Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
How long should my child be spending on homework?
Students are expected to complete about 40 minutes of homework nightly. Students should read an AR book each night for 20 minutes. If they have made their goal for the quarter they may read non-AR books. They should also spend about 20 minutes working on other homework for the week.Back to Top
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a program in which students have their reading level assessed and then read books of their choice that are at the appropriate level. After each book students take a test on the computer. Each book is assigned a point value based on its length and difficulty level. Students receive all or part of the points based on how well they do on the test. Each student has a weekly AR goal. These goals will be sent home within the first two weeks of school.Back to Top
Spelling tests are given every Friday in weeks of 4 or more school days.Back to Top
How often are progress reports sent home?
I send home progress reports two times a quarter. The dates are listed in my weekly newsletters and on the online calendar. These will be sent home on those weeks in the Tuesday folder.Back to Top
A behavior note is a form I have created to help keep parents informed about behavioral issues at school. The first time in a day that a student breaks a rule they are reminded and warned. They are asked to move their crocodile one space as a visual reminder. The student will move their crocodile one space each time they break a classroom rule. If the student breaks a rule three times in one day, he/she automatically gets a behavior note telling their parents what happened and the consequences. This form must come back the next day. Students earn Saba Dollars at the end of the week for behavior. The fewer the crocodile crawls, the more money they earn.Back to Top
How can I best contact Mrs. Saba?
There are many ways to contact me. First you may call me at school and leave a message on my voice mail. The number is 790-2236 and my extention is 303. Please understand that I may not be able to return your call until the end of the school day. You may also e-mail me at jysaba@juno.com I try to check my e-mail every day, but I typically do not do it until about 8 p.m. after my children go to bed. Finally, you can send a note to me with your child, but I would use this method as a last resort. The other two methods are the best and will definitely not get lost on my desk.Back to Top
School begins promptly at 7:50 a.m. Any student arriving after that time will be sent to the office to check in. The office keeps track of all tardies. Students coming late to school miss important class time and cause a disruption to the rest of the class. Being to school on time (early is great!) is very important and greatly appreciated.Back to Top
Accelerated Math is a computer-assisted math practice program. Students complete computer-generated worksheets that allow them to practice the math skills taught in class. Each type of math problem is called an objective. For example, adding two fractions is an objective, dividing by a two digit number is an objective, and finding the perimeter of a rectangle is an objective. There are nearly 200 objectives in the third grade library, and students also have access to 200 more objectives in the fourth grade library. Students must get 7 out of 8 problems correct on their practice to be ready for a test on an objective. If they do not, they meet with me to go over any missed problem and the computer gives them more to practice on until they are getting more correct. Students get a test when they have three or more objectives ready to test on.Back to Top
Saba Dollars are my own form of money that the kids earn. They earn the money for everything from behavior to turning in homework to bringing back their Tuesday folder signed. Students may spend their money every other Friday when the class store is open. They may spend all, part, or none of their money. They maintain a savings account to keep any money not spent.Back to Top