This year, your student's home away from home (for part of the day) will be Room #121 at MES! Third grade is "team taught", which means students will receive their ELA instruction from me while they will also attend Mrs. Fowler's classroom for math science, and Social Studies.

I cannot wait to begin this year's learning journey with students in this freshly repainted and decorated classroom! Our learning will take place across the hall from where I was a third grader during the ‘93-’94 school year (in what is now Room 132)! I have always felt at home here, and I will ensure your child feels the same each day he/she enters my classroom, whether physically or remotely. I am looking forward to the opportunity of working with your child to promote academic excellence and social growth!

I use this as my main source of communicating daily, and for every year I have implemented its use, I have had 100% parent connectivity, and during the Spring of 2020 it was a lifesaver in terms of communicating and sharing links/info. I am asking that ALL parents download this app or access it via the web URL www.classdojo.com to connect with my class.

ClassDojo is a FREE app which is accessible through mobile devices, tablets, as well as computers. After being introduced to it during the 2017 -2018 school year, I have found it to be truly crucial to ensuring a smooth school year. I feel it provides the best opportunity to communicate and relay information from school to you at home in a convenient way as well as vice versa.

I typically post homework assignments and any important announcements under the “Class Story” tab within the ClassDojo app so you can learn what activities and content your child took part in during the day to help lead those dinner time discussions about the school day. Please set aside of few minutes daily to log on and be up to date with the ongoings in our class.

Lastly, I use this platform as my behavior management via positive reinforcement. The program I use is termed "Belting Up". This works by students being assigned a random "avatar" or "clipart monster" at the beginning of the year upon the class's creation. As students earn points, they earn different color "belts" that are added to their avatar at certain point benchmarks. Students earn points for such deeds as completing homework, exhibiting outstanding character qualities, participating in class, and adhering to the "Golden Rule" of treating others how they wish to be treated. I also celebrate whole class point achievements. In sum, students are awarded for their hard work by their avatar evolving. Please note that I do apply "Neutral" points for misbehaviors and incomplete homework in order to keep a record. Being neutral, however, does not take away points from a student, but rather it simply doesn't increase their current total.

As a father of three, I understand the demands placed on families in the evenings. Homework will not be assigned over weekends, but during the week Monday-Thursday a page of spelling practice will be mandatory to complete nightly, and I do frequently assign an iXL activity to help students strengthen their understanding of tested skills. Studying of spelling words, vocabulary words, and grammar concepts is still highly encouraged via provided lists or games/apps provided through my Google Classroom.

Again, as a parent, I understand how busy the evenings can be and I’d prefer your student come home to you and spend time participating in activities as a family such as eating dinner together, enjoying the outdoors, or reading a story before a proper bed time that isn't delayed due to work, etc. Please understand I give homework not to serve as busy work but to serve as additional review to better assist your student in growing as a learner. When homework is indeed assigned, consider that content essential, and be attentive in ensuring your child is completing it to the best of their ability.

All students are instructed to mark homework with their name as well as “H.W.” near the top of the page in marker/crayon/color pencil and then place it on the “Return to School” side of his/her Take Home Folder. At times, your student may bring home an additional assignment not listed on our DOJO that is partially completed. It is most likely an activity from class that they did not finish during a rotation and will need to finish as homework. Students will be instructed to mark this as “HW” as well.

When homework assignments are assigned, they are due/expected to be submitted the next day that the student returns. Ample time is provided for students to pack their materials to take home. Having their “Take Home Folders” packed is their “ticket” out of the room to be permitted to exit and gather their belongings from their lockers for dismissal. In other words, no work should ever be "forgotten" at school. If an assignment is incomplete or not submitted the next day when due, students will complete the required assignment prior to participating in recess, or as additional homework that evening if the homework bin isn't checked until the afternoon. A "neutral" DOJO point will be given to students who fall into this category, whereas a "positive" point will be awarded for homework being completed and submitted on time.