Frequently Asked Questions

What is the homework policy?

We fully understand that family values and schedules vary greatly. In fourth grade, students will enjoy reading at home for approximately 20 minutes per night and be able to share and discuss what they are learning in math using nightly math worksheets. Students may work at their own pace and hand in completed work as it is due. Any special projects will be given separately and, unless specified, do not replace regular assignments. 

Parents and students are strongly encouraged to work together to stay organized.  

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Can students bring their own supplies to class?

In Rooms 16 and 19, we have a wide selection of seating available for students in addition to desks so that we can work more closely together as teams.  Research has proven that flexible seating improves student attention, responsibility, and active learning as it simultaneously develops a stronger sense of classroom community.  We provide most supplies that students will need in class.  This year, students are asked to bring only three things from home: a pair of good quality headphones/earbuds labeled with name in a baggie, 1 pack pencils, and  a standard size pencil box/bag. Thank you for your help and support!

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What if a student misses an assignment or assessment (test)?

In the case of absences, students can make up any assignments and/or assessments upon return to school by arranging a mutually convenient time with the teacher.

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How can I set up an appointment with the teacher?

Simply email one or both of us and let us know the day and time you would like to meet either in-person or virtually. We are always happy to meet with families.  We just ask that you schedule an appointment in advance so that we can be prepared to help you in the best way we can. Phone calls and hand-written notes are welcome as well, but we generally respond faster to email :-).

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Do the students have a snack time?

Students will have time for snack each day.  Sending a nutritious snack to school with your child will assist staff with teaching students about making healthy choices.  Please remember that due to allergies, we will not be allowed to share snacks with others.  Also, please be aware that we do have students with peanut and tree nut allergies, so be sure that all snacks are NUT-FREE. There are many websites to assist you with your selection of nut-free snack choices. And please remind your children that there is NO SNACKING on the school BUS. Thank you!

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Can students keep water bottles at their seats?

Now that our classrooms have 1:1 Chromebooks we must be careful of spills in and around work areas.  Student water bottles mostly stay in student backpacks and are used on an as-needed basis.  We encourage families to find water bottles that are insulated to prevent dripping in/on/near backpacks and contain ONLY water (nothing with sugar).  Should a student get thirsty during class, (s)he is welcome to sip from his/her water bottle or visit a water fountain.

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How do you grade students?

At T.V.E.S., we use a  "standards-based" reporting system which measures student progress against identified Common Core State Standards for each grade level.  As fourth grade teachers, our ultimate goal is to provide children with a love and enthusiasm for learning in a supportive environment where the students feel comfortable taking risks.  We blend a social curriculum with an academic curriculum, and we have talked with the students about what it means to "succeed" without looking at grades.  We aim to help develop the whole child because we believe a happy child who enjoys coming to school will also enjoy the outcome of improved "grades." If students understand that success manifests itself in a variety of ways and if they work hard to ensure their own "success," we will all have a great year.

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What are your classroom rules?

All students follow school-wide R.O.C.K.S. behavior (see FAQ below) and are always reminded to:

1. Be respectful of other things and other people (that means pay attention, act quietly, raise your hand and offer gentle reminders).  

2. Be prepared. 

3. Be responsible. 

4. Think! (take time to think things through so that you can always do your best). 

5. Listen. (good listeners are silent, focus on the speaker, concentrate on what is being said and wait until the speaker is finished to offer positive comments).

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What is your discipline policy?

In our classrooms, we focus heavily on hard work, leadership, kindness, and perseverance.  Students are regularly recognized when they exhibit these commendable skills.  If a student, however, chooses to disregard the established classroom climate, students are warned to correct any negative behaviors.  If a negative behavior continues, it will be treated in accord with the T.V.E.S. Code of Conduct.  Usually, we employ a 4 step procedure to deal with each situation.

1. The student will be reminded that the behavior is inappropriate.

2. If it continues, the student will then be asked to redirect his/her behavior by going to an alternate location in the classroom.

3. If the behavior still continues, the student will be removed from the classroom and asked to go to a "buddy room" for a specified time frame.  Buddy rooms are other supervised fourth grade classrooms in our wing.   An "Office Referral" slip is always submitted at this stage, and parents are notified.

4. Should the student still choose inappropriate behavior, the final consequence is a visit to the principal's office where parents will be notified and a plan of action developed.

Our class goal this year is that no one will have to leave the room for behavior or discipline related issues!

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What is TVES R.O.C.K.S.?

As part of our ongoing initiative called PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports), TVES is proud to offer a character-building program called TVES R.O.C.K.S.!  This acronym stands for Respect, Opportunity, Cooperation, Kindness and Safety.  It is designed to reinforce these expected behaviors in ALL parts of our school community, and recognize students who consistently demonstrate these attributes.  Students are introduced to the program during the first few weeks of school, and then encouraged to be kind and respectful throughout the entire school year.  (S)he may even get recognized with a R.O.C.K.S. award.

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What are Take-Home Folders?

Take-Home Folders are purple in color and are sent home each day with students.  They contain all important notices, teacher comments (if necessary) and student work.  It is important to review the contents of the Take-Home Folder together in order to stay abreast of both school and community events as well as student homework and academic progress.  

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Can we bring in birthday treats?

While we will still sing and celebrate your child for the unique individual that (s)he is, TVES has a policy prohibiting students to bring in edible treats for their special days.  This is out of courtesy to the increasing number of students with food allergies. Non-edible items for each student are welcomed.  Thank you very much for your understanding.

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Do students have class jobs?

Yes.  Students have jobs in our class.  The jobs are tied to our STUDENT OF THE WEEK program, and the tasks are specific and important to our daily school routines.  Students are expected to be extremely organized and responsible not only for their things, but also for others in their group.  This responsibility and interdependency is an important part of our everyday learning, and classroom operations.

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How do you use technology in your classroom?

We are fortunate to have a 1:1 Chromebook classroom this year. One Chromebook is assigned to each student as a tool to enhance his/her individual learning needs throughout the year.  These allow students to progress, investigate, research and bring ideas to life in a way that paper and pencil can not.  The use of technology is an integral part of our explorations each day from photo-literacy, to annotating, to presentations, and movie making.  Chromebooks will not be available to go home with students. Get ready for some creative fun!

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How can I see my child's work if papers do not come home anymore?

Some papers will be sent home throughout the year, but most of our students' work can be found on our Virtual Classroom or saved in a student portfolio here in the classrooms. Going digital saves a great deal of time and paper! Each child was assigned a unique district Google username and password which can be used on any device in any location at any time.  This google drive account will remain active for the duration of his/her educational career in North Branford Public Schools. The combination of paper and electronic assignments creates a wonderful portfolio of your child's work throughout the year(s).

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What will you do to keep our children safe?

Safety is our foremost concern.  All teachers will strictly abide by state, local and district guidelines posted on our district website and detailed in our handbooks.  And as your child's teachers, we will do our very best to offer student-friendly reminders and explanations about the importance of keeping ourselves and others safe. 

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