Welcome Back to School!

Welcome Back to School! Ms. J. Thomas 4th grade ELA/Reading

Contact Information • Ms. J. Thomas • 1492 Kelton Dr, Stone Mtn, GA 30038 • 678.999.9290 • janelle_thomas@fc.dekalb.k12.g.us

Ms. Janelle Thomas Greetings Parents and Students and WELCOME to the 2012-2013 school year! I am no stranger to D.A.T.E. Academy and this year’s 4thgrade students. I had the pleasure of being a sub for D.A.T.E. Academy this past school year and I had the wonderful opportunity to work with these 4th graders as their 3rd grade ELA & Reading substitute teacher. I am an Ohio native and a mother of two boys ages 10 and 15. I have a BS in Early Childhood Ed. and a MS in Curriculum Assessment and Instruction. I have high expectations for my students; challenge and effort is the key in my classroom. I believe every child can succeed with the right motivation and support. I am very excited and look forward to working here at D.A.T.E. and with your children.

ELA/Reading 2012-2013 • D.A.T.E. Classroom Rules • Homework • Behavior • Expectations

D.A.T.E . Academy Expectations • Students must be prepared for the start of class by the bell. • Pencil sharpening and book retrieval from locker should be completed. • Students must be in their seats by the tone to be counted present and on time. • A student who comes to class late must have a note that was approved at the office prior to his arrival at class to be admitted. • All assigned textbooks must be present. • Respect for and consideration of the teacher and fellow students is expected at all times. • After recognition, one person at a time will be allowed to speak. • Cheating or dishonesty in relation to any assignment will result in parental notification and zero credit for that assignment.

D.A.T.E . Academy Expectations • No food or drink is permitted in the classroom. • No defacing of private or school property is allowed. • No cell phones are allowed in the classroom except for during dismissal. • Physical contact with other students and/or their belongings is not permitted in the classroom. • Throwing of objects of any kind is expressly forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to spit wads, paper wads, change, candy, pencils, pens, rubber bands, paper clips, and books. • Students are held responsible for getting information pertaining to make-up work and for doing it. • Students will only be permitted to make up work that was missed due to an excused absence. • Handbook policies, including those pertaining to the dress code, will be enforced.

Homework: In order to keep true to our Charter of being a school of Technology and the Environment this year D.A.T.E Academy will be limiting their use of paper. • Therefore all homework will be sent home electronically (emailed) or will be handwritten by the student. • Homework may be completed in a notebook or on loose leaf paper. *If homework is completed on loose leaf paper please staple or return in a sheet protector. • All homework will be due on Friday. • Please only assist with homework. Do not complete the homework for your child. • Please refer to the D.A.T.E syllabus for grading guidelines.

Behavior/Discipline Reward Procedures • Every student will have a money (check) registry to keep track of their money. • Each Monday every student will receive $500 in their register. • Students have the opportunity to earn money for exceptional work, citizenship, etc… • An auction will be held every 9weeks where the students can bid on items (prizes) • Money will not be allowed to roll over to the next 9 weeks (more details will be sent home at a later date).

Behavior/Discipline Consequences Procedures Every student has the right to learn and be safe, and no one has the right to interrupt learning or make others feel unsafe. Students will have to pay a fine of $50 or more for each occurrence and /or receive silent lunch: * no homework * talking during lessons * talking in the hallway * untidy assignments/area * rude comments * disruptive/ off task Fines may increase with repeated offenses and parents will be notified If a student has completed an entire week without acquiring any fines they will receive and additional $50 for being a model student 

Tattle Telling: is telling on someone just to see them get into trouble • Telling on someone is ok when…. It is an emergency Someone is fighting or hurt Someone is cheating Telling on someone is ok when…… You Can’t Take Care of the Problem Yourself.

Teacher Expectations: I will provide….. • A positive and caring attitude • A safe learning environment • Standards based (rigorous) instruction • Individualized instruction • Open communication with both parent and student • Treatment that is equal and fair in academics and behavior for each student

Expectation of Parents • Start the day smoothly! Send your child to school with a hug, an encouraging word, or a positive letter/ note in their folder or lunch. • Get to school on time! • Make sure your child has a healthy breakfast and lunch! • Support good homework behavior! Try to provide a specific time and quiet area for homework Review and/ or assist your child with their homework • Plan time to reconnect and rest at the end of the day! Set aside 15-20 min to listen to your child talk about their day. Be firm about bedtime (try to assure 8-10 hrs of rest). • Involvement! See D.A.T.E. syllabus for more information

Let’s work together to have a great school year!

Welcome Back to School!