Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to reach me?
- send in a note with your child and I'll get back to you the same day
- email [email protected] (sometimes I don't get to check my email until late in the afternoon, so if it is VERY important, sending a note is best
2. What do we need to know about AR (accelerated reading)?
- AR is a reading program that the children have been doing since first grade
- Students read a book (there are different levels based on difficulty of book).
- Students take a computerized comprehension test based on the book.
- Students receive points based on how many questions they answered correctly.
- I have plenty of AR books in my class library, but the Daviess County Public Library also has AR books that students can check out to take tests on
- Each 3rd grader is to have 10 points a quarter!
- Our reading series story that we read each week is worth half a point. These add up!!
- I also read books to the class as a whole for them to take tests on as well.
- There are special milestones that are recognized through the entire school: 50 points, 100 points, 200 points, 300 points, 400 points, etc. For each milestone there is a special reward!
- I encourage you to help your child not wait until the last minute to earn his\her points. This is often where the problem exists.
- They may bring in a list of books that they have read to take tests. This helps them remember what books were read and helps us find them on the program.
3. What is the birthday treat policy?
The School Policy states the following:
- Due to the increase in students with food allergies and other health issues, ALL BIRTHDAY TREATS sent to school must be individually packaged with a nutritional label on the box.
- Cookie cakes, donuts, or cupcakes will NO LONGER be permitted.
- GOOD IDEAS: individually wrapped "Little Debbie" or "Hostess" treats, goldfish, fruit snacks, etc.
** I will send home a birthday treat note before your child's birthday celebration. Please read it carefully as it will tell you the day your child may bring their treat and any allergy information that we may have in the classroom.**
4. How much homework will my child have every night?
- Monday thru Thursday your child will have 1 written assignment, math, and studying for tests for that week.
- My homework philosophy is; YOU do the homework then YOU get better grades because you did the extra practice which makes it permanent!
- The major component of homework is SIGNING the PLANNER and turning in homework the NEXT DAY!
- Reading is a VERY important skill all through school, so please practice reading with your child every night. Take turns letting your child read to you, you read to them, and read together. Reading involves more than just books. I always tell my students that reading is like watching T.V. in your head!!! Let them read with a flashlight under the covers, with a microphone, or even record them reading an listen to it. MAKE IT FUN!
- Religion, Social Studies, and Science receive study guides. The information on these guides is to help you help your child study. Unfortunately everything can not be sent home. Some things are learned in the classroom through listening and practice. I will always review before we take any test.
- Throughout the year your child will be assigned projects on various subject matter. A note will be sent home to explain the project and what is required.