Conway School District

TERM SYSTEM / PROGRESS REVIEWS /Grade Updates

Conway School follows a trimester term grading system. Your student will be given computerized trimester report cards as well as periodic Progress Reports (these need to be signed). In addition to that I frequently give the students “Grade Checks”. Sometimes this is for one subject, just the core subjects (Reading, Math, Writing), or for all subjects. These may be orally explained to kids or printed out. Please look at your child’s calendar each night for I will list when a Grade Check or Progress Review is sent home.

Our first term I will periodically be presenting your student with Grade Check updates and allowing them one more chance to better their low scores. If your child has low scores (below 80%) on any assignments, they have the choice to raise their scores to a flat 80% if they either correct their mistakes or correctly redo their assignment. I think you can see the importance of keeping those corrected papers that are sent home on Fridays. Parent signatures are vitally important and necessary to raise grades if assignments are returned on a Progress Review. After the first term I will continue to give progress reviews and grade checks, but these will be less frequent to allow your children the opportunity to take over more ownership for bettering their grades.

The Differences Between The Grading Reports:

*Grade Checks: Information about a child’s current grade. Parent Signature is not required.

*Report Cards and Progress Reviews require Parent Signatures and Dates

To Tell The Difference

Grade Checks are just that... a paper that lists assignments and scores. These papers will be given out as the need arises. They are not Progress Reviews, but in the past they look virtually the same. Please check the heading on the paper so you’ll know what type of report you have. Grade Checks may be requested by students or adults, but remember you can access information on Basmati also.

Progress Review: These involve information about missing and low score assignments so a child can better their grade with one of the above stated options.    Parent signature and due date required.

Term Grading Sessions: Final current grades. Parent signature and Due date required.

Quizzes and test scores will remain the same unless there was a scoring error.  

In insure our communication, I require that a parent or legal guardian sign the returned printout and assignments by 8:30 on the morning they are due. I do appreciate the time and effort this whole process takes.

Electronic Grade

Conway School uses Basmati sharing access to Grade Reports for 4^th and 5th graders. This program is great because you have current access to your child’s assignment scores and grades. I enter weekly so you’ll be able to keep up to date on your child’s school progress. Checking this program regularly really helps hold students accountable and is a great tool for communication. Student information will be logged into the system as soon as possible. I will send you information as soon as this process is updated for the current school year and access is open.

Scope and Sequence

PHILOSOPHY AND CLASSROOM RULES

A few of my ideals and feelings on education:

·      I view learning as a lifelong adventure.

·      Parents, students, and teachers need to work together to create a team learning environment.

·      Students will be held accountable for setting and meeting educational goals and objectives.

·      Students will receive the grade that they earn.

·      Learning is exciting!

·      Organization is a vital key to successful learning.

·      It is the student’s responsibility to complete daily assignments. This will encourage children to complete most of their work during class time. 

My room rules are:

1.   Be on time and prepared.

2.   Raise your hand if you have a question to ask or something to say.

3.   Always respect others.

4.   Remain quiet during all tests.

5.   All assignments are due the next day unless otherwise stated.

6.   Maintain a positive attitude.

7.   Always do your best.

Students will be writing some rules of their own choice that involve their understand of the “4 Bs” (Be: Respectful, Responsible, Kind, Safe).

HELPFUL HINTS TO GET THINGS OFF TO A GREAT START

To start with:

1.    Supplies (List available for download at bottom of page)

Please make sure your child has all of his/her needed items on the first day of school. Please refer to the supply list located within this handbook.

2.    A Paper Place / Corrected Work Box

You and your child need to pick one place to put all weekly assignments after they have been sent home. This place can be a box that you and your child decorate or some type of container that you already have around the house. This Paper Place should be located somewhere that both parent and child are aware of and should remain in the same place all year. All corrected, recorded, and returned papers should be placed there until the end of a term Students can use them to better their scores during the grading period. Then, if you wish, you can dispose of them and be ready to start off fresh.  

Each day after school:

1.    Assignment Calendar

Go through your child’s assignment calendar, notebook, and day’s work each and every day after school. Ask your child to show you their assignments ,please check them for accuracy and completion, and take a few moments to discuss their learning goals. If you have the time please ask your child questions about each assignment. This really helps instill total comprehension.

 After checking assignments, parents should initial the bottom of the calendar. This lets me know that you’ve gone through this process together, assignments are completed, and students are ready to proudly turn them in the next day. Students will be evaluated on these assignment calendars each week.

2.    Corrected Assignments

If any assignment papers fall below 80% the student can meet with me for some further explanation and be given an opportunity to correct a paper to raise the grade to a flat 80%. Students should remember to turn in all corrected assignments as soon as possible. This procedure will be explained more fully later in this document. 

3.    Reading

Have your child read to you. This can be for as little as 5 minutes or for as long as you want.   If you would like me to recommend some titles just let me know. Assigned reading minute amounts will be given periodically throughout the year to help in increasing reading fluency. We also have a” Reading Star” program that involves home reading. This is explained more fully in your child’s Reading Syllabus. The most important part for now is just to read!  

4.    Basic Math Facts

It is vitally important for students to have their basic math facts memorized!!!! These include multiplication, division, addition, subtraction, as well as some formulas. Students need to be able to concentrate on the higher level thinking skills that more difficult problems require. If they do not know their facts, this processing becomes very frustrating, and very tedious. 

5.    Consistent Homework and Bed Times

Fourth grade brings a higher academic level than the past primary years have held. With this in mind, there is no better time to establish consistent homework and bed times. During the homework time each child needs to complete the math homework pieces that are a vital part of our new Math Series. The more parents involve themselves with their children during this process, the better their children will learn.   Remember calendar and assignment checks and nightly reading is also a must. Students are encouraged to work hard during the day so they should not have more than an hour or so in the evening unless we are working on a special project.

I know each family has different policies, but please indulge me by allowing me to suggest a consistent bedtime no later than 9:00 pm (8:30 would even be better). Your child will be exposed to a new exciting and challenging curriculum during the day and will need to have a good rest each night.