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| July 2007 Dear Polk Parents, Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year! I am very excited to be your child's fourth grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher ! I promise this year will be full of opportunities to learn, review and blossom!! My Mission My mission for my class is that every student feels that they can learn and grow. Each child will be challenged to work to their potential, strive to go beyond, and to feel successful. I believe it is important to teach children how to think on many different levels and to take that skill with them when they move forward. Every child will come to class knowing that they are important, special and have something to offer our class. Fourth grade is a year of many changes. There is an increased volume of work, many new concepts, and a marked shift to a more lecture-oriented, independent work environment. Students will take reponsibility for their own learning and develop pride and self-discipline in their work. At this time, they are expected to apply their learning to their assignments, check their work carefully for errors, and turn in all assignments on time. In order to provide every child a comfortable and safe learning environment, the following discipline plan will be in effect at all times: Rules: Be in class on time Have all materials ready to use when the bell rings Change tasks quickly and quietly Respect yourself, the teacher, and others Do your work to the best of your ability Consequences: First offense- warning Second offense- Sign Discipline Book Third offense- Note home and/or phone call and Detention Last offense - Discipline referral to office and Parent/Teacher/Administrator Conference * Severe disruptions will be sent immediately to the office Fourth Grade Policies Reteaching Any concept not mastered will be retaught in a variety of ways such as small groups, one-on-one with the teacher, peer teaching, after-school tutoring, and/or practice material sent home for parents and child to work on together. Correcting Work An assignment in which a failing grade was earned cannot be redone to improve the grade. Therefore, it is important to take your time, turn in only your best work, and be prepared for all tests. Correcting a paper is beneficial for the student's learning process, but will not change the grade earned. Late Work Assignments that are turned in late will have thirty points deducted from the grade earned. Assignments more than three days late will not be accepted. Exceptions to this are long term assignments which are accepted only on their due date. Extra Credit Extra credit assignments will not be given for the purpose of raising a child's grade. Extra credit may be imbedded in some assignments, however. Incorrect responses on an extra credit portion of an assignment would not lower a student's grade. Conferences I am happy to meet with you during my conference period which is from 8:15-9:00 M-F excluding Tuesdays. I do ask that you call and set up an appointment 24 hours prior to coming in.to ensure that I do not have a conference already scheduled. Early morning conferences may be scheduled if convenient for you. I will also be happy to conference by phone if you are unable to come to school. I will not be able to schedule after school conferences due to Hornedo's early release schedule and tutoring commitments. Absences If your child is sick, please keep him/her home. Coming to school will only prolong and spread the illness. If requested from the office, I will have the assignments your child missed ready to be picked up at the end of the day . Students have the equivalent number of days that he/she was absent to make up classwork and or homework. Birthday Treats To be in compliance with the state policy regarding Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value, we will no longer be able to celebrate birthdays with food/drink treats. If you'd like to donate a book to the class library in honor of your child instead, then all of us may enjoy it over and over again! My door is always open to parents! Please drop by if you have any questions, comments or concerns. For safety purposes, please stop by the office for a Visitor badge if you plan on coming during school hours. Thank you in advance for being consistent with this. It takes both school and home to make a difference in a child's education. Let's work together to make fourth grade a positive experience! Sincerely, Mrs. Karen Vechione |
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