Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- When is Homework due?
- May we celebrate birthdays in the classroom?
- What are Friday Folders?
- What is a Write Back Journal?
- When are spelling tests?
- What is Accelerated Reader?
- When are math facts tests?
- When do we go to library, PE, and computer lab?
- May I bring a water bottle to school?
- What are otter bucks and when can we spend them?
- What time do we go to recess and lunch?
- How do I access the list of A.R. books online?
- What are some other questions Mrs. Thomas should include in this FAQ page?
When is Homework due?
Homework is due every Friday. You will be assigned reading,
spelling, cursive, and math. I will know whether you did your
homework by your scores on your A.R. tests, spelling tests, cursive tests, and
math tests. You will also have Study Island assignments to complete.
May we celebrate birthdays in the classroom?
YES! You may bring a healthy treat or non-food treat that meets
the state's wellness guidelines to share with the class for your
birthday. May I suggest donating a book or a game to our
classroom or school? If you have a summer birthday, you
may enjoy an "unbirthday" celebration at the beginning
or the end of the year, on a date of your choosing.
What are Friday Folders?
Every other Friday, I will pass back the completed work from the
week
and you will
be able to review it and keep it. There will be a place for
parents to
write comments and sign the Friday Folder before returning it on
the next
school day.
What is a Write Back Journal?
Write Back Journals are used as writing lessons and communication
tools. We
will use them to practice new writing strategies and to
communicate our
goals, wishes, and accomplishments to you. Please read them with
a loving
heart and respond with at least a sentence or two to your child.
The
students LOVE reading your comments that you have written to them.
At first, the Write Back Journals will not be corrected and
edited by me. I
want you to be able to see their "real writing" without
my corrections. As
time and lessons go on, you will see that my expectations for
editing and
spelling, as well as content, will increase.
When are spelling tests?
Spelling tests will be on Fridays. You may use www.spellingcity.com to help you study.
What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader is a motivational reading program designed to
encourage
children to pleasure read and then to hold them accountable by
having them
take a short comprehension quiz after they are finished with the
book.
Children have been assigned an approximate book level and are
encouraged to
check out books from the library at school, in the classroom, or
in the
community. When they have finished reading the book, they should
take a
quiz on the computer. You will receive occasional reports
telling you how
your child did on the quiz in the Friday folders. Each child
will receive a
personal point goal to meet each trimester. In general, students
should be
testing on 4-5 picture books or 1 chapter book each week in order
to make
their goals.
You may access a list of Accelerated Reading Books by going to
the Links Page
and clicking on the first link.
You might want to try "practicing" a comprehension quiz
at home by going to
www.bookadventure.com to see if the book is listed there.
When are math facts tests?
Math facts tests will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
When do we go to library, PE, and computer lab?
Answer #8 (blank)
May I bring a water bottle to school?
Yes, especially during the hot months. You may keep it at your
desk. If you are going to freeze your water bottle, please wrap
it in a sock to absorb the condensation moisture.
What are otter bucks and when can we spend them?
Otter bucks are given to students when they complete their
classroom jobs
and homework responsibilities. Students are paid $5.00 a week
for their
salaries for completing their classroom jobs and for turning in
their Friday
Homework Folders, Friday Folders, and Write Back Journals.
Students
may purchase new supplies (pencils, erasers, highlighters, etc.)
with their
Otter Bucks during "job time" each day. Once a month,
we will also have an
auction where students can bid on prizes and special privilege
coupons. We
will have our first auction at the end of September!
What time do we go to recess and lunch?
We go to recess at 11:00 and we go to lunch at 12:35, except on
modified Wednesdays. On modified days, we go to lunch at 12:00.
How do I access the list of A.R. books online?
Go to the links page on my website. Click on the first link at
the top of
the page. It will take you to the Rancho Library site, where you
will see
the A.R. list by author, title, and book level.
What are some other questions Mrs. Thomas should include in this FAQ page?
Email me with your question and I will include it!
