Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much homework will my child have?
2. What is AR? How is it used in the classroom?
3. What is AM?
4. What is the best time to contact the teacher?
5. What time is break/recess?
6. What time is lunch?
7. How will I know what is going on in the classroom?

How much homework will my child have?

Students will have homework each night (Monday-Thursday).  Students are 
expected to read between 20-30 minutes nightly and have their planners 
signed by a parent to indicate the reading was completed.  There will also 
be spelling work.  In addition, students will be given a weekly math packet 
and a weekly reading sheet.  Both will be given out 
on Monday and are due on Friday of that week. They both will count as a 
grade. There will also be spelling assignments.

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What is AR? How is it used in the classroom?

AR is short for Accelerated Reader.  It is a supplemental reading program 
where students select library books in their reading zones (levels) and take 
tests.  Students may also take tests on read alouds and books we've read in 
class.  After assessing the students reading level (with a STAR Reading 
test), the student and I will sit down and assign a reasonable point goal 
for the 9 weeks.  That goal can be adjusted, if needed, throughout the 
grading period.  Students must maintain an 85% accuracy on all tests to meet 
their goal.  At the end of the 9 weeks, students who meet their reading 
goals will receive a small reward.  AR does not factor into a student's 
reading grade.

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What is AM?

AM stands for Accelerated Math.  It is an individualized, supplemental math 
program.  Students work on practice problems and take tests on assigned 
objectives.  Like AR, I set AM goals at the beginning of each grading 
period.  Students must maintain 80% on all tests to "master" an objective.  
Again, students who meet their AM goals are rewarded at the end of the nine 
weeks.  Like AR, AM does not factor into a student's math grade.

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What is the best time to contact the teacher?

Email is perhaps the quickest way to contact me.  I check my email 
frequently throughout the day.  You can also leave a voice mail.  I return 
phone calls during my planning time.  I am also at school each day until 
about 3:30pm.

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What time is break/recess?

Students will take a 30-minute break at 10:30am.  This is a time where 
students can eat their morning snack and participate in organized activities 
(soccer, basketball, kickball,  walking, 4-square, etc.)with other 4th 
graders.  Flip-flops are not allowed on the playground.  Please send in a 
healthy snack.  Since we eat a late lunch, a snack is essential in keeping 
students attuned to learning and not a growling stomach.

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What time is lunch?

12:40

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How will I know what is going on in the classroom?

Each week I will send home a newsletter-- "Johnson's Journal".  It contains 
important dates, what topics we're covering in class, and other important 
notices.  You can receive a hard-copy of the newsletter or electronic 
version via email. I also update my website several times during the week.

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