Dear Parent,
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! I am anxious to begin the
year with your child! Our team consists of 2 teachers: myself, Ms. Sanders,
and Mrs. Oen. I will teach language arts and science, Mrs. Oen will teach
social studies and math. Students will have special teachers for physical
education, art, music, and computer. Officer Dan Rittenhouse will provide
weekly instruction on the DARE program for one semester. The students
will also visit the library on a regular basis and the computer lab for various
computer assignments.
Throughout the year it is essential that you are aware of what is
happening in your child’s classroom. I have several goals for your child this
year. First, I want them to succeed academically. I emphasize working
carefully and accurately; thus, their work will be checked for spelling,
grammar, and neatness. Another goal for the students is to develop good
organizational and study skills. Our pod will expect them to keep a daily
assignment book and to come prepared for class. I will write a personal
note in each child’s agenda every Thursday for a parent to sign. I also
send out monthly class emails that will alert you of class happenings,
projects, parties etc. We will work with the students throughout the year
on study skills. Lessons, homework assignments, dates, and classroom
activities will be posted on my school/teacher web page. You can reach
these pages by going to www.tippcityschools.com.
L.T. Ball practices character education which focuses on teaching
students to become responsible, mannerly citizens. We will be encouraging
the students to use their manners at all times. They will also be learning and
applying character traits; such as, responsibility, dedication, loyalty, etc.
These character traits will be further encouraged in our classroom. It is our
hope that these lessons will carry over at home and in life situations. Please
note the following class rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Remain seated and raise hand.
Follow directions and listen carefully.
Respect others. Be kind with words and property.
Work quietly and complete tasks on time.
My discipline plan revolves around verbal and written warnings, loss of
special free time, pay cuts (see below), and parent and/or principal
conferences. The students will be participating in “Scholar Dollars,” a lifelike system in which students are paid for doing their job of attending
school, completing homework on time, and being responsible citizens of our
school. The students are employees of the school and must do their jobs to
receive a paycheck and pay bonuses. I want the students to get a feeling of
being hard-working employees and maintaining an income.
As in real life, the students are responsible for paying “bills” at the
end of every month. They will need to pay for instruction, workspace rental,
and cleaning fees. Students will also be docked pay for late or incomplete
work, inappropriate school behavior, of the following miscellaneous fees:
1. $20 No Homework fee for never turning in an assignment
2. $10 Environmental fee charged when a student leaves a mess
behind in the classroom or on their desk
3. $10 Recovery fee for personal items or school materials carelessly
left in the classroom or on school grounds
4. $5 Day Late Homework fee
5. $5 Additional Assignment fee for copies of homework “the dog
ate”
6. $5 Hall fee for inappropriate behavior in the hallways
7. $5 Repeat Directions fee for poor listening
8. $5 Unprepared fee for not bringing needed materials to class
9. ???? amount for talking in class etc. Other fees at teacher’s
discretion
Note **If the child is a “good employee” none of these fees will be
applied.
The students will also be rewarded with behavior bucks for good
behavior (i.e. working quietly, using good manners, being positive role
models, merit pay for improved or good grades…). The student of the
month receives a $25 bonus. In addition, students will receive extra cash for
completing their class job (posted on bulletin board). In the end, the
students will be able to spend their “pocket cash” at the class store held at
the end of every nine weeks. If you would like to donate any small
school/fun item(s) for the store it would be greatly appreciated.
The students will learn about keeping a checkbook and saving money
in a savings account. They will also receive their own checks to use later in
the year. Your child may ask you several questions regarding your own
banking policies or may join you in a trip to the bank. I encourage you to
discuss these matters with your child. It is a lifelong, essential skill to be
able to maintain and balance your finances.
I really anticipate a wonderful year with this fantastic fifth
grade class and expect wonderful things to happen throughout the year.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about
your child’s progress. You can call the school at 667-3719, send a note with
your child, or e-mail me. I will be happy to call you or set up a conference.
If you would like to view your child’s grades, please contact the office for
Pinnacle Internet Viewer (online gradebook) assistance. Your child will
benefit from all of us working as a team. Let’s have a great year.
Ms. Sanders
msanders@tippcity.k12.oh.us
667-3719 (ext.2252)
I have read and understand the class rules, discipline, and “Scholar Dollar”
policy.
Parent signature
Student signature
_____________________________
_________________________