First Parent Letter

I believe that every student is capable of working cooperatively and behaving appropriately in school.  As a school, we use our house words to guide us.  We talk in depth about these during the first weeks and will continue to discuss them throughout the year.

Respect – “Treat others as you’d like to be treated”

Responsibility -  “It is you who will get where you want to go, no one else”

Integrity – “Always do the right thing, even when it is hard”

Compassion – “Think of and help others”

Perseverance - "Work hard, even when that is challenging"

HOMEWORK

As your child moves up in grades they take on increased responsibility.  Please help create a routine to help your child stay organized.  We will work with a folder as our “planner”. It will have a monthly calendar and to-do list. Please make a routine of checking in with your child. To develop routines and habits, your child will need your support. Find a time each evening to check in with your child. This will help them create a routine in their life and keep on top of things.

I send emails every Friday. These are full of important information and things you can chat about with your child. I know there is a lot of information, I have to read three-four weekly newsletters too, but taking the time will help support your child, our classroom, and Aquarian. Thanks for taking the time. 

I do not believe in homework for homework's sake. If your child follows my mantra of work at work and play at play, they should have little homework beyond nightly reading and some math. I will give adequate time in class to complete assignments. If your child is using their work time well, they will complete the work. If your child is often bringing work home to complete, this is a sign that they are not using their time wisely, and we can work together to support them. There will be a few short homework assignments in reading. These should be brief and will contribute to your child’s learning. 

Home Reading is a large reason why children succeed with reading.  Your child should read for 20-25 minutes or more at home each day.  I do not ask my students to keep a home reading log as part of their grade because I want them to read without strings attached.  It is my hope that they will develop a love and enjoyment of reading.  This often doesn’t happen without your help. Fostering and encouraging their home reading is very important.  This includes listening to them read, reading with them, and even reading good books together with them. Please feel free to chat with me if you'd like some ideas or help with this.

Math blocking is from 8:35-9:50 daily. Homework will be assigned most days and should be returned the next day.  Expect a note to come home from your child’s math teacher once math begins. Feel free to check in with me to find out who your child will have for math.   

Other: There may be an occasional home assignment, - like a journal or observation page in science or social studies.  Additionally, work not completed in class will also be sent home to complete. My motto is to work at work, so you can play at play. I will be emphasizing using our time wisely during work time so little should go home.

Home Folders:  All students will have a take-home folder.  I will give them one or you can have them pick out a cool one they like. This is often better. This folder will go home nightly and should return to school every morning.  In the morning, students will unpack their folder and keep it in their locker. Students may have a separate math folder for math homework. Ask your child to see their home folder regularly. Making this part of your routine will support your child and school.

GRADING

Students will receive a report card every quarter with A, B, C grades.  You can follow your child’s progress on Q/Parent Connect.  Login information is available from the office if you don’t have it already. I do my best to update grades weekly, usually Sunday nights.  I highly recommend that you set up email notifications in Q. This is a great way to keep up with your child's grades and note any issues. There is also an ASD App that is handy. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions.  See also the Information tab, specifically the Multi-age Expectations page.

Aquarian Grading Scale:

A = 90-100% 

B = 80-89%

C= 70-79%

D = 60-69%

F – 59% and below

Class Supplies

We will be sharing our classroom supplies.  I request $40 per child to cover these basic supplies for the year.  You can send in cash, check, or Venmo (@Sarah-Fineman-2). Please make checks out to Sarah Fineman.  

Also needed:

a set of earbuds, 

deoderant 

a ream of white copy paper (the office requests this from each family)

a container of Clorox-style wipes and/or tissues 

a reusable water bottle

Don’t forget to mark all jackets, gloves, gym shoes, and other things your child brings to school. It is amazing how things that aren’t labeled vanish. Silver Sharpies work well on anything black.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The first bell rings at 8:15, and students will be invited in at that time.  Between 8:15 and 8:30 is when we socialize and catch up, and get ready for the day. School ends at 3:15 P.M.  Please be prompt for pick-up.  Parents who need to pick up students early must stop at the office to sign them out and pick up a blue pass.  This is their ticket out of our classroom.  Check the Aquarian website for important traffic flow information.  You can also download a car sign to help ease traffic flow.

ABSENCES/FAMILY TRIPS

Please notify me if your child is going to be out of school for any reason.  Reporting an absence is super easy in Q/Parent Connect. The office much prefers this to you calling.

If your family is planning a trip out of town during the school year, please talk with me at least a week in advance for work.  Please also notify your child’s math teacher and the specialists. If you let the office know, they can excuse multiple-day absences. 

COMMUNICATION

Email is often the most effective and immediate way to communicate with me, though often I can’t check it until lunch or after school.  I do my best to reply as soon as I can, but please understand if it isn’t immediate.  My email address is fineman_sarah@asdk12.org.  Please feel free to drop in, call, or email with your questions, comments, or concerns, or just to say hi.  I am also happy to set up a meeting if you or your child needs some help with a special concern or you’d just like to chat.   Our classroom is always open, and you are always welcome to come in and learn with us.  When you do, just jump in and join the fun. 

***I will use Q/Parent Connect to send weekly emails, please check to be sure that your information and addresses are up to date and correct in the system. Please take the time to read them. 

RECESS, LUNCH & Snacks

Recess will be from 11:35-12:05 p.m. daily. Lunch will follow from 12:05-12:35 p.m. All students will go outside unless temperatures drop to below minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit or a doctor’s written exemption is provided.  Please make sure your child is dressed for the weather, be it sun, rain, or snow and cold. 

We have a daily morning/afternoon snack. A good healthy snack is important to keep your child focused and alert.   

BIRTHDAYS

We love to celebrate birthdays and healthy treats like fruit popsicles are always welcome!  Feel free to send in something, and we will share it at snack or read aloud.  We have 24 students in our class.

I know how hard it can be to invite the whole class to a party.  I encourage you to use electronic invitations or snail mail to alleviate hurt feelings if you are not inviting everyone. If your child has a summer birthday, please feel free to send in something at another time; half-birthdays can be a good time to do that. 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions or concerns. I'd love to chat.

I look forward to a wonderful year working, exploring, and learning with your family!

❤️ Sarah