1. With Mrs. Allen

2.  Grouping is done by ability for math and reading to better meet the needs of each individual student.  Grouping is based on the following information:  3 rd grade MSP Scores  4 th grade baseline tests  4 th grade fact fluency scores (math)  Classroom observation  Grouping is flexible – students may be moved based on performance – typically done at the end of a trimester

3.  Fourth grade Statewide Standards are taught.  The intent of this class is to slow down the instruction and give the students more opportunity for practicing specific concepts.  Concepts are broken down into a simpler form with modified steps thus enabling students to be more successful.

4.  Classwork is given daily and students will need practice independently for full understanding of the concept covered. What isn’t finished in class is considered homework.  Parents should review students homework daily. Sometimes one-on-one will help students catch a misunderstanding.  Corrections on assignments should be done promptly and before each chapter test.  Practice DAILY facts: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Students who struggle with their facts will ultimately struggle with concepts because their lack of knowledge of facts will slow down their progress and understanding.  If there is a miscommunication at home during homework please let me know either by a note on the homework or email. A Homework Buddies name and number was exchanged at the beginning of the year.

5. Late Work The maximum grade that a late assignment can receive is 80%. Students have until the following Monday (or date indicated in Family Access) to turn in late work. After that, the assignment will be recorded as 0% and cannot be made up…YIKES! Corrected Work Scores of 79% and below MUST be corrected. The highest grade that students can receive on any corrected work is 80%. Absent Work If your child is absent, you have the number of days that they were absent, plus one more day to turn in work. Example: If your child was absent on Tuesday and came back on Wednesday, the missed work would be due no later than Friday. All work missed will be assigned upon return to class.

6.  Corrected assignments will better prepare students for tests and students are encouraged to do this.  Grades are recorded and available to you at all times for you to access on Family Access. Use the username and password assigned to you.  There is an option on Family Access to be notified if your child scores less than an 80% on assignments.

7.  The correcting of errors on daily assignments is very important with regard to increased student success. DHES students are encouraged to correct their daily assignments in order to see where and what kinds of mistakes were made, with the hope of preventing such mistakes in the future. Re-doing work also provides the student an opportunity to improve their grade and demonstrate a greater level of mastery. It should go without saying that students should always do their best work on each assignment. 

8.  Corrections should be completed on all daily work with a score below 80%.  Corrections should be turned in by the following Monday from when the assignment was handed back. The new due date will be stamped at the top of each assignment and noted in Skyward.  Corrections on late work are not accepted.  Corrections on quizzes, tests, projects or other assessments are not accepted.  Corrections must be completed at home.  Corrections must be completed on a new piece of notebook paper, attached to the original assignment and turned in to the designated classroom location.  Corrections must be made for ALL incorrect answers (not just enough to raise the grade to 80%).  Corrections require a parent signature in order to receive an improved score.

9. I am very open in explaining the process of maintaining binders, grading policies and how to complete corrected work. This system is used from now until 8 th grade, here in Dieringer. Often times your 4 th grader already knows what should happen next; either correcting work or talking to me about a skill they are having trouble with. Teaching your child to be the advocate and take on this responsibility will pay off as this is a lifelong skill. Parent help on homework should be to answer your child’s questions about homework, but don’t sit beside and do their work. Teachers need to see what your child can do by themselves. It lets us know how fast we can move and/or what needs more teaching.

11.  Everyone has a right to learn.  We have a pocket chart containing a slot for each student. Each slot has a green, yellow, and red card.  Here’s What The Colors Mean Green------------------Nice job today! Yellow----------------- A couple of bumps along the way… Red---------------------Hit the brakes! We need to talk.

12.  http://www.mhschool.com/math http://www.mhschool.com/math  Access code is EBE6026231  Lots of games online.  Chapter review and practice tests online. I will email about these prior to tests.  This is my only Extra Credit.  Re-teaching of daily skills.  Book is online.

13.  How to contact me  Classwork/Homework – Filling out Planners  Upcoming Events  Helpful links  Homework Policy  Grading Guidelines  Important Documents

14.  Email sallen@dieringer.wednet.edusallen@dieringer.wednet.edu  253-826-4937  Family Access is always available to you.  I also communicate via email through Family Access regularly. Please be sure you have the correct email listed in Family Access.