FAQs

Q: Why don't you team teach any more?

A: We team taught for many years and it was very successful.  However this year DoDEA wanted classrooms standardized.  Everyone now teaches in self-contained classrooms.  

​Q: How can I best help my child this year?

A: The best thing you can do is be super positive and encouraging.  Children will live up to expectations. Check your child's agenda weekly and make sure he or she is keeping up on homework and reading.  Contact your teacher with any concerns.  Together as a team we will work to make sure your child succeeds. 

Q: I didn't learn this math when I was a kid in school, how can I help my child?

A: No problem.  For each lesson there is a video.  You can watch the lesson with your child to help him or her understand.  We will do the same problems in class.  

Q: Are there worksheet packs for homework?

A:  Every Monday we send home a yellow copy of the Friday Quiz.  Students should bring it back on Friday.    There is little other paper homework as most of it is online.  The online work has its advantages in that students can get immediate feedback and tutorial help as they go.  In the past a student could do an entire page of homework incorrectly and not know until the next day.  Now they find out if they are right or wrong immediately and, if needed, get help immediately.  

Q: Why don't I see a lot of graded school work coming home?

A: As school work becomes more technology based and project based there is less paper and pencil work to send home.  Rest assured your child is working like crazy at school, but the end result is no longer a worksheet.  It could be a project, a speech, a video, a poster, or sometimes it is just a discussion with the teacher.  Also, in order to help keep the kids organized we keep their writing in a journal, their math in workbook, and their projects in a portfolio.  We will show you this at conference time and your child will bring it all home at the end of the year. 

Q: How long should homework take?

A:  Not long! Homework should take about 20 minutes a night.   If it is taking longer than that, you have my permission to stop the homework and just write me a short note in your child's agenda.   Each night there will be a short math assignment, vocabulary,  and some reading of your child's choice before bed.  Reading may take longer. 

Q: Do you have weekly spelling tests?

A: No.  We work with the spelling words, but do not have spelling tests.   Instead, we work intensively on content vocabulary, and you will see these vocabulary words written in your child's agenda every Monday.   Each week your child will get twenty new vocabulary words which we will work with in class throughout the week.   On Fridays the kids will have an "open agenda" quiz.    There is no need to memorize the spelling of these words.    We take care of this in the classroom.  However, if you feel strongly about spelling, your child can use the spelling feature on Quizlet.  The weekly vocabulary words can be found here: Quizlet.

Q: What can we work on at home?

A:  The most important thing you can do at home is help your child learn the basic multiplication facts cold.  This is essential for all math for the rest of the year.  Aside from this, make sure your child is reading on a regular basis. 

Q: How will I know what is happening in school?

A: Every Monday we will send home a "Monday Message".  The school as a whole will send home a Parent Newsletter every other week. Most of the school information will be in this newsletter. Please watch your child's agenda.  We will have students copy down important information.  

Q:  Is there extra help for homework?

A:  Yes, most years there is an after-school homework club.  Please watch for information in the Parent Newsletter.

Q: Are there opportunities to volunteer?

A: Maybe. We have big classes this year.  We Usually need help with the centers in the classroom.  The school is always in need of volunteers. The library would really appreciate help on a weekly or daily basis.  We will also need volunteers for field trips and special events. Every family is encouraged to joint he PTSA.  More info. later.

Q: Is there more challenging math?

A: Yes, after the year begins we will watch for students who need a greater challenge.  We have math resources available through the middle school years.   Every fourth grade student is required to do fourth grade math, but some may get higher math as well.   However, students will not be sent on to 5th grade math.   

Q: What is a Lexile?

A: A Lexile is a reading level.  Your child will take a test that will measure his or her reading ability. Most beginning 4th graders have a Lexile range of between 500-900.  Most every book in the library has a Lexile range as well.  The goal is to match the child to the correct book so that your child is reading a book that is appropriate for his or her reading level. Students should not read more than 100 points below their Lexile.  By the end of the year, many students will have a Lexile over 1,000. 

Q:  Should I watch Aspen grades?

A:  Yes, you can  watch Aspen this year.  Yes, we will enter scores there, but since this is the first year with letter grades, we will adjust the scores in the end to match a child's achievement, effort and attitude.  Grades will not be strictly determined by numbers.  That will come later in higher grades.  Watch for the Friday Quizzes sent home on most Tuesdays. 

Q: What if we are going on vacation?  

A: If you are going on vacation we will not send along extra work. We will however make sure your child makes up only essential missing work upon return. We can tell you the future topics we will be covering, but the daily and weekly work is always changing based on student understanding.  It is hard to predict what your child will miss. Vocabulary and math can be done online. 

Q: Will my child have recess daily?

A: Yes, students will have outside recess almost every day, except in extreme weather conditions.  Please make sure your child is dressed correctly for the weather of the day. 

Q: Do you differentiate instruction for gifted students?

A:  Yes, we work closely with the gifted teacher to differentiate for gifted students.  

Q: What supplies do I need?

A: Check out the following link.  Shop early at the BX, as things run out quickly.  The big thing is to make sure you get composition notebooks.    Here is the full list: http://landstuhl4.weebly.com/supplies.html

​Q:  Can I bring a snack to school?

A:  Yes, we do have a short snack time mid-morning.   Make sure your snack is healthy, and don't bring anything high in fat, sugar, or salt.  No chocolate.  No soft drinks.  No dessert items.  Nothing sticky.  Nothing that will spill.  Keep it dry, quick, and healthy.   Bon Appetit!

Q:  How long should homework take?

A:  Homework should take about 20 minutes.  You will also need to read before bed each night.... get a flashlight and pretend you are in a tent under your covers!  It is fun!  

Q:  What after school activities are there at LEMS?

A:  It changes each year, but in the past we have had Running Club,  Outdoor Club, Chess Club, Technology Club, Homework Club, and others.  Watch for information weekly in the Parent Newsletter.  Join a club!  This may be restricted due to COVID. 

Q: Are there any field trips?

A: Maybe. In the fall we usually do a walking trip of Landstuhl. In the winter we do a bus trip to the Mannheim Planetarium.  In the spring we might do another trip.  A lot of it depends on the money we have.  Remember your manners on all field trips! 

Q: How many library books can I check out?

A: You are usually allowed three books, but our librarian is pretty nice, and she may allow more if you talk to her.  It is your job to keep track of your books.  Turn them in on time so others can use them.  You may check out one graphic novel with each chapter book. 

Q: Will we have any parties?

A: Parties?  Probably not.  We do have times when we have treats, such as holidays, birthdays, and at the end of a quarter.  We try to make events at school educational and use our time wisely.  Don't worry, you will still have fun!

Q: Will I have to sit at the same desk all year?

A: No, in general we switch seats and groups every quarter.  The teacher may switch you for other reasons at various times.  By the end of the year you will have sat next to almost everyone!

Q: What if I don't like someone in the class, or if they don't like me?

A:  Getting along with others is part of your education.  You have to learn to work with others who don't think like you.  You will have to sometimes work with kids who are not your favorite, but you will get through it, and you might even become friends!  

Q: What if I am being bullied or teased?

A:  Let your teacher know what is happening.  We will help you work through this.  It may also be helpful to talk to the school counselor.  We will address the issue and find out what is happening.  You are a part of this class and you belong here.  Nobody should be bothering you, and you should not bother anyone.  We take this seriously. 

Q: Can I pass out birthday invitations in class?

A: Only if you pass them out to everyone.  If you are just inviting your friends, please do this on your own time.  Imagine how you would feel if you didn't get an invitation!  If you bring class treats we pass them out after recess. 

Q: Can I join games on the playground during recess?

A:  Yes, we have a "no exclusion" policy.  You belong to this class, and you may do anything that this class is doing.  There are no "closed" games.  In the same respect, if someone asks to play with you, the answer is always "yes". 

Q:  Can I have a treat?  Can I have a Freeze Pop?  Can I have some candy?

A:  If you ask, then the answer is always "no".  The teacher may give you things, but never ask. That is just good manners. 

Q: Do I get a locker this year?

A: Yes, each child will get a locker.  You may not use a lock on it, so keep your valuables at home. 

Q: Can I have a water bottle in class?

A: You must have a water bottle with a tight lid, but you may not have it at your desk. We have had too many accidents and ruined too many materials over the years.  You may keep your bottle on a shelf, or in the back of the room.  You may use the water fountain any time your teacher is not teaching.

Q: Can I bring electronics to school?

A: No, except on long field trips.  On a daily basis, leave your electronics at home.  We may allow exceptions for e-readers, like a Kindle or Nook. We also have exceptions for students who want to practice their multiplication facts on a tablet. The other electronics you can play on the weekend!

Q:  How are my grades made up?

A:  Your grades are based on classwork, quizzes, and homework.  Homework is only worth a small number of points, but quizzes and projects are worth a lot.  

Q:  What is on the Friday Quiz this week?

A:  Click on the "Monday Message" above.  We post the quiz every week on Monday.  You can peek!  You can even print out the quiz and practice it at home!   We want you to get super good grades.  Do it!

Q: What if I am absent on Friday and miss a quiz?

A: No problem.  We do not make absent students make up the Friday Quiz, as they would just miss something else while taking it.  We trust your parents kept you home for a good reason.  Do well on the next quiz, okay?