Below are a few items I use when the school year starts - some are made by me and some are made by other amazing teachers!
I have this placed by my classroom door. Obviously because the clock is near it and the little eyes always watch the clock for the time! I have it in a Word doc so if you want it just comment and I'll post it - you can edit it however you like! It is great for those even more intense "observations" that PA has now ... blah.
Chalkboard Rules poster
Sadly, "we do lots of tests" is the truth in PA. When I was in school we had book reports and could make fun presentations and had choices. Now if it is on the PSSA it has to be taught and nothing else unless you have "free time" which never happens. I always try to do projects in my reading classes but with the limited resources, time, and strict curriculum guides (Common Core) one has to bow down and get the standards/content done.
Student Information Sheet
Remember, if you want Word Doc/PDFs of the above just respond below and I'll send them out. Happy new school year!