2. Welcome to the 2013-2014 School Year! Let’s start shooting for the stars!

3. Greetings! Hi, I’m Ms. Jensen your 4 th grade teacher. I have been teaching at Syracuse Elementary for 13 years. I have taught grades 2 nd through 8 th grade. I grew up in Sunset, Utah and attended Davis School District. I graduated from Weber State University with a Biology Composite, and then completed my Masters’ in Educational Administration. I reside in West Point and have two inspiring daughters that both attend Weber State University. I have a koi pond, I love to garden, and I like to enjoy my cats and dogs. My true passion in life is teaching and I value the opportunity to be your child’s teacher. I have high expectations of your child, and I hope you expect the same from me.

5. Supplies Some helpful supplies that are not required but highly suggested are a back pack, a package of regular pencils, a set of markers, a school box and a package of at least 35 clear regular paper sized page protectors or scrapbooking sheets and a couple of the 17-20 cent spiral 70 count notebooks. We will be maintaining a writing portfolio throughout the year. It will make a great memory keeper at the end of the year. I have colored pencils, binders, water colors, and paper. I encourage students to bring a water bottle that can be closed. It will be warm the first month and hydration is very important..

6. Field Trips and Events Snow Basin Ski Trip Heritage Park Davis County Energy Recover Facility Mountain Man Rendezvous Native American and Pioneer Days Wax museum of famous Utahns

7. Class Schedule *No more morning recess* 8:50- School Starts 9:00-10:15 –Language Arts and Reading 10:15-11:15 – Math 11:00-11:45 – Prep 12:15-1:05 - Lunch 1:15-1:45 – Computer Lab 1:50- 2:15 – Last Recess 2:15-3:00 – Science 3:00-3:25 - Reteach *- We will begin a walking program and we will go outside every morning and get some exercise and a chance to eat a healthy snack.

8. Snack Time Begins at 9:50 and ends at 10:00 Remember: Single portion size only and NO sharing due to allergies. Snack Options: – Fruit – Pretzels – Dry cereal – Cheese sticks – Granola bars – NO CANDY, Healthy snacks only.

9. If it is your birthday then we would love to celebrate with you Students may bring a store purchased treat, and we will create cards. More info can be found in the school policy handbook.

10. Grading I will be using the district grading system: 3 – means mastery of concepts 2- means progressing towards mastery of concepts 1- no concept or mastery of skills

11. Homework and Tuesday Folders I decided to try a new method this year and send homework home in the Tuesday folder. Students will be given their Tuesday Folder with important school-wide information, and then I will have a class newsletter and their homework in there also. The Tuesday folder is due by Friday of that week. Monday’s homework will remain the same and that is to read and study math facts. I will also follow the recommended district guidelines and it is also located in the school handbook.

12. Classroom Management First offense – Verbal Warning Second offense- loss of 5- 10 minutes of recess and student calls home Third offense- loss of entire recess, student calls home, and parent meeting Fourth offense- Principals office Rules: Use kindness towards self, students, and property Raise your hand to speak Follow the PeaceBuilder Pledge *All safe school issues go directly to the office

13. I expect students to give 100 percent while at school, and to complete their homework. After I test your child and know their ability level I will individualize their homework. This includes: reading, math, science, keyboarding and any spelling. If the homework is too difficult or easy I will ask that you send it back, and I will help your child or exchange it for something that fits their needs. Homework should not be excessive or take too much time. I feel that their life outside of school is very important to their success in the classroom as well. They need to have time for family, friends, church, sports or whatever activities that your family participates in.

14. Curriculum I follow the common core which includes: – Language Arts – Math – Science – Etc.. If you would like more information about the common core, here’s the link. link.

15. SCIENCE The water cycle and the weather Utah plants and animals Rocks and minerals Fossils and soil

16. Late or Absent Work If you know that your child will miss school please let me know and I will do my best to prepare work for them if time permits or the content does not need instruction. I keep track of homework and on Friday’s we have a fun activity for those who have turned in their work

17. Rewards Classroom points – Points we earn as a class for parties, free time, extra recess, etc Jensen Tickets – Used for weekly drawings for prizes To Qualify: – You must have your school work AND your homework complete! – Good behavior

18. Wish List Here are a few things that if you would like to donate them it would be greatly appreciated! – Kleenex tissues – Glue sticks – Clorox wipes – Things for reward box – Scrapbooking supplies

19. Back to School! The back to school afternoon will be held: Thursday, August 22 nd --Back to School Afternoon, 2-4 PM Join the PTA/Parent Teacher Associ ation (only $5.50), vote on our budget, and get involved. Your kids LOVE to see you at their school! Student success is greater when PARENTS and TEACHERS work together as a team to support and encourage a child. Thank you for taking the time to view my presentation! I’m sure you have plenty of questions. I am happy to answer any you may have either at back to school night or email. – jljensen@dsdmail.net jljensen@dsdmail.net

20. Thanks Again! I look forward to meeting all of you and having an amazing, productive, and exciting year!