Back to School Letter and Supply List * Homework Policy * Grades * Instruments * Edmodo * Classroom Connection * Class Dojo * Scholastic Orders * Specials Schedule
Homework Policy
Homework is an important part of a child’s education. Homework helps to reinforce the concepts learned during the day, teaches responsibility, as well as planning, and time management skills. I realize that children today lead very busy lives outside of the classroom which includes sports, religious classes, etc.
However, it is essential for children to understand that homework needs to be completed regardless of these outside activities.
Please read carefully the following information. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
• Timing: Homework will be assigned on Monday through Thursday evenings. The time necessary for your child to complete homework will vary as all children work at a different pace. On an average, homework should take no longer than 30 minutes. Typically, homework is NOT assigned on the weekends however, at times, there may be long-term projects which may require a bit of work over the weekends.
• Student’s Responsibilities: I expect students to do their very best on all homework assignments. Homework should be neat and legible. Students should work on homework independently and only ask for assistance after putting forth much effort. Students should hand in all homework on time. Children are not penalized for not completing assignments IF the effort is put forth!
• Teacher’s Responsibilities: Most homework is either collected or gone over the day it is due. Children will have the chance to ask any questions they have about homework at that time. Homework is NOT graded (unless specified) however, is put into consideration on their report card based on their ability to consistently complete and hand in on time.
• Parent Responsibilities: It is essential for parents to encourage children to do their very best on homework. Please provide a routine for homework: a quiet place to work, essential supplies, consistent time, and daily check of the homework assignment pad. If there are any homework concerns, please send in a note with the assignment.
• Missed Assignments: Students who forget to complete an assignment will have $1.00 deducted from their checkbooks (class management system). The student’s assignment pad must be signed by a parent and returned to school the following day WITH the completed homework. Students who miss or forget homework assignments on a consistent basis will need to make up the assignments during recess.
• Extenuating Circumstances: As a parent, I realize that on some nights the unexpected occurs. If these arise, please send in a note and your child will be able to make up the missed assignment the following night.
Grades
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Grades are not the end all and be all in my classroom. I do expect students to do their personal best at all times, in all subjects. As long as the students put forth their best effort, ask questions when they need to, and genuinely care about their education; I am extremely proud of them. Grades come from a combination of school work, homework (at times), class participation, and effort. Students earn their grades, they are not "given".
Instruments
Fifth graders who take an instrument will miss 30 minutes of class time per week for their lessons. Students are responsible for finding out what they missed and making it up in a timely manner. This may result in extra homework. If an instrument lesson is scheduled during a test, quiz, presentation, or subject the child struggles in, they will be asked to reschedule their lesson to RECESS time ONLY.
Edmodo
Students can access their account from any mobile device or computer, and set up notifications within Edmodo to receive alerts/reminders via text or e-mail. Edmodo will not be used as a social network like Facebook or MySpace.
This tool will be used strictly for educational purposes using the following guidelines:
• Students will be required to use appropriate grammar instead of texting language
• Edmodo does not allow private student-to-student messaging- the site will be used to discuss school-related content only
• No put-downs or sarcasm toward another’s ideas.
All school rules and consequences related to harassment apply. Students who violate the guidelines above may face disciplinary action and/or face losing the privilege of using Edmodo. I look forward to a great year as we incorporate the use of technology into our classroom curriculum.
If you have any questions, please contact me at estianchi@bernardsboe.com.
Classroom Connection
Classroom Connection is a new way to build community, set a positive tone, increase excitement about learning, and improve academic, social skills, and bullying awareness. Classroom Connection is a 15-20 minute meeting time sometime during our class day. It takes place each week.The children and I sit in a circle and begin by greeting each other. Each time we meet, your child hears his or her name spoken by a classmate in a friendly and cheerful manner. As the year progresses, at times a few students will share some interesting news followed by a brief conversation with the class. This helps the students to learn to listen carefully, think about what they hear, formulate good questions, and learn about each other.
When children share, they have a chance to feel that their ideas are valued and other children care. This allows the children to concentrate solely about the feelings of another rather than themselves. After sharing, there may be an activity for the whole class. We might sing, or recite a poem, or play a math game. This activity time helps the class feel united as a group, reinforces academic skills, and helps the children learn how to cooperate and solve problems.
In addition, we will read the Classroom Connection chart, which helps students think about the day ahead (or to reflect on the day or week). Each time we meet, the Classroom Connection lets children know that school is a safe place where all children's feelings and ideas are important!
Class Dojo
ClassDojo is a new teacher tool I will be using to help build your student’s learning habits and boost classroom engagement.
ClassDojo allows me to track student behavior and learning skills throughout the day!
One of the great features of ClassDojo is that it allows me to send you a “behavior and skills report” every Friday by email. My hope is that this will bring you and me closer together and help you better understand the progress of your student on a week to week basis.View the video to learn more:
Scholastic Orders
Class Activation Code: HBZKQ
Click on the picture below to sign up!
Now it’s easier than ever to find the perfect books for your child—shop our NEW online Book Clubs Web site. Choose from a much-wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card to pay.
Best of all, we earn a FREE book for the classroom library every time a parent places an order online.
It’s so simple! Here’s how it works:
- SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, register by clicking click the “Don’t have a user name or password?” link. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me.
- SELECT the books you’d like to order—choose from thousands of titles—many more than in our monthly flyers.
- SEND your order to me online by the due date and your child’s books will be delivered directly to my classroom.
Specials Schedule
Monday- P.E.
Tuesday- Art
Wednesday- Library or Technology
Thursday- Music
Friday- P.E.
Monday- P.E.
Tuesday- Art
Wednesday- Library or Technology
Thursday- Music
Friday- P.E.
