Helpful Hints

Welcome! I am so glad to have your child in my class.

Here are a few Helpful Hints to make this the best year possible.

1. Watch for a monthly newsletter with information about curriculum and upcoming events.

2. Send a written excuse if your child is absent.

3. Send a written note if your child will be going home a different

way than usual. Include the date and the teacher's name on the note.

4. Put any money (or checks) for lunch, etc. in an envelope or

ziplock bag with your child's name on it.

5. Provide your child with a healthy snack every day.

7. We go out for recess every day weather permitting. Children should dress for the weather. (Hat coat, gloves) Often a hooded sweatshirt is not warm enough.

6. Homework. Your child is responsible for writing daily assignments in his/her agenda. I initial the agenda daily and ask that you do the same. Your child should expect 30 - 45 minutes of homework per night Monday through Thursday. Students may wish to work on long term projects at any time. Let me know if homework is taking your child an unusually long time on a regular basis.

Not sure of an assignment? Click the homework link to check.

7. Look for VIP papers every Friday along with fliers and notices. Please review your child's work and sign the cover note. The packet is due back on Monday.

8. Birthdays are special. You may send in individually wrapped treats for the class to celebrate. Children with summer birthdays will celebrate on their half birthday.

9. Conferences are scheduled in October. However, feel free to contact me at any time if you would like to talk about your child's progress or any concerns you might have.

10. Behavior - We have a delta system in our class. If a child breaks one of our 4 basic classroom rules, it will be noted in their agenda. Missing assignments are also noted in the agenda. In addition, we have a mini-economy system. Each student has a specific classroom job and gets paid monthly. They also have monthly expenses. The class can earn bonuses for good behavior and fines when poor choices are made.

Auction - Three times a year we hold an auction of dollar store items that have been donated by parents. The children have a chance to spend their mini-economy money and it is great fun for all.

11. Help your child get to school on time each day. A late start really frazzles students.

12. Finally, we are all partners in your child's education. Please keep me informed of anything that may affect your son or daughter at school. Sometimes children are reluctant to tell the teacher something is bothering them, but they fall apart at home. I want this to be a happy productive 5th grade year for them and will help them in any way I can.