Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.
- If I'm absent do I still need to complete my homework?
- If I bring in my weekly folder on Friday is it still worth table points?
- If I have a problem should I come to you directly or have my mom call?
- What do I include in my Me Museum and when do I present it to the class?
- It's my birthday, can I bring in doughnuts?
- How do table points work?
- What is the reward for winning monthly table points?
- If I don't understand a concept, should I just wing it on the next test?
- If I do poorly on a test, can I retake it?
If I'm absent do I still need to complete my homework?
Absolutely...homework is not an option, it's required!! When you're absent a
parent can pick up work at the end of the day or I will always make every
effort to send it home with someone who lives near you. I keep a record of
what you missed and it is your responsibility to complete the work soon after
you return. If you are out for an extended period of time you will have a
week to complete the work. Remember, while completing the work you missed,
you must keep up with the work we're currently working on.
If I bring in my weekly folder on Friday is it still worth table points?
No, it's only worth points the first day it's due. Weekly folders will go
home the same day that Wednesday folders go home and will be due back on
Thursday. If a parent signature is required it's only worth table points on
the specified days.
If I have a problem should I come to you directly or have my mom call?
You should definitely come to me directly!! We can discuss the situation and
work it out together. My door is ALWAYS open!
What do I include in my Me Museum and when do I present it to the class?
Me Museum is a way for students to present personal information about
themselves that might include photos, both recent and of themselves as
babies,trophies, collections, or special possessions. If you play a musical
instrument you can bring it in and play for the class. Anything that helps us
know you better! This can be brought in at any time during the week and is
presented to the class on Friday. Once the student has shared their
momentoes, they take questions from their classmates. Me Museum participants
are chosen each week randomly and if a student has a busy week coming up, they
can decline and their name is thrown back into the pool. I
have found that students love the opportunity to share about themselves, we
all love getting to know each other better, and it's great practice for
speaking in public.
It's my birthday, can I bring in doughnuts?
Yes! At MATES we celebrate birthdays with a special snack, but we cannot
devote too much time to this celebration. If you would like to bring in a
special snack it needs to be something like granola bars, doughnuts, cookies,
cupcakes,or anything pre-cut. Please do not bring in cakes that have to be
cut. 5 minutes before recess or at the end of the day we will hand out the
snack on the way out the door.
How do table points work?
Each table works as a group to earn table points. Table points are given for
on task behavior, returning weekly packets and envelopes with parent
signatures, random acts of kindness and various other ways throughout the
year. It is an incentive program I believe in. At the end of each month the
table with the most points is rewarded!
What is the reward for winning monthly table points?
When a table wins the month for accumulating the most table points they have
the opportunity to bring their lunch and eat with me in the classroom.
During this time they can watch a movie, listen to music and chat with me, and I
bring special snacks!
Students can opt to stay in for lunch and recess or just stay a little while
and then head out to recess.
If I don't understand a concept, should I just wing it on the next test?
No, don't wing it, come and see me! If we spend just 5 minutes at recess
discussing your confusion, it will help you do well on the next test. No
winging it necessary!
If I do poorly on a test, can I retake it?
I don't offer retakes on tests if you do poorly, so it's important to study
and be prepared. If you score below a 70% on a math, science or social studies test,
you will be given the opportunity to correct your mistakes at home with the
help of a parent, if needed. You will then be given half credit for each question
you correct properly. This should help bring your grade up to the 70% range.