Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions 
of students and parents.

1. How do I pay and check in for lunch?
2. When are Mass, Spanish, Library, Computer, Art, Music, and P.E. classes?
3. What is the best way to get in touch with me?
4. May I send in a birthday treat ?
5. When are Assignment Books/Planners used?
6. What is the grading scale?
7. What are the consequences for positive and negative behavior?

How do I pay and check in for lunch?

Please take care of lunch money through the new Meal Pay Plus 
plan for your convenience.  Check the SMS cafeteria website for 
more information.  Children should check in for lunch with me 
when they first get into the classroom EVERY morning.

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When are Mass, Spanish, Library, Computer, Art, Music, and P.E. classes?

Monday - MUSIC and LIBRARY
Tuesday - COMPUTER
Wednesday - MUSIC
Thursday - GYM and ART
Friday - MASS, SPANISH, and GYM

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What is the best way to get in touch with me?

It is very important that we communicate with each other 
throughout the year.  I might write a note in your child's 
Assignment Book for you.  This is a good place for you to write 
to me, too. Make sure to tell your child to SHOW it to me first 
thing in the morning.  You may also write a note and send it in 
with your child.  I will try to respond within that day.  There 
is the Voice Mail that you can leave a message on. (8246)  You 
may also email me at rmiller@smshp.com    If you ever have a 
question, please let me know.  I will contact you as soon as I 
can.

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May I send in a birthday treat ?

Yes, please be sure to send enough for the whole class, 30 
students.  I encourage non-food treats (bookmarks, pens/pencils, 
pads of paper) as a great way to celebrate. If you choose to send 
in an edible treat, it needs to be packaged so the
ingredients are available to read.   

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When are Assignment Books/Planners used?

All homework assignments are written on the board daily.  Each 
child is expected to write them down in his/her Assignment 
Book/Planner EACH day before leaving the classroom.
During the first week or so of school, please sign the book 
EACH night if the work has been done.  You may have your child 
call the Hotline to double check if she/he wrote everything down 
or not. All homework assignments are an important part of your 
child's education.  We are striving to help your child become 
more independent and responsible for himself/herself this year.  
Please encourage this at home, too.  One way to do this is to 
have your child put her/his things in the backpack for school.  
If something is left at home, your child is responsible to bring 
it to school, NOT YOU!

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What is the grading scale?

Your child is expected to participate in all assignments or 
activities throughout the year.  Report card grades are 
determined by classroom work and homework, tests, quizzes, 
projects, and participation during class time.  I use a 
points system.  The points are totalled at the end of the 
trimester.  The school grading scale is below.
93-100  A - Superior
85-92   B - Very Good
77-84   C - Satisfactory
70-76   D - Below Average
Below 70  F - Failing

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What are the consequences for positive and negative behavior?

***Look for the Responsibility Card on your child's Assignment 
Book/Planner.
There are so many activities going on in our class throughout the 
year.  For everyone to have the best year possible, each child is 
expected to respect others (students, teachers, parents, etc.) 
and to do his/her best work.  Consequences for following 
appropriate behavior, being prepared, working well, or being 
helpful could be stickers, certificates, free time, candy/treat 
occasionally), work displayed, teachers praise, and the 
personal satisfaction of being proud of oneself.  Consequences 
for unacceptable behavior or lack of work are missing part/all of 
recess, notes/calls home, desk by oneself in the room, extra 
work, nonparticipation in an activity, and not learning as much 
as she/he could have.  

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