regarding classroom parties will be shared.

Birthday Celebrations
Any student wishing to celebrate his/her birthday or half birthday (for those in the
summer) is welcome to do so.  Summer birthdays are welcome to celebrate on his/her half
birthday or anytime throughout the year.  Students may bring in edible food or candy
birthday treats.  Also, sending non-food items, such as pencils, stickers, and fun erasers
are a great way to share in the student's celebration. You can also choose to donate a book
or recess game that will remain in the classroom.

The First Bank of Ludwig

Students will be learning the basics of "real-world" math.  In this "real world" application of
math I will focus on how to set-up and maintain a checking account.  Students will have to
create a budget and learn how to manage personal finances.  They will be required to pay
bills after they receive a paycheck for "coming to work". Students will participate in a digital
bank account with Class Equity. Login information and more details about this program will
be shared in class.

Incentives
There will be incentives for positive behavior, helping, and good work.  The main incentive
program involves a classroom economy in which the students will learn "real world" financial
skills.  I will be teaching students responsibilities which include opening and maintaining a
digital checking account, earning a paycheck, paying bills, and budget planning.  

Students earn money by:

• Weekly job $150 paycheck ($30 a day for doing your job)
• Returning weekly reports on time...Monday=$20, Tuesday=$10 
• Providing a service to other students such as cleaning out desks, organizing binders,
etc...
• Good substitute report (amount varies depending on report left by sub...up to $500)
• Displaying good behavior
• Behavior incentives
• "That's Life" drawings
• Spirit Day participation
• Birthdays
• Chances

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Students need to budget for:

• Bills due on the 10th of each month (Rent $200, Electricity $25, Water $25)
• $30 fine if weekly report is not turned in on time (by Wednesday)
• $50 for an extra copy of an assignment because you lost or misplaced it ($100)
• $10 extra trips to locker during class or a special
• $25 for late homework assignments
• Weekly bid items
• Behavior fines
• "That's Life" drawings 
• Class Auction

Weekly Report
Each Friday your child will be given a weekly report.  This report keeps track of your child's
completed assignments and test scores.  At times, reminders, comments and other
information will be written on it.  There is space provided at the bottom of the weekly report
for you to write me a note if you have any questions or concerns.  Please sign and return
these reports each Monday.  They are due by Wednesday of each week, or students will be
issued an individual class fine (with class cash).

Friday Folders
Every Friday or last class day of the week, folders will go home. Parents can expect graded
papers, weekly reports, office handouts (check the virtual backpack on the District website),
and notes to be in it. Please make sure you take time to review your child's Friday Folder.
Parents please mark that you viewed the "Friday Folder” on the Weekly Report form.

Classroom Behavior Expectations

Classroom rules such as listening, refraining from talking during class until called upon,
following directions, following requests made the first time, and using class time wisely are
all necessary for a smooth operating environment.  I will deal with problems fairly and give
each student the opportunity to succeed.  The consequences for choosing not to follow
expectations may include:

• First, the student will be asked to correct the behavior. (Verbal Warning; Think About
It)
• If behavior is not corrected, a discussion will be held between student (s) and
teacher. A yellow, Ludwig Behavior Tracking Form (1st Incident Date) will be given
and sent home digitally. (Reflection Time/Teacher Consequence)
• If no solution is made and the problem persists or a new problem evolves, a
second, yellow Ludwig Behavior Tracking Form will be filled out for the 2nd Incident
Date and/or 3rd Incident Date, along with time out from class may be necessary
and a notice will be sent home.  (Detention)
• Parents will be notified via weekly report, email, or phone call if problematic
behavior continues. After three behavior incidents, a detention will be issued.
(Parent Contact)
• Last resort for persistent problems will be intervention by administration via the
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Ludwig School Behavior Plan.  Parents will be notified.

*An exception to this procedure would be in the case of a severe infraction.  Example: 
endangerment of life, threats, fighting, and stealing.  In cases such as these, the
administration will be asked to intervene immediately, and a blue Ludwig School Office
Referral Form will be issued.  

District 92 Grading Scale

A 100-90
B 89-80
C 79-70
D 69-60
F 59-
All assignments will be out of 100%.*

Grading

● Points are based on:

➢Class participation (effort)
➢Completion of assignments (class work & homework)
➢Major projects and assessments

● Special Notations
➢Not Answered (n/a)
➢Can’t tell/read/understand
answer (?)
➢Something’s missing (empty
circle)
➢ Misspelling (sp)

● Check System
➢Plus (Best Work – 100%)
➢Check (Could be better – 90%)
➢Check minus (Some wrong/missing – 80%)
➢Minus (Most incorrect/very little effort – 70 %)

● Scale Grades
➢Closer to a standards-based way of grading.
➢4, 3, 2, or 1 will be given.
➢Rubrics will be sent home for certain subjects/assignments to
help with understanding these scores.

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Homework Policy
Homework will be minimized, and students will be responsible for classwork. Students will
be given time daily to work on homework assignments and ask for additional help from me. 
It is imperative that students learn the responsibility of using class time wisely and getting
assignments and class work is completed on time.  All assignments are due the morning
after they are given unless otherwise stated. With the onset of technology, some
assignments may require the use of a computer and/or Internet. Also, several assignments
will be completed and submitted on the computer. If this becomes an issue, students need
to speak to their teacher. Please remember that the public library has computers for
residents to use.

No points will be taken off for clerical issues (missing names, wrong color ink/pencil, etc.)
Papers that are missing a name will be posted in the room or available for students to view
in a folder. If students are missing an assignment, it is their responsibility to check the
missing name papers and PowerSchool.

Homework Time
There should not be an excessive amount of time spent on homework each night.  While I
believe that practice and reinforcement of skills learned throughout the day is important, I
also believe that family time is an extremely valuable portion of your child's day.  Homework
should include finishing any assignments that your child did not finish within the given
amount of work time during class as well as practicing spelling words and reading books (20
minutes a day).  The total amount of time spent on homework should be no more than 45-60
minutes.  This time does not include reading or study time, as that depends on the individual
student. If you are constantly noticing more than an hour of time spent on homework in the
evening, please contact me.  This usually is a result of students not using their class time
wisely!

Late Homework Note

Students are expected to turn in assigned work on the day it is due. Students will have the
opportunity to turn in late homework/classwork assignments the following school day.
Should students have a late homework/classwork assignment, he or she will need to
complete and fill out the late homework/classwork digital form. This form is available on
Google Classroom and my class website under the forms tab. Upon submission of the form,
an email will be sent directly to parents informing you of the late assignment. As a parent,
you are always kept aware if your child is not doing assignments or forgetting them at home.
Secondly, it sends a message to the student that communication between home and school
is an ongoing process that benefits all in an educational setting.

Please review below for specific late homework guidelines.

Day 1: Homework Due. A late work digital form will be filled out if not completed.

Day 2: The teacher will ask for the late assignment. If it is not completed and turned in, a
late work digital form will be filled out.
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Day 3: The teacher will ask for the late assignment. If it is not completed and turned in, a late
work digital form will be filled out.

After Day 3, it is the responsibility of the student to complete and turn in the assignment.
Please check PowerSchool for missing and late work. Work turned in after 3 days is subject
to late penalty at the teacher’s discretion.

Once we start a new unit of study or chapter, no late work from the previous unit/chapter will
be accepted. This will result in a low score in the gradebook for any incomplete work.

Corrections, Redos, and Retakes

According to Progressive Mastery Learning, “the purpose of providing students with a retake
opportunity is to ensure students strive for content mastery and have multiple opportunities
to reach their desired goal.”

Corrections
To correct an assignment means that the student did not follow the directions correctly on
the assignment. In this case, the teacher may ask the student to correct and return the
assignment. Corrections are completed at the teacher’s discretion.

Redos
To redo an assignment means that the student is expected to do the assignment again
because the learning standard has not been met. The teacher may meet with the student to
review the skills addressed on the assignment. Students should correct the errors and
resubmit. Redos are completed at the teacher’s discretion.

Retakes
To retake a test or quiz, the student can fill out the Retake Request digital form. This form is
available on my class website under the forms tab, and on our homeroom Google Classroom
page. On this form, students will need to answer some reflection questions. Students must
complete the Retake Request digital form within one day of the return of the graded
assessment. Once students receive their scored test or quiz, one week will be given to make
up the test or quiz; however, this may be adjusted upon the teacher’s discretion.

Prior to taking the retake, students must complete the following items that their teacher feels
will help he or she improve on the retake:

● For the unit of study, complete and turn in all required assignments.
● Complete and/or correct the study guide. For math, complete additional student
workbook pages that have not been completed in class.
● Review and correct the original test. Exempt for digital tests where answers are
given.
● Provide evidence of additional studying/preparation for the retake (ex. study notes,
note cards, flash cards, Google slides presentation, review with teacher, written
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practice test, review questions in textbook). Students must provide evidence of what
additional work they did to prepare for the retake.

The Retake Request digital form must be printed and signed by a parent/guardian prior to
scheduling a retake. Any scheduled review meetings throughout the retake process must be
attended. Failure to attend, being unprepared for a scheduled meeting, or not providing at
least one piece of evidence on their retake test date or before will result in a forfeit of the
student’s retake opportunity. Oftentimes, students may need to come in early (7:30am), stay
in during recess, or stay after school to retake a test or quiz. The greater score will be taken.
Please remember that retakes are at the teacher’s discretion and can be denied if
circumstances warrant it.

PowerSchool
Grades will be posted on PowerSchool. Please contact the school office to
set-up your account. Grades will be updated at least once a week. Please
check regularly to stay updated about your child’s progress.

Contact Me
The best way to get a hold of me is by email at anovak@d92.org I will do my best to respond
to your email within 48 hours during the school week (Monday-Thursday). If it is an urgent
matter, please call the school to contact me.

Principal’s 200 Club

The Principal's 200 Club is a great program that rewards students for showing respectful
behavior to teachers and fellow students or for standing as an example of great character
for others. The Club focuses on these four principles: be safe, be caring, be respectful, be
here and be ready.

Teachers are on the lookout for students who follow school rules and who show exemplary
behavior and they will select model students to become members of the club. Students then
report to the office to sign the Principal's Celebrity Book and place their names on a bulletin
board outside of the office. When a roll fills up, either horizontally or vertically, then all the
students in that row WIN A PRIZE!!! Prizes can be snack time with the Principal, Extra
Computer/iPad Time, Open Gym Time or other wonderful mystery prizes!

Parents will be notified by phone when their student "joins" the Club! This is a great chance
for them to celebrate the great things happening at our school. We have the best students
and we want to recognize them for their accomplishments!

Thank you. I look forward to a wonderful year in 5th grade!

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