FAQ

What is a "planner"?

• The planner is used for students to write down what we are learning, homework, and special reminders daily. Communication about behavior concerns will be written in these as well. Please initial your child's planner daily.

How can I help my child's class/school?

We understand how busy our Sommer Stallion families are, so PLEASE support us by: 

• joining PTA: if the meeting times are inconvenient, that's okay. The PTA programs and fundraising all supports our students, materials, and field trips;

• attending & helping and/or contributing to class parties (we have ~2 per year);

• supporting PTA events;

• volunteering, when you can, and

• responding promptly to letters, emails, or requests.

​How can I register to volunteer?

RRISD Volunteer Page

• IN ORDER TO VOLUNTEER IN ANY WAY FOR ANY RRISD SCHOOL, including field trips, each person MUST complete an application and be approved. This is for the safety of ALL children.

• Attending field trips and class parties is one way to help. Parents and members of the community have also helped our students become more successful. Please let me know if and how you are willing to help out-possibilities may not be limited to our own class during school hours.

How do I order Scholastic Books?

• ​If you would like to order from the Scholastic Book Order, click here to order online and use the code: TFV4R

• I will not accept cash or check sent to the classroom. You can pay online with a debit/credit card.

What days do we go to PE?

We go to PE every other day.  Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately and is wearing tennis shoes (sneakers) because they do run and go outside during PE.

When is library?

• Both classes visit the library on TBD. 

• See the Sommer Elementary Library website for more awesome information and resources.

• The library has a rotation.  One week we have a 15 minute lesson and 15 minute checkout.  The next week we have 30 minutes to checkout and enjoy reading our new books.  Please be sure your child brings their books to return on their library day.  Students may return and check out new books across the week as needed when there is an opportunity.

My child left a notebook or folder at home.  What do I do?

• We will call to see if you can bring it up to the school.  When notebooks or folders come home to show parents or do work, they must be returned the next day.  We work in them everyday so when the item is missing, it disrupts our work and typically makes your child worry.  We will always come up with a Plan B if you can’t bring it, but try to help your child get in the habit of returning items to his/her backpack before bed.

Can my child have snacks or a water bottle in class?

• Your child is encouraged to bring in several healthy snacks each day.  We eat snack at TBD. Please do not send in messy items that could spill or disrupt learning or items that require a spoon or fork.  Water bottles are a must!!  We don’t leave our room for water breaks.  Please send in a bottle that won’t spill free-flowing water when knocked over.  Any water bottle that leaks will not be able to be used in the classroom. Students should only bring water into the classroom. Any other drinks are not allowed.

Can my child have a hat or sunglasses for recess?

• Absolutely!  Your child will be responsible for keeping up with the items so please discuss the possibility of loss or damage before letting them decide to bring them in.

Are the children allowed to bring toys or extra "fun" supplies?

• There are special days that we allow toys in the classroom.  When students win a prize or privilege, that is one of the options.  I will always have them write a note in the planner to you, or I will email it so you know it’s approved.  No weapon-like toys are allowed.  Although we will be careful, please discuss the possibility of loss or damage before allowing an item to join us for the day! The same guidelines apply to extra supplies that are not needed at school. For example, most days students should NOT be bringing glitter pens, watercolor markers, large bulk packs of writing utensils, multiple/very large pencil cases, or other distracting school supplies. Please leave those at home for your child to enjoy and not lose!

What time do children enter your classroom?

• Children can enter the classroom at 7:15, and we begin our school day promptly at 7:35. Please ensure your child is on time every day, so they do not miss any instruction. 

What is the policy for making up missing work due to an absence?

• Your child will be given one school day to make up work for each day he/she was absent. 2 days absent = 2 days to complete work. While sickness can’t be helped and I will try to work with you as the days pass, I can rarely gather work for students leaving on vacation. Many assignments are for class completion grades and build upon lessons being taught. The district requests that all vacations take place during holidays and other days given off.  When your child returns, keep in mind that he/she has a set number of days to complete assignments while lessons in class and work for those lessons will also be expected to be completed.  That is a lot to keep up with!

Can I send in birthday treats for my child’s birthday?  What about invitations?

Yes, you can send birthday treats! If you wish, please send individually wrapped treats, and enough for every student in the class (22-24 is usually a safe number!) Please never send treats with nuts and check with the teacher about any other potential allergies in the classroom!! Please do not send invitations to school unless every child is being invited.

Why does my child have an “M” for a grade?  Will that “M” be changed?!?!

• An M stands for missing.  If your child receives a M on Home Access, this means that the assignment has been graded and your child has not finished, or lost the assignment.  I will work with your child to help them resolve missing assignments, but I want you to be aware when this is taking place.