My thoughts about homework: in 4th grade, practicing homework skills means practicing skills and responsibility. In the past, when I've given a lot of homework, many students could not be successful with either. I try to give the right amount of homework to help all students become as successful as possible. If you feel like your student needs more homework, it is up to you to provide this work. My suggestion is, however, that you have them work on Khan Academy (they have their Google usernames and passwords), have them complete extra practice in their textbooks, work on independent reading, or there are lots of websites out there that can help too. Please keep in mind, though, that homework will increase as the year progresses, and there will occasionally be assigned reading or writing assignments which may take some time to complete at home as well. 

Since students are practicing skills when doing homework, please help them by giving them a quiet place (study space) to do their work.  If they have any questions, please help them to find the solutions to the problems by assisting them to solve problems on their own. Please do not do their work for them. 

Start of the Day 

Students are not permitted on campus before 7:50 a.m. UNLESS they attend a before school program, because there is no supervision on campus before that time. For their own safety, once the campus has been opened, they need to proceed to their classroom. They should be in their seat in class by 8:10 am.  They will be tardy if not in their seat in the classroom by 8:10. Students are expected to be on their game the minute they arrive on campus.   

Class Description of Duties

Count Lunch - Gives the command, "Remain standing if you are getting a hot lunch," and counts standing students. Then the count is given to Mr. Carlson to email to the Food Services department.  

Office Runner - Takes and picks up any materials to or from the office, as needed. May Also deliver materials to other classrooms.  

Secretary - Helps With managerial stuff as well as answering the phone. 

Librarian - Keeps the class library organized. Every time that the library has misplaced / out-of-place materials, this job begins. The librarian also keeps the shelves clean.  

Animal Keeper - Feeds the animals (if any) and makes sure the water level of the aquariums are at the proper levels, if applicable.

Recycler - Takes the recyclables down to the appropriate area for dumping. Makes sure to sort and place in the appropriate containers.   

Substitute - Takes the duty of any student not present to perform their duty.   

Classwork Policy

All classwork needs to be completed in class.  If a student makes the choice to not complete it in class, it is to go home as work-for homework that night. If it is not completed for homework and turned in when collected with homework, it is considered late and will be completed by the student during recess, lunch recess, or after-school. When the work is late it can impact their grade significantly. 

Homework Policy

The Pleasant Valley School District recommends that students in the 4th grade complete 40 minutes of homework (not including independent reading) each evening, Monday-Friday. THEREFORE, Room B-15 students should spend around 15 minutes on math, and 25 minutes on science, social studies, language arts, or another assigned activity. Sometimes, however, there are may be more complex assignments, and the whole time will be needed for one assignment. I will do my best to convey to the students when this is the case.

In addition to homework, but not counted as homework, 30 minutes of independent reading is required each evening Monday-Friday as well. The students can use this time for their required reading that is counted in the subject of Reading. I recommend that they read non-fiction books or larger fiction chapter books to better advance their reading skills.      

Got Classroom Support?

I will be creating an Amazon Wish List in hopes that our dreams can be brought to life with your support. Please consider donating if you have the means.     

In the meantime, our class runs a yearly penny drive. I ask that students bring in pennies that they find and deposit them into our penny receptacle (big blue bucket). The money raised will support our classroom in numerous ways such as: supporting the purchase of materials for our families in need, supporting the purchase of materials used in classroom functioning, supporting the school community, supporting technology and its integration in class, and the list goes on. If there is any money left unused at the end of the school year it will be donated to local charities.

Another way to support our classroom is by purchasing books and items through our Scholastic Book Clubs. Please look for our monthly book orders sent home with students, look them over, and make even a small selection. Every purchase helps contribute to classroom functioning. 

Click here for book order information!