I look forward to many new challenges and learning opportunities in the months ahead. First I would like to tell you a little about myself and what can be expected this year. This is my first year teaching at Altoona Elementary and I recently graduated from Daytona State College. I am originally from Connecticut but now I live in the Ormond Beach area. I am the youngest of four children and my siblings still live up north. I love all sports, although I am not very skilled in any except for running.
We are all getting to know each other and here are some important details about our classroom you will want to know:
PLANNERS: Students will record homework in their planner. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure all homework is listed in the planner. Homework is due the following day unless specified otherwise.
Students should bring their planner’s home each day. Parents should check their student’s planners on a daily basis and ask if all information has been recorded and completed in class and at home. I ask that parents sign the planner daily. Students should bring their planner back to school each day so new work can be recorded. This is an important form of communication between school and home. Please feel free to write me notes or ask questions in the agenda.
HOMEWORK FOLDER: Parents and students should agree to dedicate a time and place for students to complete homework each night.
Students will be expected to read for at least twenty minutes, each night, with the exception of Thursday. This reading should be recorded daily on the student’s reading log, located in the Homework Folder. Parents should also sign this sheet nightly.
Homework is given in order to reinforce the skills taught in the classroom. Also, each student is unique and at times the classroom time available for an assignment may not be enough to complete the task. In that case, unfinished work becomes homework to be completed and returned the next day.
I am preparing students for middle school and real life situations. This being said, the motivation for completing homework is a weekly reward. Students who do not consistently complete their homework will not be included in the reward. Late homework is accepted but will not make the student eligible for the incentive. It is the responsibility of the student to bring their Homework folder to and from school every day.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES: I am always willing to set aside time to speak with a parent or guardian. The schools phone number and my email are listed below. GRADED WORK: Graded papers will be sent home in the student’s homework folder throughout the week. Parents should look over the student’s papers and talk to them about what they are learning. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me.
DISIPLINE: In fifth grade, we emphasize three R’s (Rights, Respect, and Responsibility). Positive reinforcement is used on a consistent basis. Students are rewarded with positive consequences for treating others with Respect, recognizing the Rights of self and others, and taking Responsibility for their work, words, behavior and attitude. Negative consequences are used to emphasize the importance of Rights, Respect, and Responsibility. Our classroom and school must be a cooperative and safe learning community where all students strive to do and be their best. Since communication is important to me, both negative and positive behaviors will be noted in their planner, as needed.
