Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
How will I be informed of my child's grades and progress ?
Progress reports will be sent home with your child every 4 1/2 weeks documenting his/her scores in each area. This allows you to see the progress that is being made in each subject area, as well as indicating any area that your child may be struggling in. Your child will also receive a report card every nine weeks that will provide scores in reading, spelling, language arts, math, science, and social studies. The report card will also identify your child's attendance, and it will indicate any behavior concerns within the regular classroom, special classes such as music, art, library, etc., hallway, and cafeteria. I will also send home notes as needed.Back to Top
How will my child be graded in reading ?
Throughout each nine weeks, your child will complete many formal and informal assessments that will help determine his or her grade. Each week, your child will complete a weekly test over the reading selection and the targeted skills for the week. Your child will also receive weekly grades for review assignments, skill pages, comprehension quizzes, and fresh read quizzes. Your child will also complete unit reading tests after each unit of study and an end of the year test. Our county policy mandates that extra credit assignments are not allowed in reading.Back to Top
How will my child be scored in Spelling and Language Arts ?
There will be a new set of spelling words weekly with each new story that focuses on a specific spelling skill. To begin with, there will be regular spelling words and challenge words. Weekly tests will be given on Friday. Points are not deducted for misspelling the challenge word. One challenge word, however, will be selected for the test that can gain the student an extra point added onto their final score for a total of 101 possible points on each test. Throughout each week, students will also be graded on spelling definitions, spelling sentences, practice pages, and a definition quiz. Spelling sentences will be graded for content, subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and capitalization. Language Arts scores come from weekly skill tests, unit tests, writing grades, and a daily scores taken at least 2-3 times per week on class work. Mid-year and end of the year tests are also given.Back to Top
What about Science and Social Studies grades ?
Science grades will be determined by daily grades taken on class work, projects, and chapter tests. This year some grades will also be taken from a science notebook that your child will keep during school. Social Studies grades will be determined by weekly quizzes, chapter tests, projects, and daily grades on class work.Back to Top
How do you determine Math grades ?
Math grades will be determined by homework grades, projects, and weekly skill tests. Students will also be required to keep a Math notebook that should be very beneficial when studying.Back to Top
Will there be other assignments throughout the year ?
Your child will have homework. I will try to keep it as minimal as possible. However, it is very important that they complete this homework not only because they will receive a grade for it but also because they need the extra practice on these new skills to learn them adequately. At times, your child may also be asked to complete projects in the classroom and at home. It is very important that they complete these projects for the very same reasons as above. I will let you know ahead of time and I can loan items from the classroom to be used at home to complete these projects if needed. However, you should keep extra supplies at home to make completing projects and homework easier for you and your child.Back to Top
What if my child misses a test or other grade ?
We are only required to allow graded makeup tests and assignments if your child has an excused abscence, which means they have a doctor's statement. Please do not make abscences or tardies (both coming in late or leaving early) a habit, especially on testing days. It is very disruptive to your child's education. The teacher will use his/her discretion.Back to Top
How will the teacher communicate with me ?
Please check your child's backpack daily for communication from the teacher and the school. Your child should bring a planner home daily that includes a list of their assignments. Please check to make sure that your child's tasks are completed, sign the bottom of the planner for that day, and return it to school the following day. Your child will also be bringing notes from the teacher and from the school in the back of this planner. Check it daily. On Fridays or Mondays, your child will bring home a folder with work that has been completed. Please look through it, talk about it with your child if needed, empty the folder, and record any comments or concerns on the enclosed signature sheet. Then sign, date, and return it the following school day. There may be additional communication through notes, e- mails, or phone calls throughout the year if needed.Back to Top
How will I communicate with the teacher ?
You may contact me by phone at work, 699-2222. You can schedule a meeting after or before school. You may email me by using the email icon on this page or by using flemingb1@k12tn.net. You may also write me notes in the planner or send notes in the pocket in the back of the planner. I will check these daily. Please contact me as soon as possible if you have any concerns about your child so that we may address them as quickly as possible together.Back to Top
Tips for helping your child have a successful year !
* Help your child be responsible and organized. -Encourage them to set up a time to study and do work each night. -Encourage them to select a quiet place to complete their work so that they stay focused and can concentrate on the given task. -Encourage them to complete their work as their very best and on their own. Anything worth doing is worth doing well, and cheating is never helpful in the long run. -Encourage them to turn in all assignments and projects on time. Points will be deducted on late work, and missing or incomplete assignments will receive a zero. -Help your child understand his/her responsibility for his/her own learning. No one can complete their work, study for their tests, keep up with their supplies and assignments, or pay attention during class but them. How much they learn and how well they do is up to them. :)Back to Top