School Arrival & Dismissal

The tardy bell rings at 8:35 AM, but we encourage you to have your child here at 8:25 AM. Remember, students are not allowed into the classrooms until 8:25 AM. The dismissal bell rings at 3:35 PM. 

Class Rotations

The fourth grade will be departmentalizing and differentiating this year.  Mrs. Henry will teach social studies, and Mrs. Becker will teach science. We will differentiate for reading and math.

Planners

Your child will bring home his/her school-provided planner each day.  Students should write legibly. The work that is due the next day should be highlighted.  Please help your child develop responsible study habits.  You need to check and sign the planner weekly to monitor progress and ensure that assignments have been completed.

Homework

Daily assignments not completed at school should be finished by the student at home and turned in the following morning.  Please help your child remember to complete homework.  Students should complete their assignments with minimal guidance and assistance from you. Fourth grade is a transition year, and homework will be given regularly to prepare students for 5^th grade and middle school.  Research shows that an adequate amount of homework for students is 10 minutes times the grade level.  If your child is continually doing more than 40 minutes of homework a night (without distractions), ask him/her to stop.  A brief note explaining the circumstance would be appreciated.

Friday Folders

Friday folders will contain graded work as well as notices from the office.  Sometimes papers will need to be sent home during the week to help students study or to communicate upcoming events. 

Recess

Fourth grade students will have a 20-minute recess every day.  This time is valuable for students to exercise and play with friends. Losing recess will not be used as a consequence for behavior or missing homework. 

Teacher Planning Times

Fourth grade teacher planning time is from 2:15-2:55 every day.  Please call the office at 218-4830 and ask for the teacher’s voice mail or email your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns.  We will contact you as soon as possible.

Student Supplies

Check with your student often to replenish needed supplies.

Snacks

Students are allowed to bring healthy snacks to eat at the appropriate time.  Water bottles may be kept on desks throughout the day. 

Birthdays

Students may bring treats for birthdays.  Please contact the teacher ahead of time. Make sure the treat is already cut (if necessary).  Napkins, plates, cutlery, etc. will also need to be provided.  For home birthday parties, please mail invitations rather than having your child pass them out at school.  This prevents hurt feelings of kids who were not invited.

Accelerated Reader  (A.R.)

The students will be participating in the Accelerated Reader Program this year. Students will set quarterly reading goals and incentives will be put into place to encourage success.

Volunteers

We appreciate classroom volunteers.  If you are interested in helping in the classroom please let the teacher know the days and times that will work for you.  The classroom teacher will contact you as needed.

Positive Incentives

We use “Fabulous Attitude & Behavior” cards, also known as “FAB” cards on students’ desks. At random times during the day students are given the opportunity to earn a punch on the card. After a certain number of punches the students may redeem their card for a reward. A marble jar is a class incentive. Marbles are given if the class as a whole deserves them but they can be taken away as needed. Once they earn a certain amount of marbles, the class will earn a reward.

The conduct cards will be used to recognize positive behaviors and work habits. Guidelines for the conduct cards will also apply during CAMP, the library, and in the lunchroom.

If a student neglects responsibility (i.e. homework, unprepared for class, etc.), he or she will receive a punch on the “R” box (responsibility).  Misbehavior will result in a punch on the “B” box (behavior).  On the back of the card, the teacher/student will document the reason for receiving the mark.  Cards will be stored in a pocket in the student’s planner and parents are asked to sign the card at the end of the week for the teacher to review on Monday. Students will receive a new card every week.

We will be working together to promote positive attitudes, behaviors and responsibilities.  A “reward” activity will be provided each Friday for students who have had a successful week.  Please refer to the consequences listed below.

If you have any questions regarding the discipline policy, please notify your student’s classroom teacher.