Homework

Assignment Book: Each morning, I post the day’s assignments on the assignment board. Your child will write down these assignments in his or her assignment book. At the end of the day, I will initial or stamp your child’s assignment book to show that I have seen it. If your child completes an assignment at school, I will initial or stamp the box next to that assignment. Please check your child’s assignment book each evening to see that his or her unfinished assignments are completed. Your signature or initials will let me know that your child has shared his or her assignment book with you.

All homework is due the day after it is assigned. If, for some reason, your child was unable to finish his or her homework by the due date, I will make a note of it in the assignment book. I will accept late work by 8 a.m. the day after it was due. (Example: Work assigned on Monday is due Tuesday. If it is not turned in on Tuesday, I will accept it no later than 8 a.m. on Wednesday.) All work turned in after 8 a.m. the day after it was due, will receive a zero and no credit.

If your child continuously turns in late work, I will be contacting you to discuss a plan to solve the problem. Please understand that grading late work is time consuming, when I’d much rather prefer to be creating unique learning experiences for your child.

It is not my policy to have your child work on late or missing work during recess time. Recess is an important social experience for your child and is a much needed break in the school day. All homework and late work will need to be completed at home.

I usually do not assign work that is strictly to be done at home. Most “homework” is class work that your child did not finish at school. In addition, your child should be able to complete the work with minimal assistance from you. If your child is nagging you to help with his or her work, or expects you to sit with him or her while he or she works; then please let me know. Homework should be your child’s time to work independently.

Discipline

Class Rules: The rules in my classroom are quite simple:

· Respect People

· Respect Property

· Do Your Best

I expect your child to behave, and therefore, he or she will meet my expectations. I do focus more on positive behavior and less on negative behavior. I am sensitive to your child’s feelings, and I focus on constructive redirection rather than punishments. Usually a stern look or polite reminder curbs misbehavior. Occasionally, your child might lose his or her recess for disrupting our learning environment. If a severe problem exists, I will be contacting you.

I want you to enjoy your child’s fourth grade year. I love my job, and I look forward to each and every day in the classroom! There truly is no better reward for a job well done, than to know at the end of the day that I’ve taught something new! I find joy in the smallest classroom accomplishments. After you, I will be your child’s second best cheerleader this year.

I am always amazed at how much these children change during their fourth grade year. Not only will your child grow physically, but he or she is going to become more independent this year. Encourage your child to be more responsible and to exhibit good character traits on a daily basis.

Take some time to listen to your child’s stories each day and to treasure the moments when your child is excited about something. Take some time to giggle with your child each day and don’t get bogged down with “schoolish things.” Have a great year and enjoy it through your child’s eyes!