Homework
Your student will generally have spelling, math, grammar, a handwriting page, and AR reading daily Monday-Thursday.
Students have time to work on these items during class but whatever they do not finish will need to be completed at home or during the after school program. I understand students have a life out of school therefore I strive to give ample time during lessons and during centers to complete their homework. If students are on task and working hard they usually go home with very little to no homework. Students will also be expected to read for 20 minutes each night to help them reach their AR goal for the trimester, however if they are taking the time to read in class and have met their weekly goal I'm okay with them not reading for homework as they are showing me they are working hard in class and progressing each week.
On Thursdays and depending what day falls before their math tests they will be responsible for studying for their tests. I usually send home study guides/worksheets to help and try to limit the homework for that night so they can strictly focus on preparing for the test.
To help students practice responsibility, they will be completing a planner Monday-Thursday. Failure to complete the planner may result in a PR Point. Missing or incomplete homework will result in a PR point. Each student starts the year with three oopsies to help get them back into the swing of things after those have been used students will receive a PR point for each day they do not complete homework.
Assessments
Update for this year: Our district has updated the criteria for earning a Gold Academic Award. This year, the Gold Award requires a 4.0 GPA, which means earning all A's.
Gold-4.0
Silver-3.5-3.99
Bronze-3.0-3.49
All grading is based on assessments. Spelling, Grammar, and ELA assessments are generally given on Fridays while Math, Science, and Writing assessments may be given any day of the week.
Please try and plan around Thursdays and Fridays for appointments if possible as these are our review and test days. Students who miss on Fridays will have multiple tests to complete the following week and usually struggle a bit more on the tests since the information isn't fresh in their mind. If you know your child will be missing one of these days please reach out as I can make sure to send home reviews earlier if possible or give the tests before they leave for the week!
Grades will be posted on Aeries within 2 weeks of the test being given. Paper tests will be sent periodically throughout the year after Parent - Teacher conferences. Even if the paper tests aren't sent home immediately, the scores will be inputted for the test so please be checking Aeries frequently to see your student's grades. If you have any questions about their tests, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Retakes
All tests that are able to be retaken must be retested on within two weeks. This ensures they aren't falling behind as we test weekly on new standards. After the two weeks are up they will not be able to retest on that assessment.
Comprehension/Vocab Tests: Yes! I allow retakes for any score under 70%, but the highest score they can receive the 2nd time is 70%. It isn’t fair for a student who got a 70 or higher the first time to have to keep the score and for someone who retook it to score higher.
Math: Yes! I allow retakes for any score under 70%, but the highest score they can receive the 2nd time is 70%. It isn’t fair for a student who got a 70 or higher the first time to have to keep the score and for someone who retook it to score higher.
Grammar: No retakes.
Spelling: No retakes.
Writing: No retakes
Science: No retakes. We go over videos and use the book in class. We also go over the questions on the test extensively. If they are focused they will do just fine!