Welcome to the 2011-2012 School Year!

     As we welcome another school year, we also welcome all the exciting and wonderful changes and challenges that come with it! The first few days of school are always a time of adjustment, so I want to ensure that all my students have a smooth and easy transition into the fifth grade.

                                        ABOUT ME!

I have been with Somerset Academy Miramar for 4 wonderful years now as a second grade teacher. I have seen many students walk in and out of my classroom doors...including many of the students who are now in my fifth grade class this school year! I am very excited to be welcoming them back (as well as all the new, smiling faces) as fabulous fifth graders! My primary goal is to ensure that all my students are receiving the quality education they deserve, at a level and pace that suits their individual educational needs. I believe that children (as well as adults) each have unique learning styles, which is why it is important for a teacher to get to know their students on an individual level, so that each child is taught in a manner that facilitates learning for them.

              THE FIRST FEW DAYS...

On the first day of school, your child will be bringing home a packet with many different forms and notices that require your prompt attention. I have also created a coversheet that explains the function for each of these forms. Please be sure to have your child turn in all completed forms as well as any applicable payment(s) by no later than Friday, August 26th.

      Reading and Language Arts Pre Tests

Students will be taking their reading and language arts pre-tests during the first week of school. These tests are designed to give teachers an idea of where students stand academically before any 5th grade material is taught. Then, at the end of the school year, students take their posts-test in the same subject areas, which are compared to the beginning of the year data to measure overall growth. We also use this information (as well as other data collected throughout the year) to form instructional groups, so that we can successfully differentiate instruction for our students.

                        HOMEWORK...

For the first week of school, students will not be assigned any homework. Homework assignments will be assigned starting the second week of school. Students will be expected to write down their homework each day upon entering the classroom. All homework assignments are due the following school day, unless indicated otherwise. If a student is absent, there will be a designated spot where they can go to and collect their make-up assignment. *Please note that students are responsible for completing their homework each night. If a student does not turn in homework, their grade will be affected.*

                           Contact Me!

If you ever have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school. My email is gfranco@somersetmiramar.com. I will respond to all email messages within 24 hours of receipt.

Parent Volunteer Hours

Please note that each student is required to have at least (30) parent volunteer hours completed per school year (40 parent volunteer hours are required for parents who have more than one child attending the school.) Parent volunteer credits can come in the form of monetary donations to the classroom, donated items (as noted below), in-school volunteer hours, or as a volunteer during sanctioned out-of-school activities (ex: fieldtrips, fundraisers, etc.)

Classroom “Wish List”

Please be sure to turn in all purchase receipts so that the proper volunteer credits can be given. Below is an updated classroom wishlist: