Welcome to Room 21 Magnolia Elementary 2009-2010

This is my class information. I will be posting newsletters here each month. I look forward to meeting all of you at Back To School Night on September 3rd.

Grading Policy
The grades earned in class are based on each students IEP goals and their instructional level. The grades are cumulative and include tests, quizzes, class participation, daily
home-work, and class projects.
Reading:
This will be an assigned reading book or book of their choice, which you will have to record in their reading log each night. They need to read at least 20 minutes each night. On nights they don not have an assigned reading book they will need to read a book at their level that they have at home. The stories should be at the level they are working on in class.  This is a great opportunity for you to work with your child at home on their reading skills.   Having them read every night will make a great impact on developing strong reading skills. Please sign their reading log every night.

Spelling/Phonics:
There will be one spelling assignment each night. There may also be a phonics assignment that will reinforce the spelling words for that week. The spelling program will inlcude a practice test on Thursday night that needs to given by you and signed.

Mathematics:
I will be assigning one math practice sheet most nights to give the students a chance to practice the math skills they have learned in class. This will also allow them to retain the math skills they have learned earlier in the school year. I would also like each student to have multiplication flash cards to practice with at home.

Science and Social Studies:
We will be learning about the History of California, our local communities, Missions, Gold Rush, Astronomy, Magnetism, Electricity, Land forms, and the life cycle of plants and animals. We will do many experiments as well as going on field trips and doing projects with other classrooms.

Physical Education:
We will have PE on Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. The students will learn to play various sports and also learn about teamwork and sportsmanship.

Study Hall and Detention:
Students who do not complete their homework will have to finish it in study hall during morning recess and if needed during Friday PE recess time. Students who misbehave in class will have to spend their Friday PE recess in detention.  I have high expectations for all of my students and expect excellent citizenship from each of them.

Behavior Report:
I will send home a weekly behavior report that will let you know how your child behaved during the week. I will also write any other important information on the weekly report. The report will be sent home on Friday and needs to be brought back on the following Monday. You will need to sign the report each week, and feel free to write a note to me if you have any concerns.

Lunch and Snack:
We have recess at 10:00, the students are encouraged to bring a snack from home to eat at this time.  They have lunch at 12:00 every day. They bring a lunch from home or eat in the cafeteria. Some students may qualify for free or reduced lunches at the cafeteria. I will send home applications for this.

Student Store:
We will have a student store for the entire school year. The students will earn tokens in class for completed homework, class participation, as well as citizenship in the classroom. We will have store a one time per month. The students can save their earned tokens or spend some of  it each time we have store. This is an excellent way to reward my students for their hard work and good citizenship.

Room Parent:
I will need two parents to volunteer to be the room parents for the school year. You will help us organize the two parties this year. This is a fun job and greatly appreciated. Let me know sometime in September if you are interested in becoming a room parent.

Class Supplies:
I would like each student to have their own set of colored pencils. They each need to bring two boxes of tissues. I would also like each student to bring a box of pencils to have in their desk. This gives them extra pencils when they need them. Please make sure they bring back all their homework and books each day. They need a three ring binder and Expo dry erase markers.


       
I realize this may seem like a lot of hard work for your child, yet I know they have the ability to do it with your support! I will be happy to modify or adjust the homework to make this a good experience for your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at Magnolia 949-7750 ext.121. I know this is going to be a wonderful school year!
I look forward to meeting all of you very soon,



Mr. Maedel