Welcome to Parent Academy 2014-2015

1. Welcome to Parent Academy 2014-2015 Carissa Blackerby’s Classroom Information

2. HIS Mission Statement To empower our students to achieve their full potential and academic success by developing respectful, responsible, and independent problem solvers

3. Vision Statement To be a model of excellence in education and prepare our students for their future

4. Classroom Goals for the Year • Build a community of learners in the classroom involving parents, students, and teachers. • Create life-long learners, readers, and writers among students. • Relate all subject areas to real-life experiences. • Help students to become responsible, independent, and cooperative learners.

5. Schedule • Morning Work7:30-7:50 • Math Tier 1 7:50-8:50 • Special/Social Studies 8:50-9:30 • Math Tier 2 9:30-10:00 • Science 10:00-10:30 • Handwriting 10:30-10:45 • Lunch 10:45-11:10 • Recess 11:10-11:25 • Reading Tier 1 11:25-12:55 • Reading Tier 2 12:55-1:25 • P.E. 1:30-2:00 • Writing 2:00-2:45 • Dismissal 2:45-2:55

6. Specials • Lunch 10:45-11:10 • Physical Education 1:30-2:00 • Computer Lab Tuesday 8:50-9:30 • Music Thursday 8:50-9:30 • Art Monday 8:50-9:30 • Guidance Every other Wednesday 8:50-9:20 • Library As needed

7. Morning Procedures • Enter Silently • Unpack Everything • Hang Backpack • Get Chair • Switch/Sharpen Pencils • Turn in Notes and Money • Daily Data • Read

8. Math • Math Journal • Please make sure to review facts with your child • 50 Addition problems-3 minutes • Xtramath.com • Pearsonsuccessnet.com (login) • Small groups

9. Science • Science Journal/Folder • Hands-on activities • Interactive notebook • Study Guides

10. Social Studies • Geography Unit • Handouts/Study Guides • Friday Quiz

11. Language/Writing • Writing Journal/Folder • We will be learning grammar rules, editing rules, writing and cursive writing. • We will also have time to free write.

12. Reading • Reading Journal/Poetry • Fluency with an assigned partner • Daily assignment • Book units • Independent reading • Library • Small groups • Read aloud

13. Homework I assign homework in order to reinforce concepts that are discussed and practiced in class. I also want students to practice responsibility and time management when working at home. I do not feel like I give a lot of homework; however, there may be nights in which it is heavier than others. Please know that if your child does not finish his/her class work, it is also included in their homework load. Homework is written in the agenda at the end of the day. Please check assignment pads daily. Homework handouts are located in the back pocket of the binder.

14. Classroom Expectations The following is a list of the Classroom Expectations. I have already discussed these with the students and they know the expectations and responsibilities in our classroom. I exercise courtesy and respect towards all students and expect the same from them. Your child should be able to explain this policy to you as well. • Follow all directions • Respect all property, teachers, students, and staff • Listen when the teacher or another student has the floor • Use the correct volume • Use self-control in the classroom, hallway, restroom, lunchroom, and outdoors • Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself

15. Consequences If a student chooses to act irresponsibly, he/she must move his/her magnet on the Behavior Chart. The consequences increase in severity each time a student pulls a card. The consequences are as follows: Soaring– No reminders  Danger– First reminder (Official Warning) Boom– Second reminder (Conduct Mark/Miss Recess) *Severe or chronic behavior may result in an office referral and the parents will be called (or note home).* *The above steps can be skipped if deemed necessary by teacher and/or administration.*

16. Conduct Grade Disciplinary action starts fresh at the beginning of each new day; however, conduct marks accumulated over the nine weeks will help determine the final report card conduct grades. Conduct information is located in a sheet protector inside the binder. These should be reviewed daily and signed each Friday. Students also have the opportunity to move up on the chart because Kindness Matters. Students reaching Superhero status will be rewarded.

17. Anti-Harassment Policy • If you or your child feel as though your child has been harassed or bullied, it should be reported via a specific form located on our website. http://shelbyed.k12.al.us click on Parent Links then Bully/Harassment Reporting or go to http://www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/student_serv/bullying/index.html • You may also call the Bullying First Response Hotline at 1-800-320-8780.

18. Graded Paper Packets Weekly folders will be sent home most Fridays to keep you informed of your child’s progress academically. Please sign and return the folder WITH THE PAPERS by Monday. If you need verification of grades or current averages, please let me know.

19. Parent Communication The students have HERO Binder for daily communication. A newsletter is written regularly to communicate things that are happening in the classroom and around the school. The memo will be emailed or sent home in your child’s binder. I may also send emails, notes, or write in their assignment pad for communication purposes. You may email me at school anytime: Carissa Blackerby cblackerby@shelbyed.k12.al.us Please understand that our response may not be immediate. You may also refer to my classroom blog for information. I post the weekly newsletter there, as well as announcements, comments, and study material, when applicable. http://podcasts.shelbyed.k12.al.us/cblackerby

20. Conferences We encourage parents to schedule conferences whenever they feel we need to discuss their child’s progress either academically or behaviorally. Please leave a message with the office at 682-5520, and I will contact you to set up a conference. You may also contact me via email to schedule a conference. My conference time this year is 1:30-2:00 daily.

21. Absences Please send a written excuse of illness or verification of doctor/dentist visits for each absence. Please write your child’s full name on the excuse and sign with your full name. This helps the office tremendously. We must turn these in to the office so the absence can be counted as excused. It will be considered unexcused after THREE DAYS with no verification. Please refer to the Code of Conduct for specific details on make up work policies. Please give special attention to prior permission for family trips/travel and the emergency clause. **Make sure to read the Attendance Policy!

22. Absences For assignments that were due on the day in which the student was absent, provided that the due date was previously communicated prior to the students’ absence, the student should be prepared to turn in the assignment upon returning to school.

23. Cell Phone Use Cell phones brought to school must be stored in a backpack. Cell phones cannot be audible or visible during the school day. Please do not turn your child’s cell phone on and place it in the backpack before school. The phone may be turned on when the child gets off the bus in the afternoon. The school is not responsible for attempting to recover lost or stolen cell phones.

24. BYOD Policy E-Readers, Tablets, netbooks and laptops are allowed with proper consent, but not required. Please note that iPods and cell phones are not allowed under the BYOD Policy. The school is not held liable if devices are lost or stolen. Teachers are not allowed to troubleshoot on these devices.

25. Field Trips Field trips are planned during the year. A permission slip will be sent home before each trip. Please send back the permission slip and money due as soon as possible.

26. Meal Charges Please make sure your child has money for meals daily. Funds are not allotted for “charges”. Please remember to WRITE YOUR CHILD’S NAME AND ACCOUNT NUMBER ON ALL CHECKS AND INCLUDE ALL MONEY IN AN ENVELOPE WITH THE CHILD’S FULL NAME AND LUNCH NUMBER. Please do not bring in any outside food (such as McDonald’s) into the lunch room for your child to eat. You are invited to eat lunch with us any time during the school year.