Welcome to 4th Grade Science and Social Studies!
My name is Mrs. Murphy, and I look forward to spending this school year with your student.
When your student enters my classroom, they will be encouraged to explore their natural curiosity and discover how to harness it to become a disciplined scientist and adventurous historian. Please assist me in encouraging your student to show up to school each day with a positive disposition, prepared, and ready to learn.
Please read through and discuss these classroom expectations, policies, and procedures with your student. This will allow them to feel less anxious as they enter on their first day, as they will understand what is expected of them.
Mrs. Murphy’s Classroom Expectations
- Show respect to yourself and others.
- Follow directions.
- Always raise your hand.
- Be a good listener.
- Do not give up. Do your best.
I teach my students that every decision has a consequence, either positive or negative. I love to catch students being responsible and respectful, and when I do I am sure to let them know that they are on the right track and doing a great job. Standout students are recognized by being given one of our Jaguar Joe Bucks! Students enter their Jaguar Joe Bucks into a drawing each week for a chance to win a special prize! As I get to know my students, I also get to know little treats and privileges that will mean something special to them.
Students who are not meeting our classroom expectations can expect these consequences:
Step 1 – Verbal warning and redirection
Step 2 – Conduct mark, 5 minutes of recess time for private teacher conference with student
Step 3 – Behavioral Slip sent home to parents, with student signature
Step 4– Phone call home with student
Step 5– Parent Conference/Plan of Action
Step 6 – Visit with Assistant Principal/Plan of Action
Step 7 – Refer to Principal for Intervention
Assigning homework:
Homework will be assigned daily. This may just be to study, but there will always be something. If a student does not complete their classwork, it may be sent as homework. Homework is meant to practice and review the skills and information we are learning in class. Homework will be discussed in class at the beginning and end of class, and will also be posted in our Google classroom. It is the students responsibility to get their work done everyday. If they do not complete their homework, this results in a conduct mark. Some homework is for a small participation grade. The students are explicitly told when their homework is going to be for a grade.
Your student will have a science/social studies folder. This is where their homework handouts will be, as well as all school-wide handouts, classroom announcements, permission slips, or notes sent home. There will be a weekly take-home folder for test paper. Papers on the left side of the folder can be ‘left’ at home, while papers on the right side should come ‘right’ back to me.
Late work:
Late assignments and homework will not be accepted.
Work for absent students:
When a student has an excused absence, any handouts or assignments can be made up. They should complete and return any missed work within the same number of days that they missed. If they missed one day of school, they have one day to return the work. If they missed two days, they have two days to return the work, etc. Students will be made aware of their due date and may return it to my desk inbox upon completion. Parents can contact the office or me via classdojo to gather the work so they can do it at home also.
Parent/teacher communication:
I understand that your student will do their best when we are all communicating efficiently and effectively. You will have access to message me directly through the Classroom Dojo or email me at [email protected]. I will respond to all messages in a timely manner.
I hope you are looking forward to this year as much as I am! If given the proper support, there is nothing these kids won’t be able to accomplish. I look forward to working together toward our common goal of seeing these students succeed!