Back to School Night Homeroom Presentation

1. Back to School NightHomeroom Presentation Ms. Rita Cirillo rcirillo@wood-ridgeschools.org

2. About Me • Graduated from Montclair State University • Taught first, fourth, and fifth grades at Doyle School • This is my 3rd year teaching fourth grade • AM Supervisor • Safety Patrol Advisor

3. Website • www.wood-ridgeschools.org • Click on Directory and find my name • You can visit our class webpage for daily homework assignments, and tests/quizzes under class calendar

4. Science • Human Body, Solar System, Rainforest, etc. • Students are required to listen and focus during reading and class discussions and will be responsible for the material covered in class on tests

5. Social Studies • New Series • New Jersey • Regions of our Country • Students are required to listen and focus during reading and class discussions and will be responsible for the material covered in class on tests

6. Strategies for Higher Test Scores • Star Renaissance testing (Fall, Winter and Spring) •  MAD Minute Math testing once per month – charting student progress • Writing Portfolios – individual writing samples administered once per month • Weekly “Do Nows” using NJASK samples to prepare students throughout whole year

7. Tests and Quizzes All tests and quizzes are graded equally • Students will be given at least three days notice of a test and two days notice of a quiz • Quizzes will be a smaller version of the test • We will review for tests generally the class before the test • Please check grades on Real Time often • Generally tests/quizzes given back on Mondays to be signed and returned by Wednesday

8. Homework Plan Homework Alerts will be given for ANY missed homework • Each student will start each subject with a 100% homework grade • Each alert will result in five points being deducted from their homework grade (in the subject area the homework was missed) • Homework alerts are filled out and sent home for a parent/guardian to sign  • The missed assignment needs to be completed and handed in with the signed homework alert the next school day • A homework pass may not be used for a graded, long term, or vocabulary homework assignment

9. Celebrations • Birthdays and half birthdays may be celebrated, but is not mandatory • Please let me know when you would like to send something in • Must have treats for everyone- 24 • Please bring in napkins • Please remember class allergies- we have a peanut allergy this year • Class parents will organize all other parties

10. Specials • Monday:  Music • Tuesday:  Media/Library • Wednesday:  World Language • Thursday: Gym • Friday: Art

11. Class Rules • Class Rules- created by entire class together • Expect all students to follow • Discipline system- 2 warnings and then loss of activity, e-mail/call home, and possibly afterschool detention

12. Zoinks and Rewards • Zoinks- Our research alien who asks a new question every 1-2 weeks that students can find the answer to and win a prize…spelling counts! (not mandatory to complete) • Our class behavior reward system is a jar of marbles which the students earn for compliments, good class behavior, etc. Once they reach each line, there is a corresponding class reward such as a HW pass or movie reward!

13. Scholastic Book Clubs • Ordering online is easy and it earns book for our classroom! • If possible, order online when I send the reminder notice each month and please do not forget to use our class code! • I included an introduction letter with the code in your packet to keep. • If you cannot access ordering online, but still want to order, just send in the completed order form with a check made payable to Scholastic Books with your order amount

14. Thank you for coming tonight! • Please write a little note to your child and leave it on or inside their desk! • Please take the folder of information and magnet with you! • Looking forward to a great yearand please do not hesitate to email/contact me when needed-I am your partner in your child’s education! rcirillo@wood-ridgeschools.org