Due by May 29th...Letter to Self

4 Parts

1) Hey, how's it going?

2) Paragraph reminding yourself why you wanted to be FIRE Crew...

3) Important training dates in August (from WIKI)

4) Remind yourself to contact Mrs. Carr via conni.carr@venturausd.org if you have issues of any kind

Get an enveloped from Mrs. Carr to self-address (entire address with zip) and turn in letter to Mrs. Carr D104 by May 29th.

Binder Check Forms

Binder Check

Student Name:                                                                                                                                                            

Part One Criteria:  Organization/Neatness	Yes	No
1.  Does the student have all materials:  colored pencils, pencils, pens, calculator, etc.
2.  Does the student have all subject dividers?
3.  Does the student have all dividers labeled?
4.  Are the side pockets/folders clear of unnecessary papers? (Projects are OK)
5.  Does the binder pass the "shake" test?

Part Two Criteria: Does the student have at least one page of notes or a learning log for each class?	Notes		Learning Log
Period 1 and 2
Period 3 and 4
Period 5 and 6
Period 7

Part three:  Is the student’s agenda up to date? Is there evidence that student is using agenda outside of school (checking off completed work, highlighting important projects, etc.)?

*Check to make sure they are writing down homework/due dates/deadline for each class period everyday.

Constructive Feedback or Comments:

How to Get Academic Help as a FIRE Crew Leader

• Let your FIRE classroom teacher know ahead of time
• Give at least a day or two of notice
• Tell where, when and why you need to go
• Plan for only 1 day at a time – do not plan to be gone multiple days in a row
• Talk with your FIRE Crew partner
• Give at least a day or two of notice
• Arrange for them to “take care of” your kids for the day
• Make sure they have access to all of your materials
• Help your FIRE kids the day before
• Let them know you will be gone
• Explain your expectations for them in your absence
• Re-introduce your FIRE Crew partner
• Share your experience with them
• Make sure your FIRE kids know what they should do on the day you are absent
• Try to make other meeting arrangements to get help – in class, before or after school
• Join a study group that meets outside of school time

How to Reward a Group for Positive Behaviors

• Phone home
• Call parents to leave a positive message
• Plan a fun activity or game
• Get permission from FIRE teacher ahead of time
• Make sure it is appropriate for age and school
• Give verbal praise
• Letting each kid know personally that you are proud
•  Try to be specific about each student’s achievements
• Give treats
•  Limit this type of reward system
• Ask FIRE teacher permission when it comes to food
• Keep it small and simple

How to Handle a Difficult or Defiant FIRE Student

•  Repeat your original request
• Give student a chance to respond and get started
• Move student away from distractions or vice versa
• Seat student at a quiet table, alone
• Ask noisier groups to move away or quiet down
• Sit down with the student as they get started
• Reinforces your authority
• Makes them aware of your serious intent
• Insist upon student starting activity
• Do not give them a chance to argue
• Do not give them a chance to debate
• Involve your FIRE class teacher if needed
• Sometimes adult authority is needed to change behavior
• Reinforces your own authority as being backed by teacher

How to Handle the “I Don’t Have Anything To Do” Statement

• Ask to check their agenda for assignments and due dates
• Holds them accountable for completing agenda
• This is a teacher/parent expectation
• Ask to see Zangle grades and assignments listing
• Look for zeros as make up work
• Look for current assignments – ask for proof of completion
• Look for upcoming deadlines
•  If grades are low, get in touch with teachers
• Schedule a visit during FIRE with teacher and student
• Ask student to study for a test or quiz
• Ask student to work on long-term assignments
• Get ahead
• Get extra credit
• Have student organize their binder
• Have student tutor or mentor a peer in their FIRE classroom