WE will learn in a safe, nurturing environment to achieve academic success and become productive citizens. 

The vision of Welcome Elementary is to educate and empower each child to be an independent lifelong learner, and a productive, responsible citizen. We will achieve this by creating a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Our state standards-based curriculum will be progressive, challenging, and rigorous. Instruction will be interactive, providing opportunities that are developmentally appropriate and will integrate technology across all areas of the curriculum. 

Math

Applying place value concepts in addition and subtraction, using multiplication and division strategies, understanding and developing strategies for area and perimeter, understanding unit fractions, measurement, and time, understanding fraction equivalence and comparison, solving problems using multiplicative comparisons, solving measurement problems using operations, solving addition and subtraction problems with operations, and problem-solving with shapes.  

Reading

Building a reading life and supporting foundational skills in non-fiction reading, reading and text-based evidence, learning through reading, comparing and contrasting—tackling complex text, testing as a genre—reading, and research-based reading.  

Writing/ELA

Narrative Writing: Revisiting Narratives and Realistic Fiction, Opinion writing—personal and persuasive essay, Opinion Writing Literary essay, Informational writing: Growing as writers, Narrative writing—Narrative Craft, Testing as a Genre Writing, Informational Writing—history comes to life.  

Science

Science safety and science and engineering practices skills, Forces, Life Cycle for Survival, Surviving in Changing Environments, Weather and Climate Impact.

Social Studies,

Map Skills, Climate, and Landforms, Lifestyles and Culture, Changes and Effects of Geography, Movement and Migration.

Grading Scale:

The standardized grading scale used throughout Greenville County School District will apply.

A  90-100                      Penmanship:

B      80-89                        M=Meets the standard

C      70-79                       P=Progressing toward the standard

D      60-69

U      50-59

Grading Procedures:

Reading:

40% Major Assessments – Benchmark and unit assessments, comprehension quizzes, novel quizzes

60% Minor Assessments -- Daily grades: comprehension strategies, reading responses, etc.

Language Arts:

0% Spelling Skills

30% Major Assessments -- Writing portfolio prompts, grammar tests

60% Minor Assessments -- Daily writing grades, writing process, journals, research process

Math, Social Studies, Science:

40% Major Assessments -- Tests and projects

60% Minor Assessments -- Daily grades, quizzes, other activities

Penmanship:

M = neat, correct letter formation

P = letter formation is sometimes incorrect or messy

Homework is not a practice that I use for my students in my classroom. I will on occasion send home work for extra practice, credit, or any unfinished work, however there is no specified or set aside assignments specifically for homework. I believe that students should spend time with their families instead. I have asked each family to read with their child for 15-20 minutes each night. 

• We believe all students can learn, achieve, and succeed.

• We believe school should provide a physically safe and nurturing environment conducive to learning in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

• We believe in providing 1:1 advanced opportunities for the 21st Century learner.

• We believe each child can develop into a self-directed, independent learner and a productive, responsible citizen.

• We believe that curriculum and assessments should be standards -based, rigorous, and integrated.

• We believe instruction should involve best practices, differentiation, and utilize a hands-on, multi-sensory approach.

• We believe education is the shared responsibility of teachers, parents, and the community.

• We believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle through physical activities and a variety of nutritional choices.

• We believe we should be good stewards of the financial resources afforded to our school.

School Expectations

A copy of school expectations will be given to students and parents at the beginning of the year.  A large copy of school expectations for each area will be printed on the school poster maker and displayed throughout the building. Additionally, school expectations will be discussed and modeled in the classroom, and on the morning news show at the beginning of the school year and as needed throughout the year.

Communication with Parents

Teachers and students will communicate their behavior number DAILY through the use of a calendar in the student’s homework folder. Due to covid-19 restraints, calendars and newsletters are updated on my classroom website. Numbers are an easy way to show where students behave during the day, yet our goal is to teach the correct action and allow students to learn which kinds of behaviors are desired for a well-rounded student.

Morning Procedures

It is expected that students enter the classroom quietly between 7:45Am and 8:00AM to prepare for the school day.  They should immediately get out materials they need for the day including their homework folder, be sure to have a sharpened pencil, and have a seat.  The morning agenda will be posted on the board for students to view each morning.  Students should remain quiet during this time to begin focusing for the school day. 

Bathroom Procedures

Students may use the bathroom during the day as needed during non-instructional times. There is an established signal for the bathroom.

I love working as a team to help your child succeed! Please always remember that if you have any questions at all, feel free to contact me. There is no such thing as being TOO well-informed! Here are some ways to stay in touch:

• Check your child’s blue folder each night.

• Be sure to read the weekly newsletter each Monday.  It includes a lot of important tips, information, and any important dates.

• Review all grade reports in your child’s weekly folder.

• Sign up online to use the district parent portal. This is an invaluable resource for viewing your child’s grades any time! www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Parents/

• Check my webpage for information.

• Call me! I will try to return your call within 24 hours. My class phone goes straight to voicemail during school hours.

ClassDojo. I will do my best to reply within 24 hours. (This will provide the fastest response time.) 

Research shows that parental involvement with school increases student achievement.  No matter what your schedule, there are many ways that you can help contribute to your child’s learning and stay involved with our classroom!   In addition to the tips above for staying informed, you can:

• Guide your child and show him/her how to be organized with his/her work.

• Send in class donations such as healthy class snacks, individually wrapped candy, medium-sized treats, copy paper, pencil cap erasers, black erase markers, Elmer's glue sticks, and notebook paper.

• Volunteer as a classroom helper by reading books aloud to children, helping at class parties, assisting with laminating & copying, chaperoning field trips, or assisting with special events.

• Attend Open House, PTA meetings, and special events to allow your child to showcase his/her school.

• Ask your child what we’re learning at school.

• Talk to your child about what he/she is reading each night.

A complete listing of standards can be accessed through the Greenville County School District website or the South Carolina State Department website. 

Email: mgstanton@greenvilleschools.us OR mgstanton@greenville.k12.sc.us

School’s Telephone #: (864) 355-3911