Academic Program

Web Page

���� In addition to this website I have an educational website that can be used for reports later in the year. The address is http://www.californiahistory.org. It is on California History, and there are some good information links for the projects.

Reading, English, and Writing

���� I complete the basal reading program that our district has adopted. In addition, we complete novels throughout the year . Students are expected to be able to write a formal five paragraph essay by the end of the second quarter. My specific requirements and an easy to follow guide is available on my website. It is color coded so you can easily see what it is I�m looking for and what I use to assign points. I do not grade writing on the actual content. I grade based on objectively checking that the required elements of the essay are present.� I also require AR independent reading. The amount of points vary on your child�s reading ability. The spread is usually between 12-20 points per quarter. Falling short will lower their reading grade. Exceeding the goal will raise their grade.

Math

���� In addition to the district adopted math curriculum, I use "Math 4 Today" that focuses on concrete math skills and thinking skills. These are very difficult, but are in keeping with the new State adopted math standards. During the year students will need to learn long division, two place multiplication, fractions, and decimals.� This is very overwhelming and I try to include some fun activities, but math this year will be overwhelming at times.� Please note that it is expected that your child has instant recall of multiplication facts.� I spend very little time on review. Please work on these at home constantly since the kids forget them easily.� Division is extremely difficult without instant recall of multiplication facts. At the end of the year we will be adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators as well as reducing fractions.

Science

���� During the course of the year we will be studying bats and geology in depth.� We will also touch on other required areas. I require a science project in the Spring that is not done at the same time as the school science fair.� Students will need to complete an experiment at home and then show the experiment to the rest of the class. They will need to explain their procedures and the outcome. I help the kids find a simple and inexpensive experiment and I will provide you with a copy.� I do not require backboards. It is a pass/fail grade and I do not expect anything elaborate unless that is your choice.

Social Studies

���� California history is the main focus of fourth grade social studies with special emphasis on the Mission Period and the Gold Rush.� Students will be responsible for a Mission or Gold Rush project that will be due in the Spring.� This will be a large part of the quarter grade. This is also a pass/fail grade.

Art

�� I teach formal art lessons throughout the year.� It is helpful if you can provide your child with an ultra fine tipped Sharpie or other permanent marker when we start formal instruction.� I do not formally participate in the student council art contests monthly.�

P.E.

���� Students are required by state law to participate in a physical education program.� I require a note if your child is hurt and can�t participate. If I don�t have a note from you, I will assume that whatever injuries they have aren�t serious.� You simply wouldn�t believe the stories we�ve heard from kids about the life threatening illnesses they have!! (smile)� Girls are especially susceptible to getting hurt if they are wearing dress shoes or sandals.� If at all possible, I strongly suggest tennis shoes for daily wear.

Classroom Procedures

���� I expect excellent classroom behavior and good manners, and children generally live up to those expectations.� I do not make exceptions to my rules.

���� I realize that I set behavior standards extremely high.� The reasons for this are twofold. First, children need an acceptable learning environment to be able to study and learn, and they almost always live up to expectations. Second, I set my behavior standards at a level where a child breaking the rules will not elicit an emotional response from me.� To set my behavior levels at my tolerance level would be placing myself in a position of children �pressing my buttons� all day long.� By setting my standards high, the typical and normal line crossing that everyone does will not wear me down throughout the day.� Non-emotional decisions are generally better decisions.� I will never deliberately demean a child and I virtually never raise my voice in anger, though sometimes they�ll describe a stern lecture as yelling. I do not believe yelling accomplishes anything.� There are times when you feel I may be overly strict.� I hope this helps you understand why I feel it is necessary and why I will not make exceptions for anyone.

Bathroom and Water Policy

���� Most children do not abuse the privilege of bathroom and water breaks during class time.� Unfortunately, there are always a few who do.� When children leave the room for the bathroom or the water fountain they are unsupervised for the most part.� Because of this, I reserve the right to restrict individuals to recesses unless it�s an emergency, in which case I may require an office escort or I will penalize part of their recess. This is for those who abuse the priviledge only. I will call you before I do this and this is only a last resort. I keep a sign out sheet that must be used.�� If children use the facilities during recess and lunch it shouldn�t be a problem for most students.� If your student has a medical need to go to the bathroom often, please send me doctor�s note so I know to release them without penalty.� As far as water goes, I strongly encourage every student to have a water bottle at their desks throughout the year.�

Progress Reports

���� You will receive at least one progress report from me� during the middle of each quarter.� I usually send them out much more often unless I�m having computer problems. Progress reports are computer generated and emailed and will list your child's current grade in all major subjects.�� I do not penalize for most late work. See my grading policy for more info. The Gold Rush/Mission project and the Science Experiment will not be accepted late.

���� I keep a list of missing assignments on the board so students can easily see if they owe me work.� Missing assignments are never a surprise for your child.

Make-up Work

���� Students are expected to make up work they missed during absences.� It is collected for them and placed on their chair.� This is the hardest thing for fourth grade students to accept, since not all third grade teachers require this.� This is generally the policy of all teachers from fourth grade up. Makeup work must be completed by Friday. If you know your child will be absent, please let me know and I will send a list of their work prior to their absence, or if you call the office I can have it ready for you at the end of the day when your child is sick.� If you are going out of town, please let me know at least a week in advance.� I am happy to send home work ahead of time, but if your child doesn�t complete it, I will just save their work for them the next time.

Computer

���� All students are given the opportunity to use a computer in the class to take AR tests, scan AR math, and work on reports if they�d like. They are also allowed to do internet research for country reports, but only under my supervision.� I need a signed permission slip from you allowing them to use the computers in the school.

Homework

���� All homework will be sent home on Friday and is not due until the following Friday.� Homework packets will not require books to complete. The exception to this is long-term projects, which you will be notified of, and any incomplete work that is not finished during the day, which children should bring home to complete.� Students will have time periods throughout the week to work on any class work that hasn't been finished within the standard allotted time.

Schedule

Times are subject to change, but this is our general class schedule.�

AM:� Math & English, After first recess:� Reading.� Approximately twice weekly we will do a social studies and science lesson, After lunch:� Social studies and/or science, and art.

Library:� Monday afternoon.

Computer:� Wednesday afternoon.

Lunch:� 12:00 A.M.

Music: Friday morning.

Misc.

Student Number

���� I assign a number to each student that they are to use on all their work along with their name.� It helps me check for missing work, collect and pass out corrected papers, and enter the grades in the computer.�

Cooperative Learning

���� Students are ultimately personally responsible for their own grades.� If assignments are particularly difficult or students will benefit by group work,� some assignments will be cooperative in nature assuring success for everyone in the class.� The reason for this is for students to develop their reasoning abilities and communication skills.� I strive to provide thought provoking problems that can be solved in a variety of ways.� For example, as adults we are often faced with solving a problem using mathematics in our everyday lives.� While we may not remember a formula, we do have the ability to find a reasonable and logical way to solve the problem in a variety of direct or indirect ways.� Developing these skills are essential.� Additionally, when we work cooperatively we constantly bounce our ideas off of one another helping to clarify our thinking process and build upon one another's ideas.

��� Even though I do use some cooperative learning, the majority of graded projects will be completed individually, and each student is ultimately responsible for his or her own grade.� If a student is not helping the group or is hindering the group, they will be required to complete the assignment on their own.

Long Term Projects

���� You will be notified via email of all long term projects.

Elections, Games, and Competition

���� I believe that competition is part of everyone's daily life and learning to compete in a sportsmanlike way is essential.� Learning how to win is as important as learning how to lose.� As adults we know that every time we apply for a job or work towards a promotion we are in competition with others.� Competition is a way to learn to deal with our individual strengths and weaknesses.� I provide activities in the classroom where there is competition, and I expect all students to behave in a thoughtful and kind way to others during those activities.� We have learning games with teams, art contests, sport, and class elections where there are winners and losers. I do not tolerate poor winners or losers.

Class Officers

���� Each month I hold a class election for President and Vice-President.� These officers serve for a whole month and do jobs around the classroom.� I do understand that losing an election can be painful, just as winning can be exhilirating.� If your child cannot handle the pain of losing, I encourage them not to run for office.

Troll Books

���� Troll book orders are sent home toward the end of the month and are due during the first week of the month.� These orders help me get more books for classroom use.� There are also some excellent prices.�

Parties

Parties will be held for the following holidays:

v Fall Harvest Festival (I do not celebrate Halloween in the classroom- no occult themes allowed)

v Thanksgiving celebration

v Christmas party and gift exchange

v Valentine's Day

v End of year party

Students will also have parties that they will earn throughout the year as part of my classroom procedures.

Movies

���� I regularly show videos in the classroom that relate directly to our course of study.� This is especially true in science.� Generally, the only time I will show a nonacademic "fun" video is for holidays or class parties. Please return the video permission slip for non-academic videos.

Birthdays

���� If you would like to bring cupcakes or other treats for your child's birthday, that is fine with me.� Please call and let me know the date.� I prefer that all treats be brought in during the afternoon or right before recess (9:40).

Student of the Day

���� A new student is chosen each day for Student of the Day.� They get to sit on the sofa and have a friend sit with them. All students get numerous turns.

Independent Study

���� If you need to leave the area for more than five days during the school year, please arrange to put your child on independent study while you are gone.� Rather than have your child be responsible for a huge packet of work when he or she comes back, it is much easier to take a work packet with you.� Your child will also receive credit for attendance.� The more notice you give me the better.

Field Trips

���� We receive minimal money for field trips. If I exceed the allotted amount I need to fund the trip through donations. If a donation is requested, I will mark that on the permission slip. I encourage parents to accompany us. Please fill out a parent volunteer form at the beginning of the year for board approval. I am required to have volunteers by policy, and if I do not have enough to ensure the kids� safety I will cancel a trip if needed. This is rare, but I want to encourage you to volunteer!

Classroom visits

���� You are welcome to visit the class as long as class isn�t disrupted.� Please be sure to check in at the office first.� District rules require a classroom pass no matter how short the visit.

Classroom helpers

���� If you would like to help in the classroom, I would LOVE to have you!� I particularly need help in running things off, grading papers, or having someone come in to listen to children read aloud.� I am also open to any kind of special projects you would like to do with the class like art, music, or special talent lessons.� I do not get my toes stepped on easily so if you would like to just hang out or arrange a time to come in and tutor I am open to your ideas.

Room Mother

���� I will be giving all phone numbers to the room mother so she can arrange our class parties.� She will not be calling all parents for each party.� She will rotate through the list of students.� She will also be calling on occasion for special needs. Please remember that this is a difficult and often thankless job. If we are having a party and you haven�t been called yet want to send something in, please feel free. If you�d like to be room mom, please let me know.

Contacting me for a conference or an informal chat

���� Often the need arises for clarification of a classroom incident, clarification of an assignment, or some other sort of misunderstanding, concern, or question.� It is always easier to deal with situations immediately rather than letting them sit and fester.� Please feel free to stop by before or after school without an appointment. Realize that I may have meetings or other appointments scheduled from time to time and it�s possible I may not be available at all times. I encourage you to contact me any time you feel the need.� Here are ways to contact me:

� Send email to� [email protected], but I do not check my email daily.

� Leave me a message in the school office with a number where I can reach you.

� Leave me a voice message on my cell phone. ***-****. I turn the ringer off during instruction, but my phone beeps when I have messages to check.� (If you are reading this on the web, you will need to call the office for the cell number)

Special Needs

���� If you feel your child has a special need such as enrichment or remedial, please let me know.� I do have experience in providing an enriched curriculum. Being the parent of a gifted child has made me very sensitive to the needs of this often neglected group.� I strive to provide opportunities for children of all ability levels, but it is helpful to know this information from the beginning so I can address the situation immediately.� I also appreciate other information such as special seating needs or difficult emotional times that your child may be going through.

Student Store

����

���� We will have a student store.� Donations are always welcome!� I "sell" things like fancy pencils, watercolor markers, glitter pens, posters, candy, licorice, cookies, crackers, small toys and items such as this.� Jolly Ranchers always seem to be the most popular item.� If you happen to be somewhere and think of the student store, we'll be happy to take your donations.

Clothing

���� The school has a dress code.� Please be sure that midriffs aren�t showing and shorts aren�t too short. Other than the dress code I would like to mention that girls� dress shoes can be dangerous.� Please be sure that your child wears shoes that they can play and run in.

CONCLUSION

���� � I hope that you and your child will have a fruitful year.� I try my best to make learning fun while still maintaining the integrity of a very academic program with high standards.� If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask, and if a problem arises, please do not hesitate to contact me quickly so we can solve it.

���� I hope that your child�s year will be a productive and happy one.� I do have a good reputation as a teacher, but I am not the answer to every child�s needs.� Remember that if my procedures and rules are not to your liking and will lead to a stressful year for all concerned, you do have the option to request a classroom change.� If you feel this is best for you, please try and do so prior to the start of school.

���� Thank you for bearing with all this information.� Here�s looking forward to a great year!

CLASS WEBSITE: http://www.debbiesthemes.com/forbes/

MY HISTORY SITE: http://www.californiahistory.org

MY EMAIL: [email protected]

SCHOOL PHONE: 258-4411, ext. 24

Class Supplies

Here is a list of helpful supplies for your student for use at school and at home:

v Inexpensive solar calculator to be kept at school (name on front)

v Colored pencils (sharpened)

v Dictionary (for home use

v Extra crayons

v Markers (Walmart has a great set of brush tip markers that are inexpensive)

v Erasers (pencil top or square)

v Extra pencils

v Friskar student scissors with name

v Small binder with loose-leaf paper (the desks don't hold much so an inexpensive soft cover binder is preferable to the larger size.

v Backpack

v School glue (Elmer�s)

v Pastels for later in the year

v Small quiet individual pencil sharpener that will contain the shavings (I only will allow pencil sharpening at designated times.� I am very inflexible on this rule due to the disturbance it causes, but this will allow pencil sharpening whenever it is needed)

v Water bottle with secure lid, pre-filled each day with water only (no ice- no exceptions).

Community supplies to be used during the year by the whole class: (Please send in during the first two weeks of school)

� 1 box of baby wipes for hand washing prior to computer use and lunch.

� 1 large box of tissues.

� 1 box of either large or small plastic ziploc bags to be used for student supplies through the year.

Items we can always use for our class store are:

�Containers of red licorice

�Fancy pencils

�Folders

�Mechanical pencils

�Large bags of Jolly Ranchers (Costco size)