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What are your classroom rules?

Be respectful, be responsible, and be kind.  Keep in mind that students also have to follow the school rules which are be respectful, be responsible, and be safe.  In addition to these classroom rules we will be continuing Fern Drive's anti-bullying campaign in our classroom.  This includes cyber-bullying and computer etiquette.  The whole school is also emphasizing positive behavior traits in lieu of the traditional student of the month you are used to in the past.  I'm really pushing this group on being kind and using teamwork.

What happens if my child gets into trouble?

If your student gets into trouble online, in class, or on the playground you will get a notice sent home by me through ClassDojo.  This is a class management app that keeps track of behavior and lets me notify you immediately if there's a problem... or if they are being good!  Your student will also have the option to share work and pictures with you through this app.  Keep in mind that while online students will have behavior expectations.  

At school if we do have a problem, and it persists, you may receive a D.R.F.   This is a large pink slip issued by the school.  If you see one of these at home please discuss what happened with your child and feel free to contact me.  If the problem persists or is extreme in nature (like fighting) the D.R.F. will include a visit to the principal along with appropriate consequences.

So... What's Common Core?

Common Core has been defined as "a clear set of shared goals and expectations for the knowledge and skills students need in English language arts and mathematics at each grade level so they can be prepared to succeed in college, career, and life."  But what does that mean for me and my child you may ask?  All controversy aside, it means that your child will have a new set of learning standards and expectations that they are assessed on this year.  Take a deep breath!  Not everything has changed.  Some of the standards and expectations remain the same.  However, there will now be a heavier emphasis on reasoning, problem solving, and deeper learning in the classroom.  Differentiated instruction will still be in the classroom to meet different students needs.  My goal remains to teach my students using whatever method makes it easiest for them to learn.

What's your classroom like?

5th and 6th grade will each have their own unique lessons and learning opportunities.  While the curriculum is challenging, organization, responsibility, and teamwork are very important to develop in order to prepare for 6th grade and Junior High.  Students will be using iPads in a variety of ways to help them learn.  This includes using apps to turn in work, take tests, make creative projects, write, and research topics.   However, iPads aren't the only learning tool in the classroom.  Last year we completed design projects in class and online.  There is A LOT to look forward to this year!

What's your homework policy?

I will be using Google Classroom to post assignments so you can look at what's assigned at home.  Homework will be checked daily.  Make sure your student asks if they have questions from assignments!  Parents also will have access to student homework through Google classroom.  When in doubt if homework is done, have them show it to you on the iPad.  That's the easiest way to check each night on their work. Your child will also need to keep homework in one place at home.  Help them get into that routine.  Parents, if there's a problem feel free to contact me via ClassDojo, school e-mail, or call me after school.  Dojo gets the quickest replies after school hours.  There's also a discussion board available on Google Classroom where the kids can help answer questions regarding assignments.  Any assigned projects and book reports will have due dates given with them.  Projects are marked down one letter grade for each day they are late.  Homework will be given one week from the assigned date to be completed.  After that, students will recieve half credit for turning it in.  Test and quiz scores will be available this year on Illuminate for parents and students to follow.  I will also be handing out missing assignments reports monthly.  

Help! My student is having iPad issues!

The VIP iPad program is now in it's tenth year at Fern Drive. The kids will be using different apps to turn in work, create projects, and learn in the classroom and at home.  This does not mean that we will be using iPads all day!  The teacher in each classroom still is the determining factor on the method students will use to learn.  Our staff is very excited to bring this unique experience to our classes.  That being said...  There will be glitches and problems guaranteed!  When iPads are sent home we will do our best to make this as painless as possible for everyone involved.  Homework/Practice sheets will be available through Google Classroom which is available through your PC's at home as well as the iPads.  If there's a problem let me know!  We have technical support available at school to help with problems that may arise.

Four tips I can give you:  1. Save projects often on those iPads!  2. Keep in mind that students can use their Google account to complete work on computers at home.  That means you don't have to use the iPad if you have a desktop.  3. Our classroom will be using Google Classroom to post assignments.  This means that students and parents can check to see what we are doing for homework at home daily.  You just need your student's Google e-mail address and password.  4. One of the most common complaints is not being able to upload homework.  Save your work and ask for help if this happens.  Turn in what you can if you are having trouble with an assignment.  Then talk to me!  5. Turn in a ticket through our school website if you are having a problem.

Quick Common Core Video