While I absolutely will always allow a student to use the restroom whenever they need to, I stress that students use the restroom responsibly during their designated recess times. As the workload becomes more intense in fourth grade, some students see restroom privileges as an opportunity to take a break from the classroom. A 5-minute emergency bathroom break isn't a big deal, but leaving 3 times a day 5 days a week adds up to a total of 75 weekly classroom minutes missed! This is not okay!
To monitor frequent "bathroom breakers," I provide the students with individual bathroom passes. They will receive one pass for each week of the trimester to use for emergencies. When they are out of passes, I will absolutely let the student use the restroom, however, they will owe me their next recess.
I will also contact you to discuss if your child is trying to avoid a certain time of the school day, or if there may be a genuine physical need that they are not taking care of during recess.
Of course, if you are aware that your child has special medical issues regarding this matter, please let me know so I can make appropriate exceptions.
To monitor frequent "bathroom breakers," I provide the students with individual bathroom passes. They will receive one pass for each week of the trimester to use for emergencies. When they are out of passes, I will absolutely let the student use the restroom, however, they will owe me their next recess.
I will also contact you to discuss if your child is trying to avoid a certain time of the school day, or if there may be a genuine physical need that they are not taking care of during recess.
Of course, if you are aware that your child has special medical issues regarding this matter, please let me know so I can make appropriate exceptions.