4W+Parent+Information

Mrs. Workentine’s 4th grade
I would like to welcome you to an exciting school year! This adventure will involve a team effort between student, teacher, and parent(s). Our communication is essential to a successful school year for your child. I will be in touch with notes, phone calls, emails, and through your child’s assignment notebook. If you need to contact me, my school phone number is 262- 966-2900 ext. 2070, and my email is s.workentine@stonebank.k12.wi.us. I check e- mail each day before the students arrive in the morning, after student dismissal and often at lunch. If you have left me an email, I will get back to you during these times or as soon as possible. By working together, I am confident that we can provide your child with a successful 4th grade year at Stone Bank School!

RESPONSIBILITIES: Teacher Responsibilities: 1. To treat each student with respect and care as an individual. 2. To provide the students with an orderly classroom environment. 3. To provide the necessary discipline. 4. To provide the appropriate motivation and feedback. 5. To teach and assess the required content. 6. To assist in the students’ academic and social growth. 7. To prepare the students for 5th grade. Student Responsibilities: 1. To treat others with respect and care as individuals. 2. To attend class regularly and be prepared to learn. 3. To cooperate with school and class rules. 4. To be responsible for the choices he/she makes. 5. To study and complete assignments. 6. To give his/her personal best effort each and every day. Parent Responsibilities: 1. To provide interest, concern, encouragement, and support for the student’s performance in school. 2. To provide support and work together with the student, teacher, and school for the nurturing and growth of the student as a whole.

ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS: Your child’s assignment notebook will be used as a key communication and organizational tool throughout the year. Students are required to take their assignment notebook home every night and bring it back to school every day! It remains on top of their desk for the duration of the school day. They will write their assignments for each subject in their assignment notebook. Students are required to get a parent signature in their assignment notebook EACH NIGHT! Your signature in the assignment notebooks indicates to me that you are aware of all homework for the night, as well as upcoming tests and projects. Please feel free to use the assignment notebook as a source of communication to me as well. If you choose to write a note to me in the assignment notebook, it is your child’s responsibility to show me the note. I will also sign it to let you know that I have seen your message.

HOMEWORK: Students WILL have homework each night (less on Fridays!) I will make a conscientious effort not to overload your child with homework, as I know that we all have busy schedules. However, please keep in mind that the amount of homework your child has each day is in large part based on how wisely they use their class time! All students will have a designated “Take Home” folder where they will place any documents from the office or from me, as well as their nightly homework. Please look through your child’s Take Home folder each night, check that all homework indicated in the assignment notebook is completed, and keep any documents addressed to the parents. I will only collect homework the morning it is due. Therefore, even if your child completes his/her homework assignment during the school day, you should still be able to find it in her/his Take Home folder that night. Please review all assignments with your child to insure that they are complete. Parents will be contacted if a student is frequently missing assignments. Frequent late/missing assignments may result in recess detention or a reduction in grade for your child. Your child’s grades will be determined in a variety of different ways. Some assignments will be graded based on completion, while other will be graded based on accuracy and mastery of skills. If at any time you have questions regarding your child’s grades, please do not hesitate to ask.

ABSENCES: The school policy allows one day for each day missed to make up work. A student does not receive zeros for work missed while sick, as long as it is made up within the given time frame. A “While You Were Out” log will be kept in the class. This log will include all assignments missed during the absence, as well as any important reminders. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what was missed while they were out, and to get help if needed to complete the work. If your child is absent and you would like to pick up their work, please contact the office. I will prepare your child’s assignments and delivery them to the office by 2:30.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR AND INCENTIVES: The theme "Learn Like A Champion" rules in our classroom. I ask students to embrace this motto as I try to teach like a champion everyday. We will discuss how every member of the team needs to do their personal best so we can all succeed. I do use a "Stoplight" behavior management system that is up front and visual. Students start on //** green **// each day and may be asked to pull a yellow card (warning), an orange card (time out, written reflection  requiring parent signature) or, progressively, a red card (call home and office time out.) While I expect few red cards, please do not be surprised at some behavior reflections at the beginning of the year. Students usually need some time adjusting to a new classroom setting. I believe we will all benefit from consistent behavior expectations that will enhance the learning environment. An incentive punch card will be in play for GREEN days with rewards such as recess with computer games or ipad (and a friend!) or small prizes from the prize box.

BIRTHDAYS: I will also keep birthdays posted in the classroom. As long as it does not go against the parent(s) wishes, the class will sing Happy Birthday to a student who celebrates a birthday. They will receive a treat from the teacher. If you would prefer this not happen on your child’s birthday, please let me know as soon as possible. Students who celebrate their birthdays during the summer will be recognized in May or June. Students may bring a birthday treat to share with the class. If you choose to send a treat, please send plates, napkins utensils, etc. if required.

SNACKS: Because our day begins quite early, I allow my students the option of bringing a snack to class each day. Typically, our snack will be eaten about 9:00. If your child chooses to bring a snack, it should be nutritious. Cookies, candies and chips are not allowed. Please send a snack that is quick and easy to eat, as we will only have approximately 5 minutes for snack. Drinks, aside from water, will not be allowed. Students must bring their own snacks and sharing will not be allowed.