2011-2012 Classroom Expectations

The following information is sent home with your child in their welcome packet.  However, I prefer to keep it on my website for parents to refer to as needed.

HOMEWORK:   Homework will consist of spelling practice, writing practice, math, and reading for 20 minutes (reading logs will be given to students that need to be signed by an adult).   www.TicketToRead.com and www.storylineonline.net can count towards the required reading minutes.  Homework should not take more than 30 minutes (including 20 minutes of reading).  Math homework is to be returned the following day for review. ALL OTHER homework is due the following Friday (unless no school, then it is due at the end of the week).  If homework is not completed the student may be put on the wall for morning recess as a consequence for not being prepared and allow them the time they need to catch up with their missing work.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: I have found that positive reinforcement works well.  It sets students up for success.  Each day the students will start out with a clip on GREEN.  If a student’s behavior doesn’t meet classroom expectations, then they will be moved to YELLOW,  and if the behavior continues they will be moved to RED.  After a student reaches RED, I will contact the parent either with a phone call, email, or with sending a note home that needs to be signed and returned to me.  If the behavior persists, a parent-teacher conference may be necessary or an individual behavior plan implemented.  Students may be put on the wall during morning recess and/or lunch recess for misbehaving in the classroom and/or school.  Being put on the wall simply means that the student sits out of recess, usually reading a book or working on unfinished work.                                                                                                                 

GRADING/PROGRESS REPORTS:  Grades are generally given every Friday or at the end of the week.  I do my best to return papers as quick as possible (depending on what is going on in class/school).  Some items we keep in our class portfolio.  Most of the writing is kept at school in their journals. If there is a particular assignment you are concerned about please email me.  Grades are uploaded to Parentlink every Wednesday.  Parentlink offers an option to be emailed every time I upload grades.  Language Arts and Math grades will be given consistently on a weekly basis.  Science, Social Studies, Health, and Technology will be less due to the fact that we spend an entire week or two on one subject.  Progress Reports will be sent home approximately every 3 weeks. If you have any questions please let me know.  PLEASE NOTE THAT NO GRADES WILL BE ABLE TO BE SEEN ELECTRONICALLY UNTIL THE THIRD OR FOURTH WEEK OF SCHOOL!

LUNCH:  Parents who wish information regarding the Free/Reduced lunch programs should contact the school’s cafeteria manager 799-6899.  The regular price of breakfast is $1.25 and lunch is $1.75.

SCHOOL WIDE INCENTIVES:

• Gecko Bucks are a school wide reward.  We will keep track of student’s Gecko Bucks in class.  They may use them to buy prizes or trade them in for Snack Shack passes.
• Any day that our class has perfect attendance with no tardies we get to enter a school wide drawing.  Classes with the best record are acknowledged with a trophy at the Friday Ceremonies each month.
• Once a month, students with exceptional citizenship will be rewarded with a luncheon with our administrators (usually McDonalds).
• Gecko Golds can be earned for behavior in their specials (P.E., Art, Library, etc.)  Once they reach 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 Gecko Golds, the students will be rewarded by the school.

BIRTHDAYS:  I grew up celebrating my birthday for an entire week.  I understand how important they are to the students.  However, instructional time is very valuable.  If you would like to send treats with your child that is fine.  Please send something easy.  Cutting a cake up for 20 plus students takes too much time.  IF YOU BRING IN FOOD, PLEASE BRING IN PLATES OR WHATEVER SUPPLIES ARE NEEDED TO CONSUME THE FOOD NEATLY.   Treats don’t even have to be edible.  Small prizes work well.  For example, pencils, erasers, etc.  If you would like to bring in the treats, please arrange a time with me (10am is our morning recess, 11:20am is lunch and 2:15, the end of the day, works best).

CURRICULUM:  The CCSD recently put together The Common Core Standards.  These standards are intended to be aligned with the entire nation.  Click here for more information on CCSD's GROWTH MODEL. The standards are specifically defined for each grade level and subject area.  As a grade level, teachers collaborate weekly to pace the curriculum according to the Common Core Standards, develop instructional strategies, and common assessments with the same goal that each and every student will demonstrate reasonable amounts of growth no matter what their academic levels are.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES:  The CCSD provides necessary supplies for all students in order to meet their educational needs.  However, we know that sometimes parents choose to buy school supplies for their child.  Should you decide to do this, the following are items that would be appropriate for your child’s grade level.  These are suggested items and are not mandatory:

• 2 Packages of Clorox Antibacterial Wipes
• 1 Large Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
• 3 Kleenex tissue boxes
• 2 Pink Erasers
• 4 dozen #2 pencils (NO mechanical)
• 2 rolls of paper towels
• 1 Pencil pouch (not box
• 1 box of Colored pencils (box of 24)
• 2 boxes of Crayons (16/24 count only)
• 4 Glue Sticks
• 1 Scissor (Fiskar/Student Sizes)
• Dry Erase Markers (any color)
• Box Tops for Education (found on Pillsbury & Betty Crocker products)
• 1 Package of Wide Ruled paper
• 1 Composition Book (for journal writing, primary ones are preferred)
• 3 folders (1 Purple, 1 Red, 1 Yellow)
• 2 Reams of 8 ½ X 11 white copy paper  
• $3.00 for National Geographic magazine (we receive a magazine every month, if your child pays they can take them home whenwe are finished using them)

I REALIZE THE LIST ABOVE IS A BIT DIFFERENT THAN THE ONE YOU RECEIVED FROM SCHOOL.  THESE ITEMS ARE MY PERSONAL REQUESTS, PLEASE DON'T FEEL OBLIGATED TO BUY ALL OF THEM.

PARENT HELPERS:  This year our class is fortunate enough to have an intern, Ms.Carey, from UNLV.  We will be co-teaching every single day until December.  I would love to have parent helpers.  SInce we will be tied up this year, if you have the time, I have things for you to do.  It would mostly consist of helping with copying, removing and putting up bulletin boards, and possibly working with small groups of students in reading/writing.  Please contact me before hand, so I can let the office know and we can be prepared for you.  Please consider joining PTA.   By being a member you can participate in as little or as much as you are able.

PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION:  Empty your child’s backpack every night.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  I understand how difficult it is to pry information from a child.  I can be reached during school hours at 799-6899 ext 3054.  Please leave a voicemail and I will return the call as soon as I can.  Please allow at least 24 hours for me to receive the vmail and schedule a time to call you.  Email is best.  You can email me through the CONTACT MRS. FERREIRO link or at rlferreiro@interact.ccsd.net.  I check my email frequently. If you need an interpreter please call the office at 799-6899 and our office staff will assist you.

RESOURCES:

Materials to help your child are available at various places:

• Local Library
• Online
• Lakeshore

Click here for Recommended Websites

 I feel very positive about this school year.  We are going to learn so much and have fun doing so.