Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- What is the best way to get in touch with you?
- How will I know how my child is doing daily? (behaviorally)
- How will I know how my child is doing weekly? (academically)
- Will my child have homework?
- When will homework be due?
- How is homework graded?
- How often will I be notified of my child's progress?
- What is your behavior management plan?
- How will my child be rewarded for good behavior?
- How can I help my child to become a better reader?
- I can I help my child achieve success?
What is the best way to get in touch with you?
I am available throughout the day by phone at (941) 426-6371. The
receptionist will connect your call to me before and after school hours.
During school hours, a messege will be taken and I will return your call as
soon as possible. You can also contact me by email for non-urgent questions
and comments at rene_pikula@Sarasota.k12.fl.us. You can also email me
through the Teacher Web site.
How will I know how my child is doing daily? (behaviorally)
The agenda is our daily school to home communication link. I will stamp the
agenda or write a note daily to let you know how your child's day went. If
your child receives a "green apple," then he/she had a great day!
How will I know how my child is doing weekly? (academically)
Every Friday your child will bring home a "Weekly Letter" in place of
his/her agenda. This letter is personally written from me to keep you
abreast of school and classroom events as well as the following weeks
spelling words. Attached to the letter will be all of the "grades" taken
for the week. Please keep all of the weekly letters in a designated folder
at home so you are aware of your child's grades and important dates.
Will my child have homework?
Yes. Homework reinforces concepts learned in the classroom. Your child will
receive a homework folder Mon.-Thurs. For more information, visit the
homework link.
When will homework be due?
Homework should be completed nightly so your child is not overburdened with
too much homework in one night. Ideally, homework should take about 20
minutes (not including nightly reading). The homework chart will keep track
of which assignments are completed. Homework grades will be totaled at the
end of the month according to the chart.
How is homework graded?
In first grade, homework is designed to teach students responsibility and
work ethics. Therefore, I do not "grade" each assignment. However, I do
check for completion and accuracy. When an assignment is completed
satisfactorally, a sticker will be placed on the date of the assignment. At
the end of the month, a percentage will be given to number of assignments
completed. For example: 10/12 assignments completed= 83% Passing. Homework
grades are recorded under "Work Habits" on the report card as either passing
or failing.
How often will I be notified of my child's progress?
Mid-term reports are sent home every four and a
half weeks and report cards go home each quarter (every nine weeks). Feel
free to contact me anytime you have a quesion about your child's progress.
What is your behavior management plan?
I strongly believe that each child is motivated differently. Therefore, I
have a management plan that includes both positive and negative
reinforcement. To visually remind children of their behavior, we have
an "Apple of my Teacher's Eye" chart. On the chart each child has a green
apple with his/her picture on it. Every child starts the day on green
apple. Students will remain on green apple if they continue to have a good
day. Students will have 3 opportunities to stay on green. Once they pass
the 3 warning rule, he/she will change their green apple to yellow. This is
a visual warning to students. If the undesired behaviors continue, then
he/she will change to orange. Orange apple includes a private conversation
with me and a 10 minute immediate time-out. Red apple follows if the above
attempts are not successful. Red apple involves another immediate 10 minute
time-out, call home, and a loss of recess. Because I am extremely cautious
of preserving quality learning time for all students, if a child is
physically rebellious or putting others in harm, a child may be removed for
part or all of the day resulting in a referral. This is the last resort. A
referral would be equivalent to "no" apple since the child is no longer in
class. I am happy to report that due to the effectiveness of my management
system, in the past 8 years; only 2 children have been removed from the
classroom.
How will my child be rewarded for good behavior?
To reinforce good manners daily, students may earn "Gotchas." A gotcha is a
small piece of blue paper that a student signs and places into the "gotcha
bowl." At the end of the week, 4 gotchas are pulled from the bowl and a
surprise reward will be given. The more gotchas a student has in the bowl,
the better chance he/she has of getting the prize. A gotcha can be earned
through completed homework assignments, parent signature on the nightly
agenda, and behaving appropriately in class, hallways, or towards others
showing kindness and good citizenship.
How can I help my child to become a better reader?
Read to and with your child everyday. The more your child is exposed to
language, the easier it will be for him/her to develop and incorporate new
skills in reading and writing into classroom activities.
Help your child to recognize the high frequency vocabulary words for
automaticity. Automatic recall will help your child with reading fluency and
comprehension.
I can I help my child achieve success?
Celebrate your child's success, no mater how small it may seem. This will
help your child become enthusiastic about learning and proud of his or her
work.
Stay involved in your child's education. Engage your child in conversations
about his/her day. Realize that children won't always give out too much
information. Ask questions.