The ABC’s of Mrs. Fisher’s Class

1. The ABC’s of Mrs. Fisher’s Class Back to School Night August 31, 2011

2. A little about me… • Family • I grew up in Glendora • 19th year at Cullen

3. Acceptance • We treat each other with respect • Groups of 4-6 change regularly • We have “Phenomenal Pig Power!” • We understand we each have strengths and weaknesses and work together to be the best we can be. • Room 21 is a place to take risks, grow, learn, and feel safe

4. Assignments Completed in pencil, neat and legible Student numbers Incomplete work results in loss of points Incomplete homework = think tank When a student is absent, they need to make up their work. Please plan on picking up work after school or arrange to have another student bring it home.

5. Communication • Condors Notebook! • Bi-weekly Progress Notes • Academic as well as behavioral • Signature required if below proficiency • Weekly newsletter • Classroom Website: • www.sfisher.weebly.com • Email • Phone calls

6. Classroom Discipline • Positive reinforcements • Classroom clip chart to promote positive behavior

7. Classroom Donations • Budget cuts! Yikes! • Donations are appreciated!!

8. Condors Notebook & Planner • Notebook keeps kids organized! • Please look each night at “Important notes from school.” • Student to clean out graded work each week. • Planner filled out daily • Please check to be sure homework is completed. • Sign bottom of page each evening.

9. Efforts and Expectations • High expectations for all students! • 8 Keys of Excellence Character development providing a meaningful way to improve cooperation, learning, teamwork and create a supportive, trusting environment where each student is valued and respected. • This is It! • Ownership • Speak With Good Purpose • Commitment • Failure Leads to Success • Integrity • Flexibility • Balance

10. Field Trips • L.A. County Fair – Sept. 14 • Possible upcoming field trips: San Gabriel Mission Gene Autry Museum • All students must have Field Trip Permission slips turned in • They may buy lunches from district • No siblings allowed on field trips

11. Grading and Homework • Standards-based report cards • Daily work graded with points earned over points, e.g. 9/10 • 4- Advanced Proficiency (93%-100%) • 3H – Highly Proficient (85% - 92%) • 3 – Proficient (75% - 84%) • 2 – Approaching Proficiency (60% - 74%) • 1 – Below grade level standards(0% - 59%)

12. Grading and Homework • Typical homework: • Read at least 20 minutes and about one response a week • Math problems (15 or so) • Spelling and/or vocabulary page • Study Island assignment

13. Mini-Society • Created and voted for society name and classroom money. • Applied for and are working in classroom jobs (changes each trimester). • Students are paid for attendance, classroom jobs, behavior and other things. • Class auction each month. • Business day each trimester.

14. Parent Volunteers • Field Trips • Book orders • Copying, cutting, etc. • Holiday goings-on • Working with students • Reading, correcting with students

15. P.E., Music, Social Studies • P.E. and Music from 10:15 – 11:00 • Alternate days • Doctor’s note to miss P.E. • Choice of instrument or choral for music • Teaming with Mrs. Vandenbroeke for Science and Social Studies Wednesdays and Thursdays

16. Possible Projects • California Adventure • Book Reports or Book Talks • Reader’s University projects • Biography Report

17. Reading • DEAR, Nightly Reading and one response each week, A/R • Reader’s Notebook used to respond in class to reading. • Reader’s University

18. Readers University • Bachelor’s degree – 1st trimester • Author study: Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume, or Andrew Clements. • Visit author website to learn about author. • Creative project: game board, book cover, party invitation, movie poster, newspaper article, etc. to present to class. • Due Friday, September 21

19. Readers University • Master’s degree 2nd trimester • “Medal Winners” – read two chapter books that have been nominated for or received a reader’s medal, e.g. Newbery Award, California Young Reader Medal, etc. • Complete a Venn diagram to compare and contrast. • Research the history of award received. • Due: to be announced

20. Readers University • Ph.D. or Doctorate of Reading • Read a biography on a “Famous Californian,” and complete additional research about this person. • Written report • Creative component: visual such as Powerpoint presentation, informational poster, teach a lesson about person, original story or poem. • Complete a bibliography

21. Technology!!! • SMARTboard • Used every day! Students will learn to create lessons and assessments using SMART notebook. • Laptops • Powerpoint slide presentations, Google Earth, Study Island, A/R, website searches. • SMART responders (clickers) • Immediate feedback through formative assessments and they are FUN!!

22. Writing • Genres • Summary • Response to Literature • Fictional Narrative • CA State Writing assessment in March • Please proofread any writing assignments

23. Other things! • Birthdays • Governor of the Week • Computer lab – Tuesdays • Study Island • Interventions • Enrichment • Library Day – Fridays! • 2 books • A/R encouraged

24. Finale!! You are your child’s first teacher and you play an extremely important role in your child’s education. I appreciate your support! Please do not hesitate to contact me if, at any time, you feel you need to speak with me about your child. I am usually available each day until approximately 4:00 (ok, I admit it…I practically live here…I’m hear usually until 5:00 ). I check my email each morning and evening. My email address: sfisher@glendora.k12.ca.us