Diamond Ridge
Elementary 4th Grade Disclosure
2016-2017
School Year
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome back to another school year. I am looking forward to a successful year
with your student. To help your student adjust to fourth grade, I have enclosed
our policies and expectations. If you have any questions
please feel free to contact me by phone 385-646-4858, text 801-673-1892, or
email: jmmillet1@graniteschools.org
Accelerated
Reader:
At Diamond Ridge Elementary we use a reading program called Accelerated Reader. Students take a short computer test to evaluate their reading level at the beginning of each quarter. They are then encouraged to read books based upon their reading level. Each book is assigned a point value which can be earned by taking a short 5-10 question recall quiz after finishing the book. Together, we create a goal for how many points each student would like to reach each quarter. Students who achieve their AR goal will be invited to participate in an AR party at the end of the quarter. To achieve their goal students should be reading and passing quizzes on about two books a week.
At Diamond Ridge Elementary we use a reading program called Accelerated Reader. Students take a short computer test to evaluate their reading level at the beginning of each quarter. They are then encouraged to read books based upon their reading level. Each book is assigned a point value which can be earned by taking a short 5-10 question recall quiz after finishing the book. Together, we create a goal for how many points each student would like to reach each quarter. Students who achieve their AR goal will be invited to participate in an AR party at the end of the quarter. To achieve their goal students should be reading and passing quizzes on about two books a week.
Attendance:
Attendance at school is VERY important. Please only take your child out of school if absolutely necessary. Prior notice of at least one week should be given for planned absences. All make up work for any absence will be due one week after coming back to school. Attendance is especially important in the months of April-May and I encourage parents to plan all vacations for spring break and/or the summer months.
Attendance at school is VERY important. Please only take your child out of school if absolutely necessary. Prior notice of at least one week should be given for planned absences. All make up work for any absence will be due one week after coming back to school. Attendance is especially important in the months of April-May and I encourage parents to plan all vacations for spring break and/or the summer months.
Discipline Policy and Expected Behavior:
Our classroom uses a “clip” system in which students move their clip up or down based upon behavior. Rewards will be given for positive behavior and consequences given for negative behavior. Students will receive one verbal warning if an infraction occurs. The next time they will move their clip down as a 2nd warning. If they are asked to move their clip down again they will miss recess and if a fourth occurrence happens a note will be sent home. For serious infractions your student may also be given a white slip (see Diamond Ridge handbook for details). More than one white slip will result in further disciplinary action involving the principal, behavior specialist and school counselor.
Grading:
Students will be graded based upon concept mastery. Assessments and tests will contribute to a large percentage of grades, however, responsibility, neatness and effort will also contribute. Class time will be given to complete most assignments. I will work to update gradebook weekly. Please check gradebook regularly to stay up to date on your student’s performance. All late work must be turned in within one week of when the assignment was given or half credit will be award.
Fourth grade is a wonderful year of transition. It is a year in which students should begin to understand the importance of their grades and take responsibility for their success. Please help your child monitor their own progress and understanding and feel pride in their accomplishments.
Students will be graded based upon concept mastery. Assessments and tests will contribute to a large percentage of grades, however, responsibility, neatness and effort will also contribute. Class time will be given to complete most assignments. I will work to update gradebook weekly. Please check gradebook regularly to stay up to date on your student’s performance. All late work must be turned in within one week of when the assignment was given or half credit will be award.
Fourth grade is a wonderful year of transition. It is a year in which students should begin to understand the importance of their grades and take responsibility for their success. Please help your child monitor their own progress and understanding and feel pride in their accomplishments.
Homework:
Per
NEA guidelines, 4th grade homework should take a maximum of 40
minutes each day. I believe family time is valuable and homework should not
place an undue burden on families. Therefore, the only regular homework
required of your student will be:
·
20 minutes of
reading each night
·
review of math facts
and spelling words
·
math problem of the
day
·
10 minutes of typing
practice weekly
Because
most of the homework is based upon the honor system, I rely upon parents to
help their child take responsibility for the nightly reading and math problem
as well as weekly typing practice and math fact/spelling word review.
I
highly encourage reading to be done together so you can see how your child is
progressing. This can include reading as a family, reading aloud to a sibling
etc. Accelerated Reader books on their level are highly encouraged!
Spelling
words and math facts should be practiced based upon student needs. It may take
the form of verbal review, phone or computer apps, writing on paper, etc.
Accountability will be based upon parent signatures and progress made in class
each week.
The
problem of the day will be a review of what we learned that day in math class.
It should provide you an opportunity to see how your student is understanding
the math concepts. We will go over it as a class the next day to clarify
misunderstandings.
Because
of the prevalence of technology in our lives, students need to develop typing
skills early on. Students should log on to typing.com with their 9 number and
the password School1 and practice for a minimum of 10 minutes a week. I will
then be able to check their progress online.
Occasionally
students will also receive a larger project with advanced notice. If it is felt
a student could benefit from additional practice worksheets or online practice
suggestions, this may also be given.
Homework
should be completed by the child, however, parent involvement in helping with
homework is encouraged. The purpose of all homework is to provide a home-school
connection and I appreciate parents to talk with their child about school and
evaluate their progress through conversations. Parents are also always welcome
to work with your child on concepts they are struggling with one-on-one.
Homework
folders will be provided for each student. Please clean out the left pocket
each night and review any important information. If a homework folder is lost
or damaged, parents will be required to provide a replacement.
Schedule:
Your
child will interact and learn from all of the teachers on the fourth grade team
throughout the year: Miss Jen, Miss Leigh, and Mrs. Gardner teach the regular 4th
grade classes and Mrs. Smith and Mme Guyon teach the French split classes. In
Language Arts your child will spend one hour each day working with other
students in 4th grade and various teachers. This is done to ensure
the needs of each child are being met. Your child may also spend some time in
different classrooms for math centers or other special projects. All
communication can be made through me, however, please know the entire fourth
grade team views your child as their student and we will be working together to
help them learn and grow.
ST Math
Our school has access to a wonderful online math game
called ST math which focuses on helping students practice problem solving
skills and review 4th grade math concepts. Although it will not be a
regular part of homework, students are encouraged to play ST math at home.
Students can log in stmath.com with their own picture password and by clicking
the homework button access the current games. Students should achieve 25%
completion each quarter.
S.T.A.R. (Students Taking
Academic Responsibility) Contracts:
STAR Contracts are used to help teachers,
parents and students stay organized and informed of all homework assignments,
behavioral notes, and/or special reminders. At the end of each school day the
students will fill out the correct information. That evening they are expected
to use the contract to prepare for the next day. Parents should review the STAR
contract each evening and sign or initial at the bottom of each day. STAR
contracts will be checked regularly to ensure they are being used correctly and
parents are looking at them each evening. Prizes will be given for students who
have all the information filled in neatly and have a parent signature.
.
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