Classroom Policies

Welcome to fourth grade! As an educator, I am very fortunate to have a new beginning every September with new students who are eager and enthusiastic.  My goal this year, as it is every year, is to do all I can to make your child’s year in 4^th grade a successful one.  Fourth grade is a transition year between the primary grades where students “learn to read” and the upstairs grades where they “read to learn.”  I try to provide a smooth transition and prepare them for the upper grades.  I would like to remind parents what they can do to help their child at school and how to accept new responsibilities.

Homework Policy

Homework is an important educational process.  It provides the parents with an opportunity to review and identify the learning experiences their children have during the week. It also gives each student time to independently review the lessons that were taught that day in school.   Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday and is due the following day except when noted (reading and writing assignments, unit spelling homework, spelling take-home tasks, book reports, projects, vocabulary, states/capitals etc).  It is expected to be not only handed in on time, but to be done neatly and on appropriate paper.  Parental assistance is encouraged, but please do not do their homework with them or for them.  Give guidance only if they need it.  If you do help them, please make sure that they understand the assigned concept/skill so that they will be able to successfully reproduce that same work, be able to explain the homework and will be prepared for assessments.

In addition to this homework schedule, on-going projects and book reports may be assigned.  Homework assignments should take no longer than the recommended time as quoted in the handbook (45 – 60 minutes daily).  I need to know if your child is spending more than the allotted time on homework assignments.  Write a note in your child’s planner, on the assignment, or send me an email to let me know.

Homework is assigned at 2:15.  If your child is dismissed early and homework has not yet been assigned, it is their responsibility to check the homework board when they return to school, check with their homework buddy, or check the website.  The assignments will be due the day after they return. 

If your child is sick, it is best to wait until they are feeling better to complete the assignments.  As noted in the handbook, it is the student’s responsibility to check the homework board or with their homework buddy in order to find out what homework and class work needs to be made up.  Credit will be given for assignments made up and handed in.  If it is absolutely necessary to have your child’s homework on a particular day please refer to the policy as written in the handbook.

At Home Study Skills

As we travel across the United States in social studies studying the different regions, we will be learning the states and their capitals.  As we study each region of the United States students will get a map outline of that area, we will fill in the states, capitals and the postal abbreviations for each state together.  Each day, during social studies, we review the states/capitals on the map and the outlines of each state.  We practice the spelling and the postal abbreviations.  The children are always very enthusiastic about this activity.  They need to make this review part of their homework from the day the states are assigned until the test is given.  Please make sure they spend about 5 – 10 minutes daily reviewing this material in addition to their regular homework.  Regions that have only a few states will naturally require less time.

Vocabulary words from our reading selections are also to be studied daily.  Every Monday (on full weeks only) we spend 45 minutes defining the selected vocabulary words.  We talk about the parts of speech, root words, word forms, multiple meanings, synonyms, how the words can be used in a sentence and how to spell the word.  These words should be recorded in their vocabulary notebook.  They are given a practice sheet every Tuesday that they can take home and use as a study guide.  On Thursday night their homework will include a workbook page that serves as a review before the quiz on Friday.  Part of their homework Monday through Thursday should include a 5 minute review of these words in order to be prepared.

Math homework should take no longer than 20 -25 minutes.  If your child is not able to finish in 20 minutes, please just put a note on the homework stating that your child worked for the allotted time and was not able to finish. If you help your child with homework, please make sure they understand the process/concept/skill so that they are prepared to answer questions about the assignment, can explain their answers as well as know the material and be prepared for a test or quiz.

Review worksheets and study guides in social studies, language arts and science will also be assigned.  Long term book reports and projects that are occasionally assigned will require time management also.  All tests material will be reviewed in school for a day or two prior to the test.  Extra credit assignments are above and beyond the regular homework guidelines.  Homework should be 45-60 minutes Monday through Thursday. 

Grading Policy

All work that is turned in and graded is weighted equally.  This includes school work, tests, quizzes, classwork, projects, oral reports, homework, etc.  I feel this is a fair policy for grade 4 as major tests are not meant to be stressful situations.  I believe the work a child turns in daily is equally important.  Students should always be doing their best.  Class participation is expected.  Parents will be notified if homework and school assignments are not passed in on time.  I like to give 4^th graders some time to get used to the routine without consequence - the grace period will end October 1^st.  Considerations are given for absences etc.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to let me know.

Report Cards
Grade 4 will get three report cards each year.  In between each report card, 4th graders also receive a progress report which will let you know how your child is doing mid-trimester.  Your child will receive letter grades for all content area subjects as well as mastery skills.  You will receive a paper copy sent homwe with your child and you will also be able to access the grades , individual assignments, and any comments for that assignment for a short period after report cards are issued.  I encourage all parents to look online as it will give you more information for each assignment in all content areas. If you have any concerns or questions at report card time or at any other time during the schol year, please contact me for a parent-teacher meeting, a  phone call, or email or whatever works best before you. I am available before and after school everyday.

Vacations During School

As stated in the St Mary’s handbook, vacations during school are not encouraged.  I realize that family vacation time is very important but missed school time is invaluable and never able to be made up.  Work is not given to a child prior to a vacation.  All school assignments will be held for the student and a fair amount of time will be given to the student to complete and return the homework/schoolwork.  Please refer to the handbook for the school policy.

Discipline and Consequences

Students are expected to act appropriately at all times.  All parents should review the school rules and appropriate school behaviors as outlined in the handbook.  We, as a class talked about rules and wrote the rules for the classroom.  Minor and major offenses have consequences that depend on the nature of the offense.  Reprimands, apologies, handshakes, loss of recess, notes home, being sent to the principal’s office along with calls home are all consequences for not following the rules.  Disruptive and disturbing behavior will also have consequences that depend on the severity of the incident.  Fairness is always of importance.

Celebrating Birthdays

Each student will have the opportunity to celebrate his or her birthday during the school year. Students with summer birthdays may choose any time during the year to celebrate.  If your child’s birthday falls on a weekend or during a school vacation, you may choose a date during the next week or whatever is convenient for you.  The birthday boy/girl usually brings in a treat for the class and it is distributed during lunch.  Please pay careful attention to birthday treats in regards to food allergies.  Please refer to the Life Threatening Food Allergy protocol as outlined in the handbook.  I strongly recommend non-food items for birthday treats as a safeguard.   Please let me know when your child will be celebrating his/her birthday so that the treat can be approved ahead of time and this will also insure that only one child celebrates their birthday on any given day.  According to the handbook, 24-48 hours notice must be given to the classroom teacher before a treat can be sent in so that the treat can be approved.  If birthday invitations are placed in mailboxes at school all girls and/or all boys must be included. Also, the birthday student is granted an “Out Of Uniform” day.