Welcome to Back to School Night!
Tuesday September 8, 2015
Room 39
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A Little About Me:
Desiree Burbank
Bachelors Degree in Business Management from SJSU
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Sacramento State
Girls Basketball Coach for Warm Springs Elementary (Girls
team). Will be my 4th year as of this year.
Born and raised in Fremont, Ca. I went to Hirsch, Horner and
Irvington. 
Previously taught Science Prep for 1-6th grades at Oliveira
Elementary School.
Taught 5th grade for 2 years, then 4th grade last year at Warm
Springs Elementary.
Previous FUDTA Site Rep and Science Fair Judge last year.
CELDT Tester this year . 
My Contact Information
• The best way to get a hold of me is through email.
My email is: dburbank@fremont.k12.ca.us
• My extension at the school is 45139. The best way to
contact me is through email. I cannot answer emails
during the school day. Please give me 24 hrs advance
notice or window to reply.
• I also have a class website through the school.
-Access Warm Springs website at
http://www.fmtusd.org/warmsprings/site/default .asp
-Click on the ‘Teachers’ tab and click on my name under the B’s
(Click on “Burbank”)
- I am in the process of updating my website. This site is for
general information only. I will not be posting homework online.
Classroom Rules
Class rules are as follows:
1. Follow The 8 Great Traits
2. Be Ready to Learn
3. Do Your Best Work Everyday.
4. Respect Ms. Burbank
5. Cooperate with your peers.
6. Golden Rule – Treat Others the Way You
Want to be Treated.
7. Be Flexible!
8. Be Happy! Have Fun!
Classroom and
Table Group Points
• Point System:
Every week the class and assigned table groups will have the
opportunity to earn daily points. At the end of the week, prizes are
awarded based on the following below:
Class Points:
The class goal is to earn “Free Minutes”. These minutes are earned by the class
following the class rules, the 8 Great Traits, working well in their groups, and last
but not least working to achieve their “Free Minutes Goal of the Week”. For
example, this week it is “To come into class QUIETLY”. These free minutes that are
earned will be provided to the students at the end of the week, in the form of some
class activity.
Table Group Points:
The table group with the most points earned at the end of the week will receive $5
and a small prize, such as various school supplies, reading area pass, computer pass,
etc.
Behavior Policy
3-Step Behavior Policy
All students understand the following consequences when rules are broken:
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3.
1st offence - Verbal Warning
Student owes $1
2nd offence - Bench Slip
Student serves 1 recess on the bench (or in class) and owes $1
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3 offence - Responsibility Slip
Student receives Responsibility Slip, owes $1, serves all 3 recesses
during that day. A parent signature is required and the slip is returned
the following next day. The student will be asked to copy and
complete either the “Behavior Worksheet” or the “Time-Out Lesson”,
depending on the severity of the behavior. An email will be sent from the
teacher to the parent.
*Depending on the severity of the issue, the student could be sent to the
Asst. Principal to discuss his/her behavior. The parent will receive a call
home.
Homework Policy
• Your child will be assigned approximately 45-60
minutes of homework per day, Monday through
Thursday. Homework is instrumental in reinforcing
skills that were learned in class. Homework not
only allows the students independent practice, but
also teaches responsibility and helps to develop good
study habits. Homework is due on the morning of the
due date since we check answers together.
• Homework makes up 20% of each subject’s grade.
• No late homework is accepted.
Homework Responsibilities
1. Students will receive daily homework.
2. Students will be assigned work that can be
completed independently.
3. Students are responsible for completing and turning
in homework when due.
4. Parents are responsible for providing a quiet time
and place for homework to be completed.
5. Parents are encouraged to monitor and assist
students when needed.
6. Parents are to sign the Student Planner nightly.
This is part of the student’s daily homework
assignment. Student’s will be showing the teacher
their signed Student Planner on a daily basis.
Must Do’s and May Do’s
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“Must Do” assignments are weekly class work assignments that are to be
completed IN CLASS.
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Students are responsible for making sure all “Must Do” assignments are
completed by Friday prior to school ending. I list the assignments on the
“Must Do / May Do” Chart as they are assigned so students can keep track.
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Once students are done with their “Must Do” assignments, they can work on
their May Do’s, which typically are fun, enjoyable activities, such as silent
reading, crosswords, art activities, school contests, etc.
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All of these assignments / activities will be kept in a special folder that they
are to keep in class and work on during the week.
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Must Do’s counts towards the class work grade.
Wolf Folders
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Wolf Folders typically go home every Thursday.
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In the Wolf Folder you will find:
– Graded tests, projects
– Various flyers from the school and district
– Important information from the teacher
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Please make a habit of reviewing the contents of the Wolf Folder with
your child.
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Parents must sign the inside of folder and return on the next day, Friday.
I check to make sure all folders are signed.
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I expect students to keep all completed and graded homework filed in
the appropriate area of his/her binder to refer back to when it is time
for testing and keep track of what assignments have been completed.
Absences
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Must notify the office and teacher
(by email please) of when your child is and/going to be absent.
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Please notify me of any upcoming appointments too (dentist, doctor,
etc.).
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Student will receive an “Absence Folder” with information inside
showing all work that was completed in class and homework that is due
on the day of the his/her absence.
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Student has 2 days (evenings) to complete all the work for full credit.
If a student fails to turn in his/her make-up work by deadline, then
they will receive no credit for all work. For example, if your child is
absent on a Monday and return to school on Tuesday then their make-up
work will be due on Thursday.
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If a student misses a test, he/she is to make up the test on the next
day they come to class.
Grading
Your child will receive letter grades on their report cards for all subject matter
except Music, Computers, Physical Education, Citizenship and Conduct, Listening and
Speaking, and organizational skills.
Students are assessed on their daily work, tests, homework, projects, oral
presentations, cooperation, and individual effort. Students are expected to make-up
work that they miss when they are absent. Grades are based on the following
criteria:
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Daily Work
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Tests
Homework
Projects
Oral Presentations
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Cooperation
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Individual effort
Includes the observed ability to apply the concepts for fourth
grade
Includes quizzes, chapter tests, unit tests
Includes accuracy, neatness, being completed on time
Includes accuracy, neatness, being completed on time
Includes the observed ability to apply the concepts for fourth
grade
Active involvement in class discussions and cooperation with
group members
Based upon the extent to which a student goes beyond the basic
class requirements
Grading Policy:
• Homework and classwork are each worth 20%.
• Tests and projects make up the remaining 60%.
• The breakdown of grades is below.
100-96% = A+
79-76% = C+
95% = A
75% = C
93-90% = A73-70% = C89-86% = B+
69-66% = D+
85% = B
65% = D
83-80% = B63-60% = D59 and below is an F
EngradePro
• I will be using a online grading program.
www.engradepro.com
• Will be able to access your child’s grades at any time.
• Passwords and logins are coming soon.
• Please monitor your student’s grade through
engradepro.com. Please understand that I try to get
the grades entered as soon as possible, but tests and
projects tend to take longer to grade and then enter
compared to daily homework and weekly assignments.
Field Trips
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We have several wonderful field trips planned for this school year.
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These trips include:
San Juan Baptista, Oakland Museum, Alameda County Water District (in
class presentation), and Levi’s Stadium.
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This is just a reminder that we will not be able to go on these great
field trips unless we have the following things in place: parent
volunteers, payment for the trip, and signed and returned permission
slips.
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We will be taking busses to all field trips unless
otherwise noted.
Textbooks and
Other Materials
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Students will be responsible for the following textbooks/materials throughout
the year:
1.
California Science Textbook – May be taken home and must be returned
following day.
2.
California Science Interactive Text – Must be taken home to
complete assignments and returned to class each day.
3.
California Science Study Guide – May be taken home to complete
assignments and returned to class each day.
4.
California Treasures Reading – May be taken home and must be
returned the following day.
5.
California Treasures Practice Book – Completed in class each day. May
not be taken home unless approved by teacher.
6.
Wonders – May not be taken home.
7.
Social Science Workbook - May be taken home to complete
assignments and returned to class each day.
8.
Math Expressions Homework and Remembering Book – Students will tear
out daily homework practice pages and spiral review to take as homework.
Remainder of book is to stay in the classroom.
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Math Expressions Student Activity Book – May be taken home to help
with homework or to study for tests, but must be brought to class each
day.
10.
Student Comprehension Writing Journal – Will not be taken home.
Classroom Donations
We are always in need of some classroom supplies.
In case you have anything you are looking to get rid
of would be greatly appreciated.
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Games
Books (4th – 6th grade level)
Computer equipment
Art supplies! (Paint, brushes, etc.)
Ball pump
Cardboard paper.
Anything!  We will find a need.
Online Access…4th Grade Curriculum
Here are the websites to access you child’s fourth grade
curriculum:
• www.thinkcentral.com: Your child will be provided a user name
and password as soon as Math Expressions has finalized the
website. This website will provide access to the Student
Activity Book, games, tutors, videos, and much more!
• www.ca-hss.com (Social Science): ID for this website is fss4
and the password is go. Access the textbook, work pages, games,
videos, and much more!
• www.macmillanmh.com/reading: This website does not require
a user ID or password. It provides access to games, main
selection story summaries, and much more!
• www.eduplace.com/cascp: This website provides extra
practice, games, crossword puzzles to strengthen vocabulary,
word finds, etc.
Questions??
• If you have any questions please write them on the index card at
your child’s desk and I will answer them in an email as soon as
possible!
Before leaving, please make sure you have:
*Signed in
*Wrote any questions you have on the index card on your child’s desk
*Volunteered for a classroom need?
• Thank you for being here!! I look forward to a very
successful school year! Have a great evening.
~Ms. Burbank