Back to School Night

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Back to School Night: 4th Grade

Mrs. Weeks’ Wranglers

Welcome to 4th grade!


I am excited to begin the year with all of you!


To contact me please use my email jweeks@rocklinusd.org. If you need to conference with me please schedule an appointment, so I can give you my full attention! It is extremely difficult to conduct conferences at the classroom door after the morning bell, as it is very important that my full attention be on the students. I respectfully request that everyone recognizes the time between the morning bell and the afternoon bell as instructional time. It is very important that parents refrain from dropping into the classroom during instructional time. Security of the classroom requires everyone check in at the office first. Classroom drop in is not allowed for any reason. This applies at all times. It is very important that you respect the safety policies we have in place. Do not see a door opened by a student as an opportunity to slip in. I also have daily after school commitments, meetings, intervention and tutoring with students require my immediate attention most days. Again, my intent is to be able to focus on you as you deserve.

This classroom is a highly structured environment with a focus on mastering the 4th grade standards. Mastering these standards of academics will allow your student to achieve maximum academic growth and personal success. A vital component to this success is your support. Please focus on making sure your child reads every day. Incorporate reading into their daily routine. Make it fun and show them that learning is a priority in your family. The second item that requires your commitment is Math Fact Mastery. I will register all students in an online math fact practice program. Daily practice is crucial. If you do not have a device inform me immediately. Flashcards can be handmade or purchased. If purchasing flashcards presents a financial hardship, let me know and I will assist you. I cannot stress enough the importance of your child committing math facts to memory!

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Daily Pull Out Schedule:

P.E. =Monday and Wednesday Library=Tuesday

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Homework: Monday-Thursday *Friday?

  • Every student must complete a minimum of four sessions of Math Facts on Xtramath.org every night.

  • Every student must read a minimum of 20-30 minutes.

If students do not finish their class work they must complete it at home. All work is checked in daily. If students do not complete work, they will be given a note home for you to sign. If the student does not return this note signed, you will receive a phone call from your student. PLEASE check your child's agenda daily (Monday-Thursday) to make sure they have completed all homework. It is important that you also check Google Classroom on a daily basis. Google classroom is a great information source for you as a parent. All students are required to fill out their paper/pencil planner and then check Google classroom. Google classroom is for students use only. Parents may view Google Classroom with their students but they may not post on Google Classroom. Google Classroom supports the student planner. I post additional information on this site for the students and you. It is especially helpful if your student does not print neatly in their planner!

Students will receive one copy of required work. It is their responsibility to hang on to that copy in their binder. There is a paper tray with a few extra copies of each assignment. It is always the student’s responsibility to keep or to obtain a new copy.

Friday Homework?!?!

Students who have been absent or fallen behind must complete unfinished work. This is also true for students who are not completing tasks for any reason.

Most homework is not returned to the student. Homework does not receive a traditional grade. It is practice without risk. Homework is corrected as a class, by the student or peer, discussed, and then checked in. Any work that is returned will be sent home once a week in Friday Folders.

All work that is returned should be kept. Do not throw anything away! Keep all student work in a box or basket at home until the end of the trimester. I handle thousands of assignments each year. If I miss one, you will have it and we can make sure your student gets credit. If a student can’t show it to me they must complete it again. I think we all can understand how I can’t just take someone’s word for it that work was completed. If we work together we will work out any errors that occur.

Please do not contact me the day of an absence to pick up work. I will give your student the work upon their return. If an illness is severe, we will discuss it on a case by case basis. If you are planning an absence during the school year, you must provide a minimum of one week notice for independent study preparation.

Computer Access:

Please discuss your student’s computer login information with your student. All students know how to access home programs by the third week of school. All students have a password keeper recording sheet in their binder. If your student does not have that information they must speak to me during school hours. I can not provide it to you after hours as I do not keep that information with me.

Friday Folders:

Work and information from the school, will go home in a folder on Friday afternoon. Your student is responsible for this folder. Please empty the folder and return it the next day. Do not keep the folder at home. If for some reason we are unable to send the folder home on Friday it will go out the Friday. Most school notices are now online in the virtual backpack.

Curriculum:

Math-Bridges

Language Arts-Benchmark

Social Studies - California Studies Weekly

Science-Generation Genius

Differentiation:

Every teacher differentiates in order to accommodate all levels of learners. All students have access to intervention and enrichment opportunities. If your student is in an intervention program, lack of attendance can be grounds for removal.

Grading:

Grading is based on progress towards end of year proficiency. Traditional letter grades are no longer used. A students grade can regress if they do not make continued progress.

Attendance/Absences:

Class begins at 8:25 each day and releases at 2:55 (with the exception of Monday). Please make sure that your child is on time! Students are not allowed on the playground before school. Remember you would never drop off your child unsupervised anywhere else. All students should be lined up in front of their classroom by 8:20. Chronic tardiness will be addressed.

We begin our day right away, so if students are late, they are missing key instruction. If your child is sick, all missing work will be placed on their desk. It is the student’s responsibility to make up all missing work and submit it along with their current assignments. Students have the same number of days to complete their assignments as they were absent. Planned absences are the exception and assignments must be submitted upon the day of the planned return.

Behavior Issues:

Students are aware of classroom/school rules and procedures. If they choose to conduct themselves outside of these parameters the following will occur:

1. Verbal Warning/Request to redirect and refocus behavior

2. Citation will be issued.

3. Teacher/Parent/Student Conference

Field trips:

TBD

Classroom Supplies:

I appreciate all donations throughout the school year. Gift cards for Amazon or Staples are very helpful as well, if that is easier for you.

Pawsitives:

Students earn “pawsitives” for following through with various tasks. These may include, homework completion, returning forms or getting a parent/guardian signature. It also includes following classroom and school procedures.

We will also have a Trading Post. The Trading Post contains small school supplies, toys, etc. (Oriental Trading items). The Trading Post will be opened once a month while supplies last. The Trading Post runs on a donation only basis. I encourage students to supply the Trading Post with items that they no longer wish to keep. Recycling at its finest! I appreciate your support. Without donations I cannot run the Trading Post.

Birthdays:

If you would like to acknowledge your child's birthday in class; please feel welcome to do so. Food items are discouraged. Food items are a risk due to allergies. Pencils, or small prizes are encouraged. These items are always a huge hit with the kids! You may also choose to donate your child’s favorite book instead. Please send enough for all students (34). Students may not distribute birthday party invitations at school even if the entire class is invited. I suggest using email.

Volunteers:

You will see a big transition this year in regards to volunteering in the classroom. Students begin to handle most of our classroom needs. We will need room parents, homework check-in, test review, and graders. The greatest need for volunteers is at special events. All parents must have district security clearance. The office has these packets for you. Please help our PTC!

Campus Security:

The campus is closed. With the exception of morning drop off and afternoon pick up, all adults are required to sign in at the front office. This would also be required if you are picking up a younger sibling and plan on visiting other areas of the campus. It is important that students see your sticker and the office knows you are on campus, in case of an emergency. Even though you may be a familiar face to some, please remember that for security reasons it is important you follow this procedure. If you need to drop off your student’s lunch or other item, do not bring it to the classroom. It must be taken to the office. This prevents interruption of instruction. And remember No Dogs allowed on campus. Bicycles, skateboards, etc. are not to be ridden on campus during school hours. Discourage your children from riding bikes in the hallways after hours. Teachers are here working.

HOW CAN I HELP MY STUDENT?

Your student will have everything they need in their binder. They do not use their desk as a stuffing place. Throughout the day I give explicit instructions as to where each item goes in their binder.

Every student will be expected to complete work in the time given in class. If they do not they will take the item home for completion. Work is checked in the following day after it is assigned. This allows for those who need additional time. Remember, ALL work is kept in their binder; ALL work is collected on the due date. Therefore, you can ask your student to show you the assignment if they tell you they finished it already!

“I didn’t know I had homework.” This statement does not work in our class. Assignments are posted on Google Classroom. Students are responsible for checking information sources daily. If I am out of the classroom for an emergency, students will rely on Google Classroom.

The only grades posted online are assessment results. I will manage all practice/homework assignments in class. If a student does not complete assignments on time, you will receive an email. There is no Extra Credit to increase a score. I strongly encourage students to be diligent about working to stay on top of their responsibilities.

Every student should read, practice math facts, and complete class work. Your student should master all math facts by November. Your student is in control of their choices and responsible for studying & learning.

4th Grade is a major milestone in your child’s education. You will be amazed at their growth and accomplishments this year.

IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR!