Classroom Information Packet

Dear Students and Parents:

Welcome to 4th grade and our classroom. My name is Emily MacLean and I will be your child's teacher this year. I look forward to working with you and I am sure that you will find this school year unique, challenging, and rewarding. This year we will continue to focus on strengthening and expanding your reading abilities. In mathematics we continue to grow in the areas of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; while also studying fractions, Algebraic equations, and exploring the concepts of Geometry. Additionally, our 4th graders will be studying our Great state of California both past and present. 

My goal for you is to provide you with a positive, challenging, and enjoyable learning experience, emphasizing a strong curriculum in the areas of Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, computer skills, and physical education.

During the first weeks of school we will be establishing standards, routines, and expectations. To assist you in your quest for a positive and successful school year, I have put together this Class Information Packet. It is intended to inform you of what our Classroom’s academic and behavioral standards are as well as providing other practical information you will need to have a successful school year. Please keep this information packet in your binder at all times throughout the school year. If you ever have a question, this packet should be the first resource you use to answer that question.

As you can see, this school year is going to be a very busy, productive, and fun-filled year. By working together and having a positive attitude, we can make this year one of cooperation, academic growth, and excellence. I anticipate a terrific school year with you!

ACADEMIC-HOMEWORK INFORMATION

Homework assignments reinforce classroom lessons and develop basic skills so that you are prepared for the next level of learning. It also provides a valuable opportunity for you to continue to develop the skills of responsibility, accountability, and organization. You should anticipate spending approximately 45-60 minutes per night on homework. Additionally, any unfinished school work is expected to be completed at home and returned the next day. Long term projects, book reports, studying for tests, should be completed gradually and NOT done at the last minute. I will always give you the dates of projects and tests in advance so you know how much time you have to complete the necessary work. As a result, you will practice and learn how to budget your time effectively.

Each student will be provided a Northwood planner. Time will be allotted at the end of the day for the assigning of homework and the gathering of materials needed to complete the assignments. It is important for you to copy down the assignments neatly and carefully from the homework board so that you and your parents know exactly what is expected of you that evening. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!!

Assignments should be completed neatly, accurately, and turned in on time unless there is a valid excuse (sporting events, club meetings, birthday parties, etc. are NOT valid excuses!) You must see me about your excuse. NO NOTES! If you know that you have a commitment that evening, you are more that welcome to begin your homework during your lunch break. Just let me know. Failure to complete homework will result in you completing it during your recess, lunch, P.E. time, Art time etc. Late assignments will have 10pts deducted from the original score. Homework not turned in within 24 hours will receive “0” points!

Each assignment needs to be completed to the best of your ability. Neatness demonstrates a sense of pride in your work. Please do not include irrelevant doodles on your paper. Remember, GARBAGE BELONGS IN THE TRASH! All assignments need to be labeled with the proper heading in the upper right hand corner. The heading should include your first and last name, the date, and the subject and page number of the assignment. If work is not legible, it will need to be redone.

Always proofread your work and check your math for mistakes. Your parents may assist you in this process. When completing math assignments, ALL work must be shown. If the work is not shown, points will be deducted. All FINAL drafts of reports or projects must be done on the computer or in cursive writing with a blue or black ink pen. I encourage you to use the computer as much as possible unless I tell you otherwise. All class work will be done in pencil and corrected with a RED pen (not a crayon, highlighter, marker, etc.) Finally, when answering questions, all answers must be in complete sentences restating the question. If not, the assignment will not be accepted.

If you are absent, it is best if you have one of your classmates bring home your homework. If this does not happen, you will find your work on your desk the next day. It is up to you to find out what you missed while you were absent. You must come and see me. You will always be given 2 or 3 days to complete your work. If more time is needed, something can be arranged.

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES IN MIND:

YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A GRADE IF…

• Your paper is not turned in

• You do not include a proper heading

• There is no name on your paper

• Your work is messy

• Your work is not complete

Assignments are graded both subjectively and numerically based on percentages. The approximate grade equivalents are given below:

100-90 = A 

89-80 = B 

79-70 = C 

69-60 = D

59-below = F

*All tests must be signed by your parents and returned.

RESPECT

As parents I know that you are concerned about your child’s classroom. I think the best learning is accomplished in a classroom where the students are aware of their expected behavior and understand the consequences of their actions. I expect the students to be on their best behavior at all times and to treat others, as they themselves would like to be treated. Please see the next page for “Classroom Rules”. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated from any student.

Students, you have a responsibility to help create a positive environment in our classroom and school. When you do your part to create a classroom in which everyone is sensitive to each other’s feelings and supportive of each other’s learning; you will maximize everyone’s academic and social growth, including your own. You are encouraged to be a student who abides by the following FIVE AREAS OF RESPECT…

1. Show respect for your school by taking care of all materials and keeping the classroom and school grounds clean.

2. Show respect for your parents by keeping them honestly informed of your homework responsibilities and your progress at school.

3. Show respect for your teachers and school personnel by carefully listening to what they have to say and following their directions.

4. Show respect for your peers by treating them like you would like to be treated---with kindness and acceptance.

5. Show respect for yourself by setting a good behavioral example for others to follow and achieving high academic goals, which give you a sense of pride.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

1. Enter the room and exit the room quietly and in an orderly manner. No running or loud voices.

2. Be prompt. When the bell rings, that is your signal to line up quietly. No “goofing off” or silliness while waiting in line.

3. Sharpen pencils and get materials out at the beginning of class. You should always have paper and at least 2 sharpened pencils with you each day.

4. Leave gum, candy, toys, and any other leisure items at home unless you have been give permission by your teacher to bring them.

5. Keep your jacket, sweater, sweatshirts, etc. on the back of your chair or in your backpack. They DO NOT belong on the floor. Someone may trip over them.

6. Backpacks must be able to fit on the back of your chair or beside your desk. If it becomes a safety hazard because of its size or inability to remain upright, you will have to leave it outside the classroom.

7. Have only necessary materials out on your desk. Store extra pencils, pens, erasers, etc. in your desk. All items that are not necessary and are a distraction will be taken away.

8. Remain seated unless you have been given permission to get up.

9. Use your recess and lunch times to use the restroom. If you have an emergency, you may use the hall pass. You may not use the hall pass for drinks of water or to “stretch your legs”.

10. 10. Keep a water bottle on your desk daily. Your brain needs 6-8 glasses a day to function properly.

11. Respect the rights and feeling of others. No teasing, name calling, putdowns, or other hurtful comments, please.

12. Use your Conflict Manager Choices to resolve situations in the classroom and out on the playground. Say what is wrong and make it right.

13. Don’t disturb other classes when walking through the building, going to computers, library, or Science.

14. Keep the classroom and your desk neat. If you use it, put it back where it belongs, put things away, push in your chair, and clean up your own mess.

Supplies/Field trip information:

Please note, class contributions and supplies are voluntary and all students will be to have access to any materials required in the classroom regardless of financial abilities.

Additionally, please also note, that while it is permissible under state law for IUSD to collect fees for field trips, all students will be allowed to participate regardless of whether a contribution is made.

Procedures At the Lunch Tables

1. All students will sit facing the table.

2. No one may stand up or leave without permission.

3. Students are to keep their arms, feet, hands, and legs to themselves.

4. Students are not to take food from other students or touch another student’s lunch without permission.

5. Good table manners should be observed at all times.

6. There is no throwing, flicking, pushing, etc. of food.

7. Clean up your own messes.

8. Speak to students at your table only and do not shout!

9. Wait for the signal to be dismissed from your table.

Play area rules.

1. Observe all the rules to the playground games.

2. There is no running on the black top.

3. There is no leaving school grounds.

4. There is no eating or drinking in the play areas. Do this at the lunch tables.

5. Show courtesy and respect to all the supervisors on duty.

6. There is no cursing or any type of foul language on the playground.

7. Everyone must share the equipment.

8. Do not bring play items of any kind from home withou

permission from you teacher or the playground supervisors.

9. If you have a conflict, use your conflict management strategies.