Back to School Night Welcome to Mrs. Buecheler’s class. Tonight’s presentation will consist of information dealing with: Special’s schedule Homework policy Classroom discipline Getting your child to read Book report calendar Field Trips Math

Specials Schedule Mrs. Buecheler’s Fourth Grade Class Specials Schedule MondayLibrary10:25-11:10 TuesdayMusic10:25-11:10 WednesdayArt10:25 11:10 ThursdayGym10:25 11:10 FridayLibrary10:25-11:10

Lunch 12:45-1:30 Extended Recess: 1:30-1:45

Homework Policy Why I assign homework: I believe homework is important because it is a valuable aid in helping students make the most of their experience in school. I give homework because it is useful in reinforcing what has been learned in class, prepares students for upcoming lessons, helps me to identify where students need additional instruction, teaches responsibility and helps students develop positive study habits. When homework will be assigned: Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday nights. Assignments should take students no more that forty-five minutes each night, not including studying for tests, working on projects, or reading. Spelling tests will usually be given each Friday. I try to give students at least one week’s notice to study for all tests and parents will be given advanced written notification of all upcoming projects or reports. Students’ homework responsibilities: First and foremost, students must have their name on all homework assignments. Students are expected to have homework completed neatly. I expect students to do the work on their own and only ask for help after they have given it their best effort. It is expected that all assignments will be turned in on time. If a student forgets his/her homework they will miss extended lunch recess that day. Extended recess is a privilege, not a right. If they forget it a second day they will have to make it up during extended recess. I do not take away lunch recess.

Homework Policy Teacher’s homework responsibilities: I will check all homework. This does not mean that a grade will be assigned to all homework assignments. Homework is an assessment tool for me to see how the students are progressing in their learning. Parents’ homework responsibilities: Parents are the key to making homework a positive experience for their children. Therefore, I appeal to parents to make homework a top priority, provide necessary supplies and a quiet homework environment, set a daily homework time, provide praise and support, not let children avoid homework, and contact me if problems arise. Parents are also to sign students’ homework assignment books each night upon completion of homework assignments. This helps to ensure that parents are aware of homework being assigned, and students have completed the assignments correctly. If for some reason your child cannot complete his/her homework, please write me a note. We will discuss this and they will have another night to complete the assignment(s)

Classroom Discipline Plan Dear Parents, These are the general rules of our classroom. These rules will be in effect at all times:  Follow directions  No teasing or name calling  Never leave the classroom without permission  Show respect to all adults and your peers  Keep your hands and feet to yourself  During instruction, there should be NO talking when someone else is speaking  NO TATTLING

Classroom Discipline Plan Behavior such as fighting will result in a visit to the principal’s office. I have already discussed this plan with your child, but I would appreciate it if you would review it with your child. Thank you in advance for your support. Sincerely, Mrs. Buecheler

GETTING YOUR CHILD TO READ PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS Many parents work with their children to improve reading skills. Listed below are some helpful tips that parents can use to encourage children to read and to improve their performance.  If possible, read aloud with your child every day. Take turns reading aloud with your child. But do not insist that your child read aloud if he or she is uncomfortable doing so.  Don’t ask your child if a book that he/she has selected is too hard. Even if he/she does not know all the words, it may challenge him/her and give you an opportunity to volunteer to read part of the book to (or with) your child.  Possibly set a "go to bed with a book” policy. Let your child read for half an hour after going to bed. If this isn’t possible every night, then rotate nights. If there isn’t a light near your child’s bed, provide a reading light.

GETTING YOUR CHILD TO READ PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS  Avoid rewarding a child for the number of books he/she has read. Reading should bring its own reward and pleasure.  Don’t punish your child or remove privileges if your child does not read. Reading should be associated with pleasure and enjoyment.  Express your love for reading to your child. Allow your child to see you reading. Share what you are reading for pleasure or information.  Support your child in actively reading by encouraging him/her to read signs, labels, notes, written directions, notices, letters, lists, stories, poems and road signs.  Invite your child to tell you about what he/she is reading, but don’t put pressure on your child regarding content. Instead, encourage informal sharing.

BOOK REPORT CALENDAR December 5, 2014 Mystery BOOK IN A BAG February 18, 2015 History Wax Museum April 24, 2015 Favorite Trading Sport’s Card Person It is important that you keep this calendar in a most convenient place. The students will get a letter a few weeks before the book report is due to remind them of the activity and what is expected.

Field Trips Landis Valley: Thursday, November 6, 2014 Time- 9:00-5:00 Harrisburg: Friday, April 10, 2015 Time: 7:15-5:00 Philadelphia: Friday, May 22, 2015 Time: 9:15-3:30

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