Mrs. Castillo’s Policies and Expectations
Below discusses the policies and expectations that I will provide throughout the year. If
something were to change, I will let you know via note. Please keep up with my weekly
newsletter and website to remain up-to-date with the daily classroom activities.
Homework:
Students will be expected to complete and turn in their homework the following school
day after it is assigned. If something were to come up where a student could not complete his
or her homework, please contact me via note or email. All assignments will be recorded in the
agenda. I will try my best to allow students to start assignments during class time.
Students are encouraged to form good homework and study habits this year so as to
prepare them for the grades and work ahead. If a student is having problems with completing
homework a note will be sent home from me and further action may be needed.
Classwork:
Classwork and projects are what students will largely be graded on during the course of
the year. Students are required to come to class every day, prepared, and ready to do work.
Students with prolonged or multiple absences will need to meet with me to make an alternative
plan to make up missed work. Students not only need to physically ready for school, but also
mentally. During instruction, I will need their undivided attention and focus. Disruptive
behavior (passing notes, talking at inappropriate times, etc.) may lead to silent lunch. Students
will be provided movement breaks as necessary and I will produce lessons that will fit the needs
of all my learners.
Students may redo any classwork or homework assignment within each nine-week
period. I will give the student the average of the two grades. They may not redo tests, quizzes,
labs, or projects.
Missing Work:
If a student does not have their homework at the beginning of the school day they will
be required to turn in an “oops” slip. This slip is communication between me and the student
and gives the student the opportunity to decide when they will make up the assignment, at
home for homework or during lunch. If the assignment is still not complete after 5 days the
grade will drop 5 points and a note will be sent home.
Students who are absent will have 5 school days to complete the missed work. Missed
work and notes will be placed in the student’s box. Any work not completed within 5 school
days of the due date will have 5 points deducted per 5 days and a note sent home that must be
signed by a parent or guardian. Work turned in without a name will also have 5 points
deducted. Assignments that are not turned in by the end of the nine weeks will result in a zero.
Students will earn a lot of grades in my class because I want to allow for a student to
have a “bad day” and not have it affect their grades and hard work. I make it a point to keep
Power School up to date and mark grades with the appropriate tags “missing”, “late”, or
“excused”. Please contact me if there is something that appears incorrect on your end.
Tests and Quizzes:
Students will take pre and post assessments throughout the year as well as benchmark
tests at the end of the nine weeks. Fourth grade students will be taking the Virginia SOLs in
math, reading, and history. Exact dates can be provided.
Students will receive study guides a few days prior to the unit test. On the study guides
will be studying tips. The guides will be written directly from the assessment and will act as a
great tool for forming study habits.
Snack:
Snack will be allowed everyday around 10:30. Students can bring a small snack that will
take them no more than 5 minutes to eat. Please avoid sending your student with food that
requires heating or utensils. Students need to have snack with them before they enter the
classroom each morning. For those who purchase snack in the cafeteria, they will need to get
their snack during breakfast. I will not provide snack for those who do not bring it. Please avoid
sending your student with candy.
Grade break down:
Classwork- 30%
Projects- 30%
Homework- 5%
Tests-20%
Quizzes- 15%
Please review the information with your student and keep for your reference..
If you have any questions please contact me at school or by email
Mrs. Castillo
ecastillo@amherst.k12.va.us