Miss Orzel’s 4 th Grade Back to School Night 2013

1. I promise you that I’ll roll up my sleeves and work hard every day in order to find the best way to PREPARE, CHALLENGE, and INSPIRE your child. I may not always hit the mark… but I promise you, it is on my mind all of the time. Miss Orzel’s 4th Grade Back to School Night2013

2. My Core Beliefs • All students can succeed. • Individuals learn differently. • Hands-on learning, exploration, discovery, technology, and social interaction are essential in today’s classroom. • Mistakes are learning experiences. • Students learn the most when supportive adults push them slightly beyond what feels comfortable to them. • The teacher’s role is to facilitate learning in a child-centered classroom. • Learning is influenced by the total environment. • Students can be trusted to make choices concerning their behavior and learning. In turn, they can also be trusted to responsibly face the consequences of their decisions.

3. Home-School Communication Please be aware of the following ways to keep informed about your child’s progress and other fourth grade happenings: • Daily Planners and Home Learning Logs • Parent Information Folder • Web Back Pack • Weekly Grade Reports Need to contact Miss Orzel during the school day? (913) 993-3332 jenniferorzel@smsd.org Please be sure that the numbers and email addresses you provide me are good ways to reach you between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

4. Learning Responsibility Fourth grade is a transitional year. Responsibility shifts from parents and teachers to students. Please help me train students to take responsibility for their own schoolwork, behavior, attitudes, and choices by encouraging them to: • Be prepared with proper materials for school and home learning • Ask an adult to review and sign the planner and home learning log • Keep organized • Listen to (or read) and follow directions • Develop self-advocacy skills • Use time well at school • Complete work and turn it in on time • Accept consequences

5. IValue Teamwork While students in fourth grade are held accountable for their individual performance, effort, attitude, and behavior, they are also expected to work together to achieve common goals of success at school. Students are taught that because every person in the classroom comes with different strengths and weaknesses, it takes all of us working together, supporting each other, and insisting on a community of caring to have true success for all. Your support is appreciated in helping fourth graders develop strong interpersonal skills, so they will be successful in any group.

6. Classroom Work • Letter Grades • Class time is provided • Unless otherwise noted, all work is due by 8:30 the following morning. • Late Work = 10% deduction • Missing Work is recorded as a 0% until it is received. • All D and F work may be redone for an averaged grade • Weekly Grade Reports Grading Scale 98-100 A+ 93-97 A 90-92 A- 88-89 B+ 83-87 B 80-82 B- 78-79 C+ 73-77 C 70-72 C- 68-69 D+ 62-67 D 60-62 D- 0-59 F

7. Home Learning Home learning provides an opportunity for students to practice and strengthen academic skills, extend their learning, develop effective study habits, and practice time management. It also teaches them to prioritize, value education, and become more independent. • SMSD requires that 4th graders spend 40 minutes on homework. • I rarely give assigned work to be completed solely at home, though unfinished school work is the first priority. • Students are reminded in class of upcoming tests and/or long-term assignments. • I may suggest activities or provide additional practice specific to a child’s needs, and I encourage parents to do the same. • Use activities from the monthly home learning menu to fill the remainder of the time. • I appreciate variety!! • Please look over the homework planner and HLL with your child before signing.

8. Daily Planners • When filled out correctly, the planner gives an overview of the entire day’s activities. • This is considered a primary, daily communication tool with parents. • Assignments which are expected to be turned in by 8:30 the following day are highlighted. • Students are instructed and given time to list any unfinished, highlighted items on their HLL to be completed at home. • Students are taught to use their planner to determine what items need to be packed for home learning. • The correct planner information is uploaded to my Web Back Pack each afternoon. • It is the student’s job to check in with you and request signatures, and they are “paid” for a job well done. • PLEASE contact me if you feel your child needs a “planner intervention.”

9. Goals for My Life • I can be angry or overwhelmed and not get in trouble. • I can be okay even if others are not okay. • I can be productive and follow directions even if I don’t want to.

10. Other Information • Common Core • Binders • Absences/Tardies • Stability Balls • Healthy Snacks • A+PAAC • Birthday Treats • End of Quarter Celebrations • Publishing Project • Field Trips

11. QUESTIONS??? Remember… Please fill out and leave the green sheet for me. Sign up for a FALL CONFERENCE when your child can be here with you. Sign up for Classroom Parties