HOMEWORK: Homework will be given nightly. Math will be brought home daily and need to be returned the next day. Your child will bring the EnVisions Math fold out home and be responsible for the Independent Practice and the Problem Solving as their homework. We will do the guided practice together in class. If you have any questions or concerns about this PLEASE contact me. Homework will consist of spelling practice, writing practice (this will start more towards the middle of the year), math, and reading for 20 minutes (reading logs will be given to students that need to be signed by an adult), and occasionally any work that students were unable to finish at school. http://www.tickettoread.com/ can count towards the required reading minutes. It will not be ready until the end of September. I will send passwords home as soon as I get them. Homework should not take more than 30-40 minutes (including 20 minutes of reading). Math homework is reviewed the following day. ALL OTHER homework is due the following Friday (unless no school, then it is due at the end of the week). Monthly home projects will also be given and directions for those will be sent home with each project.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: I have found that positive reinforcement works well. It sets students up for success. Each day the students will start out with a clip on “I Am Having a Great Day.” If a student’s behavior doesn’t meet classroom expectations, then they will be moved to “I Need to Make Better Choices,” and if the behavior continues they will be moved to “My Teacher Needs to Contact My Parents.” After a student reaches the third, I will contact the parent either with a phone call, email, or with sending a note home that needs to be signed and returned to me. If the behavior persists, a parent-teacher conference may be necessary or an individual behavior plan implemented.
GRADING: Grades are generally given every Friday or at the end of the week. Grades given on a Friday will be uploaded to the internet by the following Wednesday. Language Arts and Math grades will be given consistently on a weekly basis. Science, Social Studies, Health, and Technology will be less due to the fact that we spend an entire week on one subject. If you have any questions please let me know.
SCHOOL WIDE INCENTIVES:
· Gecko Bucks are a school wide reward. We will keep track of student’s Gecko Bucks in class. Once they get five they can use them to shop at the student store (which is usually opened once a month).
· Any day that our class has perfect attendance with NO tardies, we get to enter a school wide drawing. Classes with the best record are acknowledged with a trophy at the Friday Ceremonies each month.
· Once a month, students with EXCEPTIONAL citizenship will be rewarded with a luncheon with Mrs. Brody, our principal.
· Gecko Golds can be earned for behavior in their specials (P.E., Art, Library, etc.) Once they reach 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 Gecko Golds, the students will be rewarded by the school.
BIRTHDAYS: I grew up celebrating my birthday for an entire week. I understand how important they are to the students. However, instructional time is very valuable. If you would like to send treats with your child that is fine. Please send something EASY. Cutting a cake up for 18 plus students takes too much time. IF YOU BRING IN FOOD, PLEASE BRING IN PLATES OR WHATEVER SUPPLIES ARE NEEDED TO CONSUME THE FOOD NEATLY. Treats don’t even have to be edible. Small prizes work well. For example, pencils, erasers, etc. If you would like to bring in the treats, please arrange a time with me (the end of the day works best).
LUNCH: Parents who wish information regarding the Free/Reduced lunch programs should contact the school’s cafeteria manager 799-6899. Lunch prices have gone up this year to $1.75.
CURRICULUM: The CCSD Power Standards and Benchmarks serve as the basis of curriculum. They are specifically defined for each grade level and subject area. As a grade level, teachers collaborate weekly to pace the curriculum according to the Power Standards, develop instructional strategies, common assessments and remediation plans for non-proficient students. A list of Power Standards and Benchmarks are available at http://ccsd.net/cpd/ .
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: The CCSD provides necessary supplies for all students in order to meet their educational needs. However, we know that sometimes parents choose to buy school supplies for their child. Should you decide to do this, the following are items that would be appropriate for your child’s grade level. These are suggested items and are not mandatory:
· 2 Packages of Clorox Antibacterial Wipes
· 1 Large Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
· 3 Kleenex tissue boxes
· 2 Pink Erasers
· 4 dozen #2 pencils (NO mechanical)
· 2 rolls of paper towels
· 8 x 5 inch pencil box
· 1 box of Colored pencils (box of 24)
· 2 boxes of Crayons (16/24 count only)
· 4 Glue Sticks
· 1 Scissor (Fiskar/Student Sizes)
· Dry Erase Markers (any color)
· Box Tops for Education (found on Pillsbury & Betty Crocker products)
Students will receive 1 Gecko Buck for every 5 Box Tops they bring in.
· 1 Package of Wide Ruled paper
· 3 Spiral notebooks - PLEASE NO BINDERS
· 1 Composition Book (for journal writing)
· 3 folders (1 Purple, 1 Red, 1 Yellow)
· 2 Reams of 8 ½ X 11 white copy paper
· $3.00 for National Geographic magazine
PROGRESS REPORTS: Progress Reports will be issued every three weeks. If you need to monitor progress more often you may do that through the internet on ParentLink. The progress reports must be signed by a parent/guardian and returned on the following Monday or scheduled school day. Students who return them signed will receive a Gecko Buck.
PARENT HELPERS: I would love to have parent helpers. If you have the time, I have things for you to do. It would mostly consist of helping with copying, removing and putting up bulletin boards, and possibly working with small groups of students in reading/writing. Please contact me before hand, so I can let the office know and I can be prepared for you. Please consider joining PTA. The class with the most sign-ups wins an ice cream party! By being a member, you can participate in as little or as much as you are able.
PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION: Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I understand how difficult it is to pry information from a child. I can be reached during school hours at 799-6899 ext 71302866. Please leave a voicemail and I will return the call as soon as I can. Email is best. You can email me through my contact page or at rlferreiro@interact.ccsd.net. I check my email frequently.
I feel very positive about this school year. We are going to learn so much and have fun doing so.