Welcome to our third grade classroom. Please note the following information
regarding my background, philosophy and procedures:
I grew up in Michigan and graduated from Western Michigan University. I
earned a degree in Elementary Education with minors in Mathematics, Science,
Integrative Creative Arts and Early Childhood Education. My husband, Jacob,
and I moved to Atlanta to join the Sarah Smith team.
My teaching philosophy is to help all students realize their highest
potential. I believe all students should develop intellectually, socially and
emotionally. I will work diligently to make sure that each student feels
valued and understands other’s individuality. Students are expected to act
responsibly and take control of their actions.
I will provide a safe, comfortable and orderly classroom environment. I call
my classroom a community of learners. I will give the students opportunities
to work individually, in pairs and in groups. Students are held responsible
for our school and classroom essential agreements.
I encourage continuous communication between parent, teacher and student. I
will contact you in a variety of manners to help ensure that your child
succeeds. Communication may be by phone, e-mail, or in written form. Working
together will help your child have a great third grade experience.
Behavior Management:
Students develop our essential agreements. They include respect our
community, respect teachers and others, be on time, and do your best.
Conduct:
1. Practice self control
2. Obey rules and regulations
3. Control talking
4. Courteous in speech and action
5. Work and play well in a group setting
6. Respect others
Work Habits
1. Actively participate in class
2. Use technology
3. Return materials sent home
4. Listen and follow directions
5. Complete assignments on time
If a student exhibits behaviors that are against our agreements, the first
offense will be a verbal warning. According to Sarah Smith’s Behavior Plan,
if the behavior is a minor offense, the student will work on an IB reflection
sheet. If the offense is major, the student will be sent to the assistant
principal where consequences will be determined. This could be a letter home,
a call home or suspension.
Grading Procedures:
I will keep students and parents informed of due dates, book reports and
tests. Due dates will be placed on the classroom calendar and on my website.
Students will also be responsible for writing important dates in their
agendas and developing time management skills.
Students will be given time to complete in class assignments. If more time is
needed, students may take the assignment home and return it the following
morning. Points will be deducted each day the assignment is late.
Each student will have an agenda where they are to write all assignments. I
will not check each student’s agenda unless the student seems to be having
problems turning in assignments. I encourage parents to check the agenda.
Each student should be aware that assignments submitted are expected to be
proofread. This should include correct spelling and punctuation.
Grading Scale:
Assignments that are placed in the grade book will receive a percentage score
and a letter grade. The scale is as follows:
A = 90 – 100%
B = 80 – 89%
C = 70 – 79%
F = Below 70%
Homework:
Students will have homework Monday through Thursday. Homework should be
found in the student’s red homework folder. Students will be expected to read
20 minutes a night. On top of the reading, students will have no more than 30
minutes of homework.
Late Work:
All students are expected to turn in assignments on the due date. If an
assignment is late, 10% of the entire grade will be deducted. If a student
knows in advance that they will be absent on a day an assignment is due,
please make sure they turn in their work early. This helps the student
understand the importance of their education and time management skills.
Excused Absences:
If a child is absent from school, they will have the same number of days to
complete the missing work. (Example: If a child is absent for two days, they
will have two days to make up the missing work.) This will include all tests,
quizzes, class work and homework.
Unexcused Absences:
Students will have the same amount of days to make up the work as absences.
The students can collect their work when they return to school. However, in
an unexcused absence, the teacher is not required to assign a grade for any of
the missing work. The grade will not count for or against the student in the
overall grade. It would be like the grade never existed. I encourage
students to finish all work missed, as it will benefit them.
Attendance/Tardiness:
Attendance is very important to your child’s education. Students who arrive
after the 8:00 a.m. ring tone will be counted as tardy. They are to receive a
tardy slip from the office. If a student’s bus is late, there will be an
announcement and the student will not be counted as tardy. We strive for 100%
attendance; please help your child arrive to school on time.
Conferences:
I am happy to discuss your student’s progress at any time. I will meet with
you before or after school. Please request a meeting time two days in
advance. Please feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail.
Phone: (404) 423 - 6369
Emails: a.a.larkin@hotmail.com
amlarkin@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Other Important Information
Testing Schedule (tentative) for this year:
CRCT: April 19 – 22, and 25
Please keep these dates in mind when planning family vacations and other
appointments.
Class Birthdays:
Parents are encourages to bring a treat at 11:30 a.m. We are happy to
celebrate the students’ birthday on their actual day if nothing else is
scheduled during that time. Please give me at least a two day notice, so I
can plan the school day accordingly.
Graded Tests:
Students will be asked to bring home any test where they receive a grade of C
or F. Please discuss the performance and what can be done to improve. There
will be a red stamp where the parent is to sign and the student should return
work the following day. I will keep a folder for each student with their
graded tests. This can be reviewed at any time.
Student Work:
Students are asked to complete all assignments in their best handwriting.
Homework papers without a name will receive no credit.
Larkinville
Throughout this year students will have the opportunity to participate in our
classroom economy, Larkinville. Students will receive “Larkin Loot” for
following our IB profiles and attitudes, and adhering to our essential
agreements. The “Mayor” (me) may fine a student if they are found in contempt
of any of the school or classroom agreements. Students will have access to
“cash”. Students will need to use their Larkin Loot to purchase items in the
classroom. Example: if a student loses a pencil they may purchase one for $2.
The purpose of this economy is to help students identify a personal budget
and explain why personal spending and saving decisions are important.
The mission statement of the International Baccalaureate Organization
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and
caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world
through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international
organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and
rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active,
compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with
their differences, can also be right.
IB Website: http://www.ibo.org/