Classroom Handbook
Communication
I check my email through the day, so feel free to send a message. Our web page has a wealth of information and resources for you too. I will send out a weekly newsletter each Friday to keep you updated with what is happening in our room. Feel free to stop by if you have any concerns as well!
Web Site and Twitter
On our page you can find:
* Pictures of what we have been up to
* Announcements about what’s coming up
* Links to study guides and project information
* Supply list
* Class list
* Daily schedule and weekly homework
* Twitter feed
Please Note: Our web page is viewable to the public. For the security of your student, names will not be used. A permission slip will be sent home or downloaded here.
Twitter:
We will use Twitter as a way to connect with other classes around the world and as a tool to share what we are learning in our classroom. Student’s names and pictures will not be posted in our tweets. Initials will be used to identify who tweeted.
I check my email through the day, so feel free to send a message. Our web page has a wealth of information and resources for you too. I will send out a weekly newsletter each Friday to keep you updated with what is happening in our room. Feel free to stop by if you have any concerns as well!
Web Site and Twitter
On our page you can find:
* Pictures of what we have been up to
* Announcements about what’s coming up
* Links to study guides and project information
* Supply list
* Class list
* Daily schedule and weekly homework
* Twitter feed
Please Note: Our web page is viewable to the public. For the security of your student, names will not be used. A permission slip will be sent home or downloaded here.
Twitter:
We will use Twitter as a way to connect with other classes around the world and as a tool to share what we are learning in our classroom. Student’s names and pictures will not be posted in our tweets. Initials will be used to identify who tweeted.
Morning Snack
Our 4th grade schedule includes a 15-minute working snack each morning around 10:00 am. The purpose of this time is to help students refuel and focus until our lunchtime at 12:45 pm. Snacks should be portioned so that students still have an appetite for lunch. We encourage students to bring snacks that will help them work their best for the remainder of the morning. Items containing mostly sugar (candy, cupcakes, suckers) are not encouraged. Milk and juice are available for purchase from the school for snack. We also welcome water bottles to be used all-day. Other beverages brought from home, such as sports drinks, are asked to be reserved for lunch.
Here are a few ideas for snacks that will help fuel our mornings:
Thanks for your support as we help the 4th graders make the most of their learning
Our 4th grade schedule includes a 15-minute working snack each morning around 10:00 am. The purpose of this time is to help students refuel and focus until our lunchtime at 12:45 pm. Snacks should be portioned so that students still have an appetite for lunch. We encourage students to bring snacks that will help them work their best for the remainder of the morning. Items containing mostly sugar (candy, cupcakes, suckers) are not encouraged. Milk and juice are available for purchase from the school for snack. We also welcome water bottles to be used all-day. Other beverages brought from home, such as sports drinks, are asked to be reserved for lunch.
Here are a few ideas for snacks that will help fuel our mornings:
- Any fruit or vegetables
- Sunflower seeds
- Raisins, dried fruit
- Low fat cheese sticks/ string cheese
- Popcorn
- Pepperoni
- Apple sauce/ fruit
- Yogurt
- Lunch meat
- Hard boiled eggs
- Pickles
- Crackers or pretzels
- Gram crackers
- Pudding
- Trail mix
- Baked chips
- 100 calorie packs
Thanks for your support as we help the 4th graders make the most of their learning
Homework
- Each week a spelling list and memory work will be assigned. Please practice these every night. A test will typically be given each Friday.
- To be a better reader, you need to read! We ask that students read for at least 20 minutes every night.
- Students may also have math or other homework depending on what they finish at school and what projects we are working on. They should have little to no homework on Wednesdays depending on their ambition during class work time.
- Every student will keep an agenda of what is going on each week. Homework assignments will be written on our white board and also be available on our web page.
- Students will receive one “Grace Pass” per week for missing work. If they do not use it, they can earn “bonus cash’ in our classroom economy.
-Most of our days will end with 20 minutes of “catch up” time.
- If there is a missed assignment, students will stay in from recess to finish missing work. Students who have reoccurring missed assignments may be put on individual plans or be placed in Academic detention. Parents will be notified if missed assignments become a problem.
- Each week a spelling list and memory work will be assigned. Please practice these every night. A test will typically be given each Friday.
- To be a better reader, you need to read! We ask that students read for at least 20 minutes every night.
- Students may also have math or other homework depending on what they finish at school and what projects we are working on. They should have little to no homework on Wednesdays depending on their ambition during class work time.
- Every student will keep an agenda of what is going on each week. Homework assignments will be written on our white board and also be available on our web page.
- Students will receive one “Grace Pass” per week for missing work. If they do not use it, they can earn “bonus cash’ in our classroom economy.
-Most of our days will end with 20 minutes of “catch up” time.
- If there is a missed assignment, students will stay in from recess to finish missing work. Students who have reoccurring missed assignments may be put on individual plans or be placed in Academic detention. Parents will be notified if missed assignments become a problem.
21-Day Club
What is it?
21-Day Club is a homework incentive to encourage students to be responsible and consistent with completing and turning in their homework on time.
How does a student become a member?
Students must turn in their homework 21 consecutive days to enter the club. Each student has 3 strikes (3 days of late homework) while in the club. Once the third strike has occurred, the student will be start over building the habit at day 1. They re-enter the club once they have successful turned in homework for 21 consecutive days. If a student is gone from school he/she will be allowed one day/absence to turn in their work.
What happens once a student is in the 21-Day Club?
When a student enters the club they earn $50 from our classroom economy. At quarter break, student in the 21-Day Club receive $21 “bonus dollars” to be used at the class auction. Students who exit and then re-enter the club will be eligible for the $21 bonus. $50 is only awarded the first time a student meets the challenge. Additional “bonus dollars” may be given to students whose effort is above and beyond.
Why 21 days?
They say takes 21 days to make or break a habit.
What is it?
21-Day Club is a homework incentive to encourage students to be responsible and consistent with completing and turning in their homework on time.
How does a student become a member?
Students must turn in their homework 21 consecutive days to enter the club. Each student has 3 strikes (3 days of late homework) while in the club. Once the third strike has occurred, the student will be start over building the habit at day 1. They re-enter the club once they have successful turned in homework for 21 consecutive days. If a student is gone from school he/she will be allowed one day/absence to turn in their work.
What happens once a student is in the 21-Day Club?
When a student enters the club they earn $50 from our classroom economy. At quarter break, student in the 21-Day Club receive $21 “bonus dollars” to be used at the class auction. Students who exit and then re-enter the club will be eligible for the $21 bonus. $50 is only awarded the first time a student meets the challenge. Additional “bonus dollars” may be given to students whose effort is above and beyond.
Why 21 days?
They say takes 21 days to make or break a habit.
Classroom Economy
Our class will implement a classroom economy system during this school year. It’s an excellent tool for teaching financial responsibility and many other things, and we think the students will enjoy it. I want to let you know a bit how it works.
Using classroom “currency,” students earn money for following school and classroom rules, completing work, as well as meeting reading and other goals. They pay rent for the use of their supplies, desk, and locker. They can earn bonus cash by receiving compliments from other teachers, helping classmates, exceeding expectations or putting in extra effort.. On the other hand, students who don’t meet classroom expectations will be fined some of their classroom dollars. That could happen, for example, if they don’t complete assignments or don’t listen when other students are speaking. Students will be given a list of expectations and ways to earn/loose money in our classroom.
The classroom economy helps children to learn valuable life skills such as organization, the value of saving, and delayed gratification. Rather than being told about the importance of these skills, they actually experience them. In addition, the system fits in well with the other parts of our curriculum.
We’ll also have a little fun with it. After paying rent, students can save money to spend at our classroom auction each quarter. The auction will have items students can bid on with their earnings. The students will certainly enjoy themselves, and we know you will appreciate the skills and knowledge they learn along the way.
So don’t be surprised if your child comes home one day with questions about paying rent, or regrets about not being able to afford something at our auction. You might find it a great opportunity to have a thoughtful discussion about financial responsibility.
If you have any questions about the classroom economy, please feel free to contact me.
** We would also welcome any items you would like to contribute to our class auction.
Our class will implement a classroom economy system during this school year. It’s an excellent tool for teaching financial responsibility and many other things, and we think the students will enjoy it. I want to let you know a bit how it works.
Using classroom “currency,” students earn money for following school and classroom rules, completing work, as well as meeting reading and other goals. They pay rent for the use of their supplies, desk, and locker. They can earn bonus cash by receiving compliments from other teachers, helping classmates, exceeding expectations or putting in extra effort.. On the other hand, students who don’t meet classroom expectations will be fined some of their classroom dollars. That could happen, for example, if they don’t complete assignments or don’t listen when other students are speaking. Students will be given a list of expectations and ways to earn/loose money in our classroom.
The classroom economy helps children to learn valuable life skills such as organization, the value of saving, and delayed gratification. Rather than being told about the importance of these skills, they actually experience them. In addition, the system fits in well with the other parts of our curriculum.
We’ll also have a little fun with it. After paying rent, students can save money to spend at our classroom auction each quarter. The auction will have items students can bid on with their earnings. The students will certainly enjoy themselves, and we know you will appreciate the skills and knowledge they learn along the way.
So don’t be surprised if your child comes home one day with questions about paying rent, or regrets about not being able to afford something at our auction. You might find it a great opportunity to have a thoughtful discussion about financial responsibility.
If you have any questions about the classroom economy, please feel free to contact me.
** We would also welcome any items you would like to contribute to our class auction.
Field Trips
Generally we will take part in the Water Festival in the fall, Ag day in the spring, and a roller-skating trip around Valentine’s Day. I will let you know more about this years adventures as soon as they are scheduled!
Generally we will take part in the Water Festival in the fall, Ag day in the spring, and a roller-skating trip around Valentine’s Day. I will let you know more about this years adventures as soon as they are scheduled!
Birthdays
Please be mindful of others feelings when sending out party invitations. If they are not for all of the boys/girls or the whole class, please send invite outside of school.
You are welcome to send a treat to share on/near your student’s birthday. We will generally celebrate during the last 30 minutes of our day. We can celebrate ½ birthdays/ summer birthdays too!
Please be mindful of others feelings when sending out party invitations. If they are not for all of the boys/girls or the whole class, please send invite outside of school.
You are welcome to send a treat to share on/near your student’s birthday. We will generally celebrate during the last 30 minutes of our day. We can celebrate ½ birthdays/ summer birthdays too!
Textbooks
Should be covered by the Tuesday after Labor Day. An NIV Bible will be needed at school daily
Should be covered by the Tuesday after Labor Day. An NIV Bible will be needed at school daily
Book Orders
Throughout the year, Scholastic Book orders will be sent home. Please do not feel obligated to purchase anything. This is a great way to expand your at home library. Most books are marked with the appropriate reading level to help find a ‘just right’ book. Use your discretion while order, as some of the books do not have a Christian worldview. You can order by filling out the order form and returning it to school by the due date or order online. If you write a check, please make it payable to Scholastic Book Clubs. There is a link along with class code and due date on this page of our website.
Throughout the year, Scholastic Book orders will be sent home. Please do not feel obligated to purchase anything. This is a great way to expand your at home library. Most books are marked with the appropriate reading level to help find a ‘just right’ book. Use your discretion while order, as some of the books do not have a Christian worldview. You can order by filling out the order form and returning it to school by the due date or order online. If you write a check, please make it payable to Scholastic Book Clubs. There is a link along with class code and due date on this page of our website.
Classroom Library
We have a wide variety of books in our classroom library for students to read and check out! I believe that students are more successful when they choose what they are reading and are exposed to many genres. I do respect you as a parent if you feel your student should not be reading a book/series. Please have those conversations with them about why you may not want them to read something. Since I have not had a chance to read all of the content in our library, if you come across something that you feel is inappropriate for our school setting please feel free to let me know!
We have a wide variety of books in our classroom library for students to read and check out! I believe that students are more successful when they choose what they are reading and are exposed to many genres. I do respect you as a parent if you feel your student should not be reading a book/series. Please have those conversations with them about why you may not want them to read something. Since I have not had a chance to read all of the content in our library, if you come across something that you feel is inappropriate for our school setting please feel free to let me know!