Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- What is your email address?
- If I need to contact you, what should I do?
- What things can I do to help my child?
- How can I help my child study for a test?
- How else can I help my child?
- Do you have any other suggestions?
- How can I help my child with math?
What is your email address?
My school email is baerj@district140.org.
If I need to contact you, what should I do?
If you need to talk to me, please feel free to call me at home in
the evening. I often have more time to talk at home, but please
be aware that I may have to return your call if it is not a
convenient time for my family and me. If you need to talk to me
during the day, you can call the school (467-3012 ext6605) and
leave me a voicemail message, and I will call you back when I am
available. Email and notes are also valuable methods for
contacting me.
What things can I do to help my child?
One of the most important things you can do for your child is set
aside time every day to read. Be involved in their reading.
Talk to them about what they are reading. Make sure they
understand what they are reading, and are not just "saying" the
words.
Your child needs your support--even in fourth grade! Communicate
with them about their day at school, and let them know they are
not alone in their education.
TRUST ME! If you promise not to believe everything you hear
about what happens at school, I promise not to believe everything
I hear about what happens at home. If you ever have a question
or concern about something that happened at school, please
contact me so that we can discuss it together.
How can I help my child study for a test?
Your child will receive study guides for science and social
studies at least two days before the test. Math study guides are
sent home the day before a test. Work together to look up
definitions for vocabulary words and study the concepts in the
unit. Discuss the concepts and "quiz" your child on the
material so that they may feel confident in their knowledge and
understanding of the subject.
How else can I help my child?
One of the most important skills you can help your child with is
responsibility. Check their premier each night and see what they
have to complete. Please remember to sign the premier each night
after homework is completed. Keep the weekly newsletter posted
on the refrigerator to help them remember what they have to do
for each day. Help them pack their bookbag each night in
preparation for the next day. It is important for them to
remember to bring everything they need to school each day. As
they learn to be more responsible, your life should get a little
easier, too.
Do you have any other suggestions?
To ensure that your child experiences success in school, it is
vitally important that we work together as a team. If you ever
have concerns, contact me immediately. I will do the same with
you. Never hesitate to contact me.
How can I help my child with math?
Success in math takes practice. If your child is having trouble
with math, set aside time each night to work on the concept or
skill. Basic facts are essential to know, especially
multiplication facts. Take time when you are in the car with
your child and give them multiplication problems to work out
in their head. Mental math is a very valuable skill that improves
very quickly with practice. Try to make the practice time fun.
There are many educational games that reinforce math skills. I
would be happy to give you some suggestions.
