August 2015
Dear Parents and Students,
Hello, my name is Mr. Wolfe, and I am very excited about teaching music again at Rutherford Elementary. I look
forward to all of the wonderful memories I will share with the students here at Rutherford.
Supplies Needed:
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 4th -5 gr. will later need a recorder (We will order this later on in the year, costing around $5)
Mesquite ISD Music Enrichment Program:
Mesquite ISD does a great job offering many opportunities to enhance your child’s musical experience. Parents
will receive appropriate information in advance of each event. This letter is simply a preview! Here are some
events that might be helpful to know about:
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3 Grade Children’s Theatre- These students get to see a story come to life on stage.
Mesquite Children’s Chorus – Students in 4th and 5th grade must go through two auditions. They meet at N.M.H.S on Thursdays.
The auditions take place in the Spring of 3rd and 4th grade year.
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4 grade Symphony trip- 4th grade has the opportunity to attend a concert where they hear professional musicians play live on
stage! A permission form and fee is due in advance for this event. (October)
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5 and 6 grade Opera trip-This event is held at The Myerson, where students see professional singers act out an entertaining
play while singing. A permission form and fee is due in advance for this event. (November)
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Elementary Music Festival- 5 graders have the opportunity to audition and join the top singers around Mesquite. Selected
children from each elementary school come together and perform a concert for the community. This event requires a great deal
of hard work and dedication, including practices after school. There is a small fee for a t-shirt.
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5 grade Music Aptitude Test- Each year these students take a musical survey to measure how they hear pitches, rhythms, chords,
and short melodies. This is a very informative tool that can help you guide your child into the best fine arts program for them in
middle school.
Rutherford Music Enrichment Activities:
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PTA Programs- 1st -5th grade parents have the opportunity to experience some highlights of their child’s musical education.
4th -5th Recorders- These grades will study recorder in the Spring.
David Hira Variety Show and Music Presentation- 4th grade will get to experience a creative magic and music performance.
Grading Policy:
 Each student will earn two music grades on their report card each nine weeks: one is for conduct and the
other is music.
 Music grade is based primarily on participation. Points are taken off their initial daily grade of an A each
time expectations are not met. No one is ever graded on how much they like/dislike music or how musical
they are.
 Conduct grade is determined by how well a student follows directions in class, shows respect for others,
and refrains from interrupting our learning time together. Five points are taken off their initial conduct
score of an A each time the student does not follow expectations.
 Please review the attached “Music Performance and Conduct Expectations” Chart.
Assessments:
 In music class we will be taking assessments periodically throughout the year to assess musical knowledge.
 If your child is unsatisfied with their assessment and would like to retake it, or would like extra help on
certain music fundamentals, tutoring can be made available by appointment.
Communication
 As you know Rutherford is a 1:1 iPad school and technology is an integral part of enhancing curriculum. I
will be using technology in Music. Also, I have a Weebly that I will update regularly. Please try to view it
as often as possible for communication purposes. I will have notes, news, videos and any information that
you may need to know what’s going on in Music. The web address is www.rutherfordmusic.weebly.com.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the year, please do not hesitate to give me a call. I care deeply
about your student and look forward to a successful year!
Sincerely,
Ronnie Wolfe 
Music Specialist
Rutherford Elementary
MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS
GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
SINGING
PERFORMANCE
(posture, singing
voice)
LISTENING
PERFORMANCE
(listening to stories,
songs, or
masterworks)
PLAYING
PERFORMANCE
(recorders, Orff
instruments,
percussion inst.,
keyboards)
CLASS WORK
PERFORMANCE
(written assignments
or tests)
PRACTICE
PERFORMANCE
(practicing rhythms,
instrumental
patterns, dance
steps, stays on task,
etc.)
MOVEMENT
PERFORMANCE
(listening, holding
hands, following
directions, respecting
personal space,
moving accurately)
CONDUCT
(following class
procedures to the
best of his/her
ability)
Sings and follows
lyrics with proper
posture 95-100% of
the time.
Follows chart and
exhibits appropriate
concert etiquette 95100% of the time.
Sings and follows
lyrics with proper
posture 85% of the
time.
Follows chart and
exhibits good concert
etiquette 85% of the
time.
Sings and follows
lyrics with proper
posture 75% of the
time.
Follows chart and
exhibits good concert
etiquette 75% of the
time.
Sings and follows
lyrics with proper
posture 60 % of the
time.
Follows chart and
exhibits good concert
etiquette 60% of the
time.
Makes no effort to
sing and follow lyrics
with proper posture.
Makes no effort to
follow the listening
chart or exhibit good
concert etiquette.
Plays using proper
playing positions and
techniques 95-100%
of the time.
Plays using proper
playing positions and
techniques 85% of
the time.
Plays using proper
playing positions and
techniques 75% of
the time.
Plays using proper
playing positions and
techniques 60% of
the time
Makes no effort to
play using proper
playing positions and
techniques.
Maintains an A
average on written
class work and tests.
Maintains a B average
on written class work
and tests.
Maintains a C average
on written class work
and tests.
Maintains a D average
on written class work
and tests.
Maintains an F
average on written
class work and tests.
Stays on task,
practicing or
performing the given
assignment 95-100%
of the time.
Stays on task,
practicing or
performing the given
assignment 85% of
the time.
Stays on task,
practicing or
performing the given
assignment 75% of
the time.
Stays on task,
practicing or
performing the given
assignment 60% of
the time.
Makes no effort to
stay on task,
practicing or
performing the given
assignment.
Performs movements
accurately 95-100%
of the time.
Performs movements
accurately 85% of
the time.
Performs movements
accurately 75% of
the time.
Performs movements
accurately 60% of
the time.
Makes no effort to
perform movements
accurately.
3rd: 0-2 entries in
conduct book
1st, 2nd, 4-6th:
0-3 entries in conduct
book
3rd: 3-4 entries in
conduct book
1st, 2nd, 4-6th:
4-6 entries in conduct
book
3rd: 5-6 entries in
conduct book
1st, 2nd, 4-6th:
7-10 entries in
conduct book
3rd: 7-8 entries in
conduct book
1st, 2nd, 4-6th:
11-13 entries in
conduct book
3rd: 9-10 entries in
conduct book
1st, 2nd, 4-6th:
14-16 entries in
conduct book