$ Money
Pizza, drink, trips, fundraising, photo money...this is where a class list is handy. Duplicate a copy of the list. Check off the child's name. Use one column for the amount of money received and another column for the permission form etc. Immediately send the money and forms to the office and buzz to let them know that these are on their way. Leave the duplicate checklist for the Teacher.
Yard Duty
Be on time or early. Cut your class short to allow ample time to get the class ready (primary classes in winter can take ten minutes or more). If anything happens before you get out, you could be held accountable. After recess, double-check the playground for stragglers.
Headcounts
Take frequent headcounts during the day. If there's a fire drill and no class list, at least you'll know how many children you should have. Verify your head count numbers frequently during any class trips.
Bus Trips
You need at least three class lists: one for you, one for the school and one for the bus driver. Young children should have identification tags. Adults should have a list of the children in their care. Ensure children are safely seated on the bus. Take a headcount. Note the name of the bus driver, the bus company, the bus number and any identifying features of the bus - they all look alike in a parking lot. Clarify the pick up time and place with the driver. Take frequent headcounts during the event. Bring grocery bags for children to stow their own hats, mittens etc. Allow for a bathroom break before you go on any trip.
Staff Room Manners
Pay for coffee if there's a fund. Wash your cup and wipe up spills. Ask before partaking on "treat day" though many staffs will offer. If you're there often, bring in a treat for staff - your effort will buy much good will. Never participate in discussions about students, other teachers, programmes, schools, parents, volunteers, etc. You are a professional.
Support Staff
E.A.s, secretaries, custodians etc. are invaluable. Try to establish and maintain a good rapport with all school staff.
The Facilities
If you can't wait to use the facilities, contact the office, librarian etc. to cover your class for a moment. Never leave the class unattended.
Rotary
It's very difficult to keep on schedule but again, never leave a class unsupervised, especially if you are the one on the move. If you arrive to find a class unattended, make a personal note in case something comes up at a later date.
Identification
Ask for identification and check with the office before releasing a child to an adult. Visitors to a school are supposed to check in with the office before going to the class or out to a portable. Better to be safe than sorry.
Professional Attire
How we dress doesn't make a difference in how well we teach, but recent studies in the business world have prompted Fortune 500 companies to move from "casual" attire to "business casual" attire. We work actively with children so our attire must be comfortable and versatile, but first impressions do count.
Thank you to the organizers of the SMART Board workshops offered yesterday at Wilfrid Jury P.S. Over 118 participants attended 9 workshops focusing on various SMART Board topics and all that can be accomplished with them.
Upcoming Professional Development
Boutique Style Professional Development, offered on Tuesday November 22, 2011 at the OT Offices, 521 Nottinghill Road, Suite 8 in London will focus on The Daily Five: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades. As a result of overwhelming demand, we are pleased to offer another session on Tuesday November 29, 2011, also to be held at the OT Offices, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. A light supper will once again, be provided to those attending. Space is limited. Please Register by email - tvotpd@gmail.com by noon Friday November 25, 2011.
FALL GENERAL MEETING AND BANQUET
At the scenic ELM HURST INN, 415 Harris Street, in Ingersoll from 4:30 - 7:30 PM on Thursday, November 24, 2011. Please register by email - tvotpd@gmail.com as soon as possible.
ETFO THAMES VALLEY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS' LOCAL
