Mr. Blackwell's 4th Grade 2009-20010
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are you a strict teacher? This will depend on you and your classmates.
I certainly prefer not to have to be a "strict" teacher. However, I will be
as strict as necessary for us to have a classroom where the very best
learning can take place.
Rewards. Both individual and class excellence will be rewarded in many
ways. Rewards will be for excellence in both academics and behavior or
citizenship.
Examples of rewards:
·Parental contact ·Pizza or popcorn party
·Excellent conduct grade ·Lunch and a movie in class
·Extra recess ·Teacher prizes and awards
·Homework Pass ·More exciting activities
Consequences. Both individual and class misconduct will be addressed as
necessary.
Examples of consequences:
·Parental contact ·Extra assignment(s)
·Lower conduct grade ·Loss of other privileges
·Loss of recess ·A "visit" to Dr. Hamilton
·Sentence writing ("I will not…") ·Fewer exciting activities
Self-management. The type of year we have will depend a lot on you and your
classmates' ability to be good self-managers.
Exmples of what good self-managers do:
·Always try their best
·Follow all directions
·Listen carefully
·Respect themselves and others
·Participate positively to the class
·Talk kindly to everyone and don't tattle
2. What about grading? Work will be graded using the Atlanta Public
Schools grading scale.
3. May I turn work in late? Yes. I understand that sometimes you have so
many things going on that you may not be able to complete all assignments on
time, therefore I will accept work that is turned in late. However, I will
deduct 10 points for EACH day any work is late for any reason other than an
excused absence. Work may not be turned in later than 5 days (-50 points)
late. Any work later than 5 days will be given a zero.
4. How do I make up work if I am absent? You will be responsible for
making up all work missed due to excused or unexcused absences. You will be
assigned a "homework buddy" at the beginning of the year. This individual
will be responsible for letting you know what assignments you missed. You
will be given one day to turn-in work for each day you were absent. For
example, if you were absent Monday and return Tuesday (one day absent), all
work must be turned-in by Wednesday. If you were absent Monday and returned
Wednesday (two days absent), all work must be turned-in by Friday. Work
will be considered late if it is turned-in past the make-up due date. The
same rules apply for work turned in late after this date (10 points per day
late).
5. What if I know I am going to be absent? Work may be requested prior to
known excused absences. I will do my best to provide you with the work that
is planned, but I can't guarantee that I will always be able to do this, nor
can I guarantee that I can include everything the class will be assigned
during your absence. Work will not be provided in advance for prior know
unexcused absences.
6. When will I be counted tardy? You will be counted tardy any time you
arrive after the 8:00 A.M. bell. The only exceptions will be for students
who are riding a bus that is late. Students arriving after 8:00 must obtain
a tardy pass from the office.
7. Pen or pencil? ALL written work will be done in pencil unless you are
told otherwise.
8. Do you count-off for spelling, grammar or punctuation? I will count-off
for spelling, grammar, and punctuation on spelling tests and grammar
activities, as well as the final copies of writing assignments and reports.
I will let you know if I am going to count-off for these things on any other
assignments.
9. Do reports have to be typed? Most reports will be typed/word processed
(double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pitch font). Please let me know if you
do not have a computer and printer at home that you can use.
10. Cursive or print? All spelling tests will be done in cursive. Other
work may be done in print or cursive unless I tell you otherwise.
11. When can I get water or go to the restroom? You will be allowed to
sign out/in two times during the day for individual restroom/water breaks.
Do not sign out during tests, while directions are being given, or at other
times that would not be appropriate. You do not need to ask to use the
restroom unless you have already used your two allowed daily breaks. Just
be sure to sign out.
12. May we celebrate my birthday? Absolutely! All birthday celebrations
will be held on Friday afternoon (1:35 - 1:55) for any student(s) having a
birthday that week unless other arrangements have been made. All parties
will be held outside at the picnic tables if weather permits. Please let me
know a couple of days in advance if you plan to have a class celebration.
13. Snacks? Each day we will take a short break for you to have a healthy
snack. You will need to bring your own snack from home. You are also
encouraged to keep a water bottle at your desk.
14. What can we bring to class? Don't bring anything that might be
dangerous to yourself or others. Don't bring anything that might be
disruptive to learning. If you are not sure if you should bring something or
not, please ASK FIRST.
15. May I chew gum or have candy? Do not bring gum or candy to school.
However, you may get a piece or two as a reward every now and then from the
teacher!
16. What am I allowed to read in class? You may bring any appropriate book
to class for independent reading. You may also select books from the class
or school library. In fact, I will REQUIRE you to keep a book at your desk
at all times for independent reading. Reading material other than books
(comic books, sports and teen magazines for example) must have teacher
approval.
17. Mr. B, are you a "neat freak?" ABSOLUTELY! Organization and neatness
will be required in our classroom. You will maintain a neat and organized
desk and classroom at all times. Being organized will not only help you in
the 4th grade but throughout your life.
18. When will I take things home? You will be assigned a classroom mailbox
by student number. Student work and weekly conduct reports will be taken
home each Monday. Newsletters, information, flyers, and other items will be
taken home each Wednesday. Items requiring parent review/signature should
be returned the following school day.
19. Will I have a student number? Yes. Everyone will be assigned a
student number. You must put your name and student number on all work.
Minus 5 points if you forget after the first 2 weeks of school. We will
also always line up by student number.
20. What about homework? You will almost always have homework Mon -
Thurs. This homework will usually consist of the following:
Math Study Link (from that day's math lesson)
Spelling workbook page(s)
Complete any unfinished work (you will often have unfinished work)
Read at least 20 minutes
You will be required to write down your homework assignments at the end of
each day. Your 'homework buddy' will check to make sure you have written
down your assignments correctly.
21. What's on your teacher web page? My teacher web page can be found at:
http://teacherweb.com/GA/SarahSmith/MrBlackwells4thGrade/index.html
You can also get to it from the school's website. Please check the Recent
Announcements section frequently. I use this section to communicate with
students and parents as a group on a regular basis. You will also find
other helpful areas such as various links and assignment information.
22. What's it like being in a portable classroom? In one word…GREAT! You
will love being in our portable classroom and will soon discover the many
advantages we have over those 'stuck' inside the school building. However,
with these advantages comes one major rule that you MUST follow:
*NEVER CROSS THE PARKING LOT!!!
23. What are your rules about walking in the hallways?
You will learn very quickly that I require SILENCE and a STRAIGHT, orderly
line when moving throughout the school. We will respect other students and
teachers. Our class will set the example of how a class should behave in
the halls.
24. What if I need to contact you? If you ever have a question about your
homework or need to contact me, you (or your parents) may e-mail me:
My4thGradeTeacher@Gmail.com or MyChildsTeacher@Gmail.com, or
jblackwell@Atlanta.k12.ga.us. If you need to get in touch with me
immediately, for something that cannot wait until the next day, you may call
me on my cell phone at (404) 368-1093.
