The Class Handbook
August 30, 2010
Dear Parents,
It is indeed a pleasure to have your child in class. To start off the year right, I am sending you this Parent Survival Handbook that has been assembled to help you understand the homework requirements in conjunction with other vital information that will enable us to make this a very positive and rewarding year. I feel as though open lines of communication between the parent, student, and teacher are the key to promoting an educational climate that is conducive to learning. I am looking forward to working with you and your child. Together we can make a difference! You can help by sending well-rested children with full tummies and a hug and a kiss still fresh on their minds. This sets the stage for a lovely day. Please feel free to contact me at any time if there is a question or situation you would like to discuss. You will receive additional communication throughout the school year. I look forward to building a relationship with you and your child and thus providing the best education that we are capable of giving.
Sincerely,
Rachel Gwinn
Dear Parents,
It is indeed a pleasure to have your child in class. To start off the year right, I am sending you this Parent Survival Handbook that has been assembled to help you understand the homework requirements in conjunction with other vital information that will enable us to make this a very positive and rewarding year. I feel as though open lines of communication between the parent, student, and teacher are the key to promoting an educational climate that is conducive to learning. I am looking forward to working with you and your child. Together we can make a difference! You can help by sending well-rested children with full tummies and a hug and a kiss still fresh on their minds. This sets the stage for a lovely day. Please feel free to contact me at any time if there is a question or situation you would like to discuss. You will receive additional communication throughout the school year. I look forward to building a relationship with you and your child and thus providing the best education that we are capable of giving.
Sincerely,
Rachel Gwinn
Work Habits and Academics
Your child will have several assignments during the school day for which he or she is responsible. Due to uncertain circumstances, if your child for any reason is unable to complete an assignment, this will automatically become homework to be completed at home and returned to school the following day. It is the student’s responsibility to return work to the appropriate area WITHOUT any reminders. Work not returned may result in a zero. Project due dates will be posted and will be written down on assignment sheets. Students are expected to adhere to these due dates as well. Please talk to your child about the importance of completing assignments.
Each day your child is responsible for filling out an assignment sheet. This sheet is in the classroom and the daily agenda will be posted on the board. At the end of the day, the student is responsible for checking the assignment sheet. The student will be required to check off the assignment if completed, or mark an “H” by the assignment indicating that it is homework and must be competed by the following day. The student is required to get parent intials on each assignment sheet. This gives parents an opportunity to discuss the students’ day and monitor the progress of the student. This is a classroom expectation, so please help your child be responsible and make sure you are signing an assignment sheet each night.
Reading
Our reading program incorporates many different components. Students will be participating in Guided Reading Groups, Whole Group Instruction and Independent Reading.
Students will also be setting an AR Goal for each trimester. AR (Accelerated Reader) is a computer based program that our school district has adopted. Students will be expected to read from their AR books nightly and bring the book to school daily. After the student has read an AR book they will take a computer-based comprehension test. Students will earn an AR grade each trimester. This grade is based on achieving their point goal and their overall percentage score on the tests. More information will be available about the AR program as the year continues.
Independent Reading
Students will be accountable for silent reading. Students will have time in class to read at the beginning of each reading class and when not in guided reading groups.
Writing
Students may sometimes be asked to bring home the Writing Notebook to make observations and jot down ideas. Students may take home the Writing Notebook, at any time, if they choose. Students will be expected to complete final drafts by a posted due date (written in the agenda). Students should have plenty of time to complete the final draft in class. Students needing more time will be expected to finish at home.
We will also be working on different grammar concepts, conventions, word choice, fluency, etc. all year long!
Science
Science will involve many hands-on experiences to help the students grasp some abstract concepts. We will also use technology to expand our learning. If you would like to volunteer in our classrooms, this subject would provide some great opportunities.
Math
Our math series is focused on problem solving as well as calculating answers. We currently use Bridges for our math curriculum. To enhance problem-solving skills, we will be doing a good deal of journal writing. Being able to explain your thinking in writing is a higher-level skill and shows deeper understanding. This may be different from past math classes and we will be helping your child to grow in this area.
Spelling
Students will be given a new spelling list each week (usually on Monday). They will be required to practice these at home, and will often have a weekly homework assignment. The spelling test will be given on Friday.
Homework
Students will be assigned homework occasionally. Please check your child’s assignment sheet nightly to make sure all assignments are completed.
Guidelines for Grading
Students’ work will be graded with a letter grade. The chart below identifies how a student’s grade may be assessed. Percentage is also factored in some of the grades.
A 90-100%
This is reserved for excellence, a step above everyone else. The student performs well above average. Works hard and work is always complete.
B 80-89%
Consistently strong performance. Work is completed.
C 70-79%
Average. Learns new concepts through many repetitions. Student completes work.
D 60-69%
The student is working below grade level. Student performance is one year (or less than one year) below grade level.
F Less than 59%
The student is working more than one year below grade level. Student work is usually incomplete or not turned in at all.
Each day your child is responsible for filling out an assignment sheet. This sheet is in the classroom and the daily agenda will be posted on the board. At the end of the day, the student is responsible for checking the assignment sheet. The student will be required to check off the assignment if completed, or mark an “H” by the assignment indicating that it is homework and must be competed by the following day. The student is required to get parent intials on each assignment sheet. This gives parents an opportunity to discuss the students’ day and monitor the progress of the student. This is a classroom expectation, so please help your child be responsible and make sure you are signing an assignment sheet each night.
Reading
Our reading program incorporates many different components. Students will be participating in Guided Reading Groups, Whole Group Instruction and Independent Reading.
Students will also be setting an AR Goal for each trimester. AR (Accelerated Reader) is a computer based program that our school district has adopted. Students will be expected to read from their AR books nightly and bring the book to school daily. After the student has read an AR book they will take a computer-based comprehension test. Students will earn an AR grade each trimester. This grade is based on achieving their point goal and their overall percentage score on the tests. More information will be available about the AR program as the year continues.
Independent Reading
Students will be accountable for silent reading. Students will have time in class to read at the beginning of each reading class and when not in guided reading groups.
Writing
Students may sometimes be asked to bring home the Writing Notebook to make observations and jot down ideas. Students may take home the Writing Notebook, at any time, if they choose. Students will be expected to complete final drafts by a posted due date (written in the agenda). Students should have plenty of time to complete the final draft in class. Students needing more time will be expected to finish at home.
We will also be working on different grammar concepts, conventions, word choice, fluency, etc. all year long!
Science
Science will involve many hands-on experiences to help the students grasp some abstract concepts. We will also use technology to expand our learning. If you would like to volunteer in our classrooms, this subject would provide some great opportunities.
Math
Our math series is focused on problem solving as well as calculating answers. We currently use Bridges for our math curriculum. To enhance problem-solving skills, we will be doing a good deal of journal writing. Being able to explain your thinking in writing is a higher-level skill and shows deeper understanding. This may be different from past math classes and we will be helping your child to grow in this area.
Spelling
Students will be given a new spelling list each week (usually on Monday). They will be required to practice these at home, and will often have a weekly homework assignment. The spelling test will be given on Friday.
Homework
Students will be assigned homework occasionally. Please check your child’s assignment sheet nightly to make sure all assignments are completed.
- Weekly spelling assignments
- Students will be expected to read 20 minv utes every night. IT IS A SCHOOL GOAL THAT STUDENTS READ 20 MINUTES FIVE DAYS A WEEK!
- If students do not complete daily work (reading or math assignments, etc.), they will be expected to finish these assignments as well as assigned homework.
Guidelines for Grading
Students’ work will be graded with a letter grade. The chart below identifies how a student’s grade may be assessed. Percentage is also factored in some of the grades.
A 90-100%
This is reserved for excellence, a step above everyone else. The student performs well above average. Works hard and work is always complete.
B 80-89%
Consistently strong performance. Work is completed.
C 70-79%
Average. Learns new concepts through many repetitions. Student completes work.
D 60-69%
The student is working below grade level. Student performance is one year (or less than one year) below grade level.
F Less than 59%
The student is working more than one year below grade level. Student work is usually incomplete or not turned in at all.
Behavior Management and Rules
In order to provide our students with the excellent educational climate they deserve, the students and I will develop classroom rules together. They will be sent home the first full week of school.
Our school continues to use the “Time to Teach” behavior program.
If a student chooses to not follow classroom procedures then they will be given a verbal prompt. If a student continues to not follow procedures then the student will be given a refocus. If a student receives three refocuses during the week, he/she will have academy. If you have specific questions, or need additional clarification on this program, please contact me!
In the event of a more serious offense such as blatant disrespect to a teacher, cursing, fighting, damaging school property, etc., the student will be sent to the administration for immediate action.
All students are responsible for maintaining procedures and will be held accountable.
If your child earns a refocus, I do not automatically send a copy of that refocus home. It is my philosophy that the refocus and discussion we had at school has taken care of the behavior. However, if you would like a copy of the refocus sent home, please send a note or email me so I can make sure this occurs.
Our school continues to use the “Time to Teach” behavior program.
If a student chooses to not follow classroom procedures then they will be given a verbal prompt. If a student continues to not follow procedures then the student will be given a refocus. If a student receives three refocuses during the week, he/she will have academy. If you have specific questions, or need additional clarification on this program, please contact me!
In the event of a more serious offense such as blatant disrespect to a teacher, cursing, fighting, damaging school property, etc., the student will be sent to the administration for immediate action.
All students are responsible for maintaining procedures and will be held accountable.
If your child earns a refocus, I do not automatically send a copy of that refocus home. It is my philosophy that the refocus and discussion we had at school has taken care of the behavior. However, if you would like a copy of the refocus sent home, please send a note or email me so I can make sure this occurs.
Additional Information
Birthdays
We will celebrate your child’s birthday during school. If you would like to send a treat, please notify me so we can make arrangements. Summer birthdays will be celebrated at the end of the year.
Fast Food
Please feel free to come and have lunch with your child. However, the school asks that parents do not bring ANY fast food into the cafeteria.
Conferences/Communication
If you would like to schedule a conference, please send a note with your child or an e-mail. We will try to coordinate a time that is convenient for everyone involved.
Email is a great way to communicate with me. Please feel free to email me anytime and I will respond to you as soon as possible.
Star of the Week
Your child will have the opportunity to be star of the week. I hope to get a calendar out to you within the first two weeks of school. I will also send home additional information regarding this special time for your child.
We will celebrate your child’s birthday during school. If you would like to send a treat, please notify me so we can make arrangements. Summer birthdays will be celebrated at the end of the year.
Fast Food
Please feel free to come and have lunch with your child. However, the school asks that parents do not bring ANY fast food into the cafeteria.
Conferences/Communication
If you would like to schedule a conference, please send a note with your child or an e-mail. We will try to coordinate a time that is convenient for everyone involved.
Email is a great way to communicate with me. Please feel free to email me anytime and I will respond to you as soon as possible.
Star of the Week
Your child will have the opportunity to be star of the week. I hope to get a calendar out to you within the first two weeks of school. I will also send home additional information regarding this special time for your child.