Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. How much homework will I assign?
2. Is all of the classwork graded?
3. Why do some kids have different work to do?
4. How often will papers come home?
5. How is homework graded?
6. When can I be contacted?
7. Will there be any field trips this year?
8. Can students stay after school to get help with work or help me out?
9. How do the Friday folders work?
10. Are volunteers allowed to work in the room?
11. Can students send me e-mails?
12. Can parents conference with me before parent-teacher conferences in November?

How much homework will I assign?

Students are expected to read for 20 (more is always good!) mins each night 
and record their reading in their reading logs. For their reading logs, I want students to think 
about what they are reading, so they will actually be called "Wonder Logs." I will try my best to 
respond to each student's writing, which will be due once a week. Also, the students will have an 
opportunity to work on their Wonder Logs in class.

Social Studies homework will be assigned on an as-needed basis. 

No homework will contain new material that has not been covered in class, and is simply a 
reinforcement of already existent skills.

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Is all of the classwork graded?

I do not grade every piece of work completed. As a child learns material, I 
do not expect mastery while they are learning. I will use quizzes and tests, 
as well as projects, to assess their learning. I only give quizzes and tests 
once adequate time has been given for content learning. Some concepts take 
longer to learn, while others take less time. All work is given credit for 
completion, and is reflected in the student's quarterly grade.

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Why do some kids have different work to do?

I try to differentiate curriculum to the greatest extent possible. This 
means that I adapt my teaching strategies according to the needs of the 
student. Therefore, not every student will have the same work to do at all 
times. I strive to challenge each child regardless of their ability level. 
This means giving different work for students from time to time.

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How often will papers come home?

We will be sending papers home each Friday. Please keep in mind that work 
turned in over the course of one week will not be in the papers for that 
Friday. It will be in the following week's papers. Graded work, such as 
tests and quizzes, will be given back as soon as possible.

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How is homework graded?

Homework is graded on a "I did it" basis. I do not grade homework for right and wrong answers. I 
do grade homework based on it completion, and quality, particularly for Reading Journals (more 
information to come). Homework grades can affect whether or not a student receives Honor Roll, as 
the homework grade is part of the Work Habits portion of the report card. Even if a child is doing 
well in class, if he does not do his homework, it will hurt his report card for each quarter.

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When can I be contacted?

I am usually at school until 4pm or later. I may be reached most easily from 
2:45-4:00. I am always available via e-mail. You will find that I respond quickly, so don't worry 
about 
not getting an answer in time!

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Will there be any field trips this year?

We will go to Jamestown, VA at the end of the year. Hopefully we can plan something else before 
then. :)

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Can students stay after school to get help with work or help me out?

Absolutely. If a student needs additional time to learn a concept, I will 
request that they stay after. And of course, they can always ask me if they 
can stay after. I love having help after school!

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How do the Friday folders work?

The white folder that has Trantwood Elementary on it is for materials sent 
by the PTA, SCA or school administration. I will also include my monthly 
newsletter in that folder. The separate, colored, two-pocket folder inserted 
into the white folder is for graded work to be reviewed with the parents. 
Any tests or quizzes with a D or E must be signed and returned the following 
week. If I do not receive it, a phone call or e-mail will be made.

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Are volunteers allowed to work in the room?

I love having volunteers! If you would like to volunteer, please let me know 
when you are available, and I can work you into the schedule. I will also 
need a room parent, as well as parents to come with us on the field trip.

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Can students send me e-mails?

Yes, yes, yes! I love getting student e-mails. Just remember your manners when you send them. :)

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Can parents conference with me before parent-teacher conferences in November?

Yes, in fact, I prefer it if there is anything that needs to be discussed. Also, please know that I see 
conferences as a positive thing to do. I truly believe that parent-teacher relationships are the key to 
a 
child's success.

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