📚 Class Information

Welcome to the Class Information page! This page is designed to help students and families understand our schedule, courses, classroom expectations, procedures, and other important information.

I currently teach 5th- and 6th-Grade Mathematics and Science at Barkdull Faulk Elementary School. I also lead a combined 5th- and 6th-Grade Choir, which meets on Fridays.

Please refer to this page throughout the school year. Information may be updated when schedules, district requirements, procedures, curriculum pacing, or student needs change. Families will be notified when a significant classroom or grading policy changes.

🕐 Mr. G’s Daily Schedule

A consistent routine helps students arrive prepared and receive their full instructional time. My current official schedule is:

Morning

8:00–8:15 a.m. | Morning Activities

8:15–9:15 a.m. | Rotation I: 5th-Grade Mathematics

9:15–9:45 a.m. | HDT Mathematics and LEAP Skills

9:45–10:30 a.m. | 5th-Grade PhD Science

10:30–11:30 a.m. | Rotation II: 6th-Grade Mathematics

11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | 6th-Grade Amplify Science

12:15–1:00 p.m. | Lunch and Recess

Afternoon

1:00–1:45 p.m. | Planning Period, Monday–Thursday

1:00–1:45 p.m. | 5th- and 6th-Grade Choir, Friday

1:45–2:30 p.m. | 6th-Grade Math Lab, Monday–Thursday

1:45–2:30 p.m. | Planning Period, Friday

2:30–3:00 p.m. | Mathematics Interventions

3:00–3:15 p.m. | Dismissal

Please note that this schedule may change for testing, assemblies, emergencies, special events, school activities, or other administrative and instructional needs.

➗ Mathematics

Welcome to Mathematics!

In our mathematics classroom, the goal is much bigger than simply finding the correct answer. Students will learn to think mathematically, solve problems, explain their reasoning, make connections, use models, and persevere through challenges.

Mistakes are a natural and valuable part of learning. Students should never be afraid to try because they are worried about getting something wrong. We will use mistakes to identify misconceptions, improve our understanding, and become stronger mathematicians.

Students will use Eureka Math², Zearn, fluency activities, guided practice, independent practice, exit tickets, assessments, and other approved resources.

Mathematics Expectations

Students are expected to:

Come prepared. Bring required materials and be ready to begin when class starts.
Be an active learner. Participate, ask questions, take notes, complete examples, and contribute appropriately.
Show your thinking. Mathematics includes the process as well as the answer. Students should use models, equations, words, diagrams, or other appropriate representations.
Explain and justify. Students should be prepared to explain how they reached a solution and why it makes sense.
Give your best effort. Challenging problems are opportunities to grow. “I can’t do this” should become “I can’t do this yet.”
Respect different strategies. There is often more than one valid way to solve a problem.
Learn from mistakes. Corrections and feedback are opportunities for improvement.
Complete assignments responsibly. Students are responsible for completing and submitting assigned work.
Ask for help. Questions are an important part of learning.

Mathematics Materials

Depending on the lesson, students may need:

Pencils and erasers
Mathematics notebook or binder
Assigned Eureka Math² workbook
Completed assignments
School-issued Chromebook and charger
Headphones or earbuds when permitted
Additional materials announced in class

Students are responsible for taking care of all classroom and school-provided materials.

Zearn

Zearn is used to reinforce and extend concepts from Eureka Math². Assigned Zearn lessons may be completed during mathematics class, HDT, intervention, Math Lab, another approved school period, or at home when necessary.

Students must complete their own work. They should use the strategies taught in class and ask for help instead of sharing answers or using unauthorized tools.

🔬 Science

Welcome to Science!

Science gives students opportunities to observe, question, investigate, model, explain, and use evidence. Students will study meaningful scientific phenomena and learn how scientists develop and revise explanations.

Fifth-grade students will use PhD Science, while sixth-grade students will use Amplify Science. Lessons may include investigations, demonstrations, digital simulations, reading, writing, discussion, modeling, and evidence-based explanations.

Science Expectations

Students are expected to:

Ask thoughtful questions. Curiosity is an important part of scientific learning.
Use evidence. Scientific explanations should be supported by observations, data, readings, models, or investigation results.
Record information accurately. Students should distinguish between what they observe and what they infer.
Participate appropriately. Investigations and discussions require focus, teamwork, and responsible participation.
Revise ideas when needed. Scientists improve models and explanations when new evidence becomes available.
Use scientific vocabulary. Students should practice communicating their ideas clearly and accurately.
Follow all safety directions. Safety procedures must be followed immediately and consistently.
Respect materials and living things. Science equipment and materials must be used responsibly.

Science Safety

Students must:

Use materials and equipment only with permission.
Follow directions exactly as demonstrated.
Wear required protective equipment.
Keep food and drinks away from investigations.
Never taste or intentionally inhale science materials.
Secure loose clothing, hair, or personal items when directed.
Report spills, breakage, injuries, or unsafe conditions immediately.
Keep hands, materials, and equipment under control.
Clean and return materials properly.

A student who cannot safely use materials may receive an alternate way to participate or demonstrate learning while school procedures are followed.

🎵 Choir

Welcome to Choir!

Our combined 5th- and 6th-Grade Choir meets on Fridays from 1:00–1:45 p.m.

Choir is a place to sing, listen, create, perform, collaborate, and grow. Students will develop skills in healthy vocal production, breathing, posture, pitch, rhythm, music literacy, expression, rehearsal procedures, ensemble singing, and performance.

Students do not need prior choir experience to be successful. A willingness to participate, listen, practice, and try something new matters most.

Choir Expectations

Students are expected to:

Participate. Choir is an active course, and students should be prepared to sing and rehearse.
Listen carefully. Students must be able to hear directions, demonstrations, accompaniment, and one another.
Respect every performer. Never laugh at, ridicule, or intentionally embarrass someone who is singing or performing.
Use healthy vocal habits. Students should follow directions for posture, breathing, warm-ups, and appropriate volume.
Care for music and equipment. Sheet music, folders, microphones, stands, keyboards, and other materials must be handled responsibly.
Follow rehearsal procedures. Students should mark music appropriately, watch the conductor, and respond to starting and stopping signals.
Demonstrate appropriate audience behavior. When another person or group is performing, students should listen respectfully.
Try—even when it feels unfamiliar. Learning to sing in front of others may require courage and patience.
Have fun responsibly. Choir should be enjoyable while remaining safe, respectful, and productive.

🎶 Our Choir Room Rule

“If it isn’t time to sing or play, voices and instruments stay!”

Students should not use instruments, microphones, keyboards, or other equipment without permission.

Performance dates, attire, transportation, and after-school commitments will be communicated separately after receiving the required school approval.

⭐ Our Classroom Expectations

Whether students are attending mathematics, science, intervention, Math Lab, or choir, our classroom is built around the following expectations:

Be Ready

Come prepared, enter calmly, begin promptly, and have all required materials.

Be Respectful

Listen when others are speaking and treat classmates, teachers, staff members, ideas, cultures, voices, materials, and yourself with respect.

Be Responsible

Follow directions, complete assigned work, use technology properly, care for materials, and take ownership of your choices.

Be Safe

Keep hands, feet, objects, science materials, instruments, equipment, and furniture under control. Report hazards or concerns immediately.

Be Your Best

Participate, ask questions, use feedback, learn from mistakes, and give your best effort.

Our classroom expectations work alongside all BFE PBIS expectations and current Monroe City Schools policies.

🏫 Classroom Procedures

Entering the Classroom

Students should:

Enter calmly and respectfully.
Report to their assigned seat or area.
Gather the necessary materials.
Read the posted directions.
Begin the opening activity promptly.
Keep unnecessary conversations and distractions to a minimum.

Learning begins when class begins, so students should arrive ready to work.

During Instruction

Students should:

Listen when someone is speaking.
Follow directions promptly.
Raise their hand or use the established procedure for contributing.
Remain engaged with the assigned activity.
Use materials and technology appropriately.
Respect everyone’s opportunity to learn.
Ask questions when clarification is needed.
Move between activities quickly and safely.

Leaving the Classroom

Before leaving, students should:

Return materials to the correct locations.
Clean their workspace.
Store classroom equipment properly.
Record assignments or reminders.
Submit required work.
Wait for the teacher’s dismissal.

The bell or clock does not dismiss the class—the teacher does.

🧭 Redirection and Consequences

My goal is to correct most behavior at the lowest reasonable level while protecting learning and giving students an opportunity to make a better choice.

Typical classroom-managed behaviors may be addressed through:

A nonverbal reminder or quiet redirection
A brief verbal reminder
A private student-teacher conference
A change in seat, group, or learning arrangement
Family communication
A parent-teacher-student conference or support plan
An office referral or administrative support

These steps may be repeated, combined, or skipped depending on the seriousness, frequency, safety risk, student needs, and current BFE or district requirements.

Serious behavior involving safety, bullying, harassment, fighting, threats, prohibited items, major technology violations, or other handbook-level concerns may be referred immediately to administration.

💻 Technology Expectations

Technology is an instructional tool and should be used only for authorized learning.

When using Chromebooks, computers, tablets, or other devices, students must:

Bring the assigned device charged when requested.
Use technology only for the assigned educational purpose.
Visit only teacher-approved websites and applications.
Open only the tabs, files, and programs required for the lesson.
Use only their assigned account and device.
Keep passwords and login information private.
Keep food and liquids away from devices.
Handle all equipment carefully.
Use headphones only when directed.
Communicate respectfully in digital spaces.
Follow all Monroe City Schools technology and acceptable-use requirements.
Report lost, damaged, or malfunctioning equipment immediately.

Students may not:

Play games or watch unrelated videos during instruction.
Use personal messaging, shopping, streaming, proxy, or bypass websites.
Photograph, record, post, or share another person without authorization.
Access another student’s account, files, assignments, or grades.
Change device settings or install unauthorized programs or extensions.
Use artificial-intelligence tools unless they have been specifically approved for the assignment.

Technology access may be restricted when a device is used inappropriately. Additional consequences will follow school and district procedures.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools

Artificial-intelligence tools may be used only when Mr. G has specifically approved them for a particular assignment.

When AI use is approved, students remain responsible for:

Submitting original work
Protecting private information
Checking information for accuracy
Following assignment directions
Identifying outside assistance when required
Explaining their own reasoning and learning

Using AI or another digital tool to generate unauthorized answers is not acceptable.

📝 Assignments, Grading, and Student Responsibility

Students are responsible for keeping track of assignments, completing work to the best of their ability, and submitting work according to classroom expectations.

Grades may include evidence from:

Bellwork and fluency activities
Guided notes and classwork
Exit tickets
Mathematics problem sets
Science investigations and models
Written explanations
Projects and presentations
Zearn and other approved digital assignments
Quizzes and assessments
District-required diagnostics and benchmarks
Choir participation, rehearsal skills, music literacy, reflections, and demonstrations

Grading procedures will follow current Barkdull Faulk Elementary and Monroe City Schools requirements. Categories, weights, reassessment procedures, or other grading practices may change as district guidance changes. Families will receive notice when a significant grading change is implemented.

Students and families should review official grade information and school communications regularly.

🏠 Homework and Practice at Home

Routine nightly homework is not generally assigned. Homework may occasionally be assigned for:

Mathematics facts or drills
Additional practice
Reinforcement of an important skill
Unfinished classwork when appropriate
Make-up work following an absence
Zearn or another digital assignment
Occasional break practice

This approach is intended to respect family time while still providing additional practice when it is educationally necessary.

Even 10–15 minutes of purposeful review can be more effective than waiting until the last minute to prepare for an assessment.

🤒 Absences and Missed Work

When a student is absent, it is important to begin getting caught up as soon as possible.

After returning, students should:

Check Google Classroom, classroom folders, posted directions, and announcements.
Speak with Mr. G when clarification is needed.
Identify any missed classwork, exit tickets, quizzes, tests, labs, or projects.
Complete missed work according to current school and classroom procedures.
Schedule a make-up assessment when necessary.
Ask questions about any missed concepts they do not understand.

Students remain responsible for completing required work following an absence. I will help students identify priorities and provide reasonable support, approved extensions, accommodations, and make-up opportunities according to school policy.

🤝 Academic Honesty

Students should always submit work that represents their own learning.

Appropriate help is encouraged. Having someone else complete an assignment, copying another student’s work, sharing assessment answers, photographing secure materials, or using unauthorized technology to generate answers is not acceptable.

Students may use calculators, notes, websites, translation tools, artificial intelligence, or other assistance only when permitted by the teacher or required by an approved student plan.

I would rather see an honest mistake than a dishonest correct answer.

💵 Classroom Economy

Our classroom economy helps students practice responsibility, budgeting, saving, work habits, and participation.

Students may earn classroom dollars through:

Classroom jobs
Preparation
Participation
Improvement
Responsible choices
Helpful actions
Other announced opportunities

Monthly classroom expenses currently include rent, Wi-Fi, water, electricity, trash, and gas, totaling $60 per month. After paying required expenses, students may save their classroom dollars or use them for available classroom privileges and rewards.

Classroom dollars:

Have no real-world cash value
Cannot be purchased with real money
Do not determine academic grades
Do not replace official behavior consequences
May be used only through teacher-approved procedures

Prices, privileges, earning opportunities, bank days, and classroom-shop procedures may change to maintain fairness and support learning.

🚨 Emergency and Safety Procedures

During a drill or emergency, students must:

Stop talking and listen immediately.
Follow the teacher’s and administration’s directions.
Leave materials behind unless told otherwise.
Remain with the assigned class or group.
Move calmly and quietly.
Keep devices silent.
Avoid calling, texting, livestreaming, or posting unless specifically directed.
Wait for attendance and further instructions.

Students may be directed to evacuate, shelter, hold, move to a severe-weather location, participate in a lockdown, or follow another emergency procedure.

Specific routes and actions may change depending on the location and nature of the emergency. Students must always follow the directions given at that time.

Transportation or dismissal plans cannot be changed based only on a student’s statement, text message, or verbal request. Changes must be verified and communicated through the school office.

🎥 Video Consent and iTeach Observations

Families previously received or completed district video and media-consent information.

As part of Mr. Gutierrez’s iTeach educator-preparation requirements, a class may occasionally be observed virtually or recorded for a formal instructional observation. Any virtual observation or recording will be coordinated with school administration and handled according to applicable school, district, iTeach, and student-privacy requirements.

The purpose is to evaluate and support Mr. Gutierrez’s instruction—not to publicly feature or evaluate individual students.

A parent or guardian who has questions, believes the school’s records do not reflect the family’s consent selection, or needs to communicate an objection should contact Mr. Gutierrez and the school administration promptly in writing.

❤️ Respecting Our Learning Environment

Every student deserves to learn in a classroom that is safe, welcoming, and respectful.

Bullying, harassment, intentional embarrassment, discriminatory comments, repeated disruptions, threats, or behavior that interferes with another student’s ability to learn will not be accepted.

Students do not have to be best friends with everyone, but they are expected to treat every person with dignity and respect.

👨‍👩‍👧 Information for Parents and Guardians

Family involvement plays an important role in student success, and I value open communication between home and school.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to:

Review classroom and school communications.
Check this website regularly.
Review Google Classroom and official grade information.
Talk with their child about what they are learning.
Encourage consistent attendance and punctuality.
Help their child develop responsible study habits.
Keep contact, health, emergency, and transportation information current.
Reach out when questions or concerns arise.

If your child is struggling academically, please do not feel that you need to wait until a progress report or report card to contact me.

Early communication gives us more opportunities to work together and provide support.

📬 Communication

Questions are always welcome. Students should first be encouraged to advocate for themselves by asking questions in class whenever appropriate.

Parents and guardians are also welcome to contact me regarding academic progress, assignments, classroom concerns, or other questions related to their child’s education.

Please visit the Contact Me page for current contact information and communication procedures. I will make every reasonable effort to respond within one to two business days during regular school days.

Student grades, behavior, accommodations, health information, and other private matters should be discussed through an approved private communication channel—not through group messages, public posts, or social-media comments.

📘 Policy Reminder

The information on this page summarizes Mr. G’s classroom procedures. It does not replace the current:

Barkdull Faulk Elementary School procedures
Monroe City Schools Student Handbook
Chromebook Responsible Use Agreement
BFE PBIS expectations
School safety plan
Student-parent compact
Individualized Education Program
Section 504 Plan
Individual Accommodation Plan
Health or emergency plan
Administrative directions

When an official school or district requirement differs from this website, the current official requirement will apply.

🌟 A Final Reminder

Our classroom is a community.

Every student contributes to the kind of classroom we have, and everyone deserves an environment where they can learn, ask questions, investigate ideas, make music, make mistakes, improve, and succeed.

My expectations are high because I believe my students are capable of meeting them. At the same time, students should always know that I am here to teach, encourage, guide, and support them along the way.

Come prepared. Be respectful. Ask questions. Work hard. Help others. Learn from your mistakes. Keep growing.