The information in this packet is meant to give parents a quick overview of the year. It will share some important philosophy, curriculum, and procedures for this classroom. Please read it carefully and don’t hesitate to ask any questions. Informed parents are a key component in the fourth grade.
Student planners are used as a daily record of work.
Attendance and Absences: Students must be present to learn. Lessons are taught during school and are not repeated and concepts are built upon every day. Please make every effort to have your kids at school on time, every day, and all day.
If a student is absent it is their responsibility to copy the assignments from the teacher’s planner and get their absent work. Work will be collected while they are gone in a folder on their desk for them. Students will have one day to complete their homework for everyday they are absent. No lessons are retaught during the school hours. If students need help with absent assignments they will need to make arrangements to get help before school. I am available to help all students every Monday and Wednesday morning from 7:45 to 8:25.
Smarter Balanced Testing: The U.S. has set guidelines for schools and benchmarks for students to reach at each grade level. The students in fifth grade will be assessed using this test in the areas of Reading, Writing, Science and Math. This will take place in the Spring.
NWEA Assessment – This is our district assessment that is given up to three times a year. It assesses students in the areas of reading, and math.
Report Cards and Standards Based Grading
Report card grades are determined from student assessments and projects. These are based on a 1-4 scale. A score of 4 means that your child is above grade level end of year standards, a 3 means they are meeting the end of year standard, 2 means they are working toward end of year grade level standard, and a 1 is an area of concern. A grade of a two or below is not passing at the end of the year.
Progress Reports will go home in the middle of each grading period. These reports will include standards based grades.
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
It is important for students to feel like they are an active participant in their education. At conference time, it is extremely beneficial for students to be present when teachers and parents discuss their progress. Not only can they celebrate their achievements, but also they can be involved in the decisions about goals for improvement. This gives students a powerful feeling of responsibility and ownership for their education. Please plan on having your child attend their conference. Conferences will be student led.
Homework
If students use their time wisely in class they should have only small amounts of work to complete nightly. It is essential to your child’s learning that they complete their homework nightly. This is where they are practicing concepts taught at school. On evenings when a student does not have homework, students should read or write for 30 minutes.
Homework Folders are an organized method of turning inwork. They allow the teacher of effectively check work and communicate to students and parents on the assignment sheets on a daily basis.
-Students are given a homework folder.
-Homework folders are put on the teacher’s desk before 8:35 each morning
-Folders are only collected once a day
For homework to be accepted it must:
Be accompanied by a complete student planner
Have the correct labeled information
Include the student’s name
Be complete
Follow directions
Show an acceptable amount of effort
Classroom and School Behavior Goals
Every student has the right to be in a classroom that is safe, orderly, cooperative, and respectful of each individual. Students who exhibit behavior that prevents themselves or others from learning will be removed from the classroom and return after they have processed the problem. The processing form will be sent home for a parent signature. If a problem persists, or is considered serious, parents will be contacted further.
Our school district has a zero tolerance policy on threats. Please discuss with your child the seriousness of this policy and its consequences.
Essential Supplies
pencils (lots of these)
2 inch- three ring binder with school purchased dividers
4 – composition notebooks (not spiral)
4 red correcting pens