Expectations
In our classroom, your child will participate in a variety of learning activities in a variety of ways., including partner work, small group work, individual tasks, role-playing, and whole class discussions/work. To ensure that these activities take place in an environment conducive to learning, my expectations for students include that they care about their work and actively participate in the learning process, care about and respect others (at play as well as at work), follow directions, make safe choices, and organize themselves, their time, and their materials for success.
In kid friendly terms this means it’s their job to do school well: to learn, listen and participate actively but not blurt out disruptively, write neatly, clean up, help others, choose to do the right thing, and be nice.
Arrival/Dismissal
Our school day is from 8:25 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. with a soft start, described below. It is important not to drop your child off before 8:25 a.m. because there is no adult supervision outside! If you arrive after the tardy bell rings at 8:40 a.m., be sure to have your child check in with the attendance staff at the office before coming to the classroom.
Fourth grade students will enter and exit through the bus loop doors at the back of the school. Be sure that you and your child identify a regular meeting spot outside of the school please.
Soft Start
Soft start begins at 8:25 a.m. each day. Fourth grade may only enter through the bus loop doors. This is an opportunity for you parents to "kiss and go" and send your kiddo off to their day of learning. I will be in the classroom greeting kiddos every morning as they arrive. With this added time before the tardy bell at 8:40, it allows students to have a gentle start to their day, as well as additional work time. This is a time for students to play with any of our soft start activity bins, catch up on any unfinished work, draw, read and eat breakfast if they want. If you arrive at school after 8:40 a.m. when the tardy bell rings, please make sure you check in at the front office.
Communication
Communication is the key to an optimal learning environment for your child! Parents and teachers working together will create the necessary link to foster this environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. My email is kjrodriguez@dcsdk12.org. I try to check my email a few times each day, but please know that I may not respond right away, but I will get back to you within 24 hours. Likewise, I will contact you if necessary. Additionally, we have set conference times throughout the year in both the fall and the spring.
Snacks
Please send 2-3 healthy snacks that can be eaten while your child is working - fruit, cut veggies, bars, etc. Please do not send candy or cookies! We have a 'working' snack in 4th grade. Since students may get hungry at different times, they will be able to eat their snack anytime as they work throughout the day.
Water Bottles
We get thirsty and staying in class is important to our learning process. Please send a filled water bottle with your child every day. WATER ONLY, no other drink of any kind is allowed in class.
Homework
It is important to establish consistent homework habits. Homework provides an opportunity for students to reinforce classroom learning, develop responsibility, and learn how to budget their time. It also helps you, as a parent, to stay connected with the learning that is happening in the classroom and provides you with an opportunity to see how your child is understanding these concepts. If you find that your child is struggling with an assignment, and truly providing their best effort, abandon the assignment and write me a note. Homework will be graded based on completion. I do not typically assign homework over the weekend. Please see the Homework tab for more detailed information!
Grading
Grading is very similar to our report card grades, but can differ a little per type of assignment. To keep the language the same as report cards, you will see the following on assignments and tests:
E = Exceeds M+ = Meets plus M = Meets A+ = Approaching plus A = Approaching
DM+ = Does not Meet plus DM = Does not Meet
Classwork is graded with an E, M+, M, A+, A, DM+ or DM and depending on the assignment, the number of correct problems, tasks, etc.
Tests & quizzes are graded with a percentage and an E, M+, M, A+, A, DM+ or DM.
Here are the conversions to help in assisting you understand the grades a little more:
Percentages
100 - 90 = Meets + (M+)
89 - 80 = Meets (M)
79 - 70 = Approaching + (A+)
69 - 60 = Approaching (A)
59 - 50 = Does Not Meet + (DM+)
49 - 0 = Does Not Meet (DM)
Earned Recess
An extra recess can be earned on Fridays. Students will earn this recess by following agreed upon classroom expectations, completing in class assignments and all homework assignments (including 45 minutes of both iReady Reading & Math lessons).
Birthday Celebrations
We love to celebrate/recognize birthdays! Summer birthdays will be celebrated on the student’s half birthday! You do not need to notify me if you plan to send in birthday treats with your child. We will eat the birthday treats during snack time or after lunch so treats need to be brought in before 10:00. Please send treats that are easy to pass out (individual servings) and not too messy. Please send napkins with the treats.
Fidgets & Other Stress Relieving Devices
I understand that these tools are helpful for some children, but can be a major distraction for others. If your child needs to use one of these tools in the classroom, there needs to be formal documentation in a learning plan (504 plan, IEP, etc.) or we need to make a plan together as parents, student and teacher. If you do not have a plan in place, these devices need to stay at home!
Friday Folders
Friday Folders will be sent home each Friday. Be sure to empty the folder over the weekend and send it back empty (unless there is a paper to be returned to the office or me) on Monday with your child. Friday Folders may have important information from the office or myself. Please note, Cougar Run is making an effort to cut down on the use of paper and most important information will now be posted on our school and class websites. I will send classwork home in the folders.