At the beginning of each school year, my new students will write the year’s class mission statement. This mission statement will create a framework for a class that works hard, is kind and respectful, and is full of responsible learners. I really enjoy creating an atmosphere that is joyful, fun, musical, and which incorporates movement. I consider it a great compliment when my students say, “It’s already time to go home?” I often joke around, and we have a lot of fun in class, but I also get pretty serious about things when it’s time to learn important concepts. As you read through the tabs below, I want to explain that the first priority in my classroom is to create a fun, free, happy environment. It’s not in my nature to be heavy and strict. However, the items in the "Classroom Expectations" tab will enable me to spend more time creating great lessons plans and a fantastic classroom setting, and less time disciplining kids, grading late assignments, getting kids in proper dress code, and dealing with chronic tardiness.