Policies and Expectations

Weekly book logs- Each week we will work on a specific skill that will track our weekly reading. These forms will vary from time to time, but expect to see one each week. They will coincide with what the child is reading outside of class to document what they read each night. Research shows that comprehension and fluency builds when children read at least 15-20 minutes a day outside of class time. These will be count as homework grades each week and are to be signed by a parent each week. Students need to complete them in complete sentences and use capitalization, good spelling, and punctuation where needed.

Agendas- Students will record their homework daily in their agenda. The teachers will put in the daily conduct grades. This is our primary source of communication and is very useful if used effectively. If a child receives a note from the teacher, the agenda and/or note needs to be signed by a parent to ensure the note was seen. One card will be flipped in class if students do not get their agenda signed by a parent.

Homework- Students will receive homework in Mrs. Lammi’s class on Monday and Wednesdays. (Weekly Book Logs are NOT included in this-they are daily.) On the occasion that we are not in school on Monday, students will receive their spelling words or vocabulary words on the first day of the week. Homework counts as 10% of the students overall grade. Parents are encouraged to go over homework nightly with their student.

Conferences- If a parent conference is needed; please send in a note to let us know the reason for the conference and a few days and times that you would be available. Drop-in conferences are not effective; therefore a 24 hour advance notice is requested. I am not available for conferences on Monday mornings or Friday afternoons. Also, if needed, we can arrange a phone conference if this is more accommodating for you! Your student’s best interest and success are our number one priorities. Please let us know of any concerns that you may have. We can’t fix them, if we don’t know anything is wrong!

Grading Scale- 100%-90%= A
89%-80%= B
79%-70%=C
69%-60%= D
59%-0%=F

Class website- www.mrslammisclass.blogspot.com
School Website- www.duvalschools.org/sheffield

Monthly Book Log Checks- Please visit the class website for a complete list of tentative book log check dates. On these dates student book logs that are stapled in the back of their agenda will be checked and a response will be due for one of the books they have read that month. It is imperative that the book log is filled in accurately so that students receive full credit for all entries. The proper way to complete the log will be gone over the first week of school. Responses that will coincide with the book log check dates will vary each month. Some of the assignments will be to create something, while others will be to write a response to a question, or a summary of the book. These assignments will always be given in advance and every attempt will be made to post them on our class website. To meet the standard, performing average, students need to read at least 300 pages a month. This will earn them a grade of a 70 C. The rubric for Monthly Book Log checks can be found on our class website. It also is posted in our classroom. Student who exceed the standard and read 450 pages a month will receive a top grade of 100 A.

Remediation websites and FCAT Prep- Every student will be required to complete the program that is used for FCAT preparation. The primary one used in our class is FL Achieves. This program has proved time and time again to be an excellent preparatory program for the 5th Grade Reading FCAT. I will give all students a username and password that can be used on ANY computer, ANY time. We only have 4 computers in the classroom, so rotations will be slow. However, every attempt will be made to work on these as much as possible at school, but time will be needed outside of school to complete these. Additional programs will also be used. Students should keep all passwords and usernames on the front page of their agendas for easy access to all programs.

Upboards- The Upboard is a positive reinforcement program that is used in our classroom. Students receive random “upboard” moves for acts of kindness, completing homework, returning items, etc. Once a student reaches the top, they are rewarded with an item of their choice from the PRIZE WALL!!!!

Classroom Phone- We do have a phone in our classroom, however it is for emergencies only. If you need to change your child’s transportation, please call and leave us a message. As soon as I see we have a message, I will make every effort to have your child call you to let you know that we have received the message. If you have an emergency, it is better to let the main office know, so they can call our room directly. For any other issues, please leave a detailed message and I will return your call as soon as possible! J

Absences/Tardies/Early Dismissals- Our lessons are planned until 2:45 each day, please attempt to make all appointments at a time where your child can be as school as long as possible each day. If your child is absent, please ensure that you send in a note to excuse their absence. Duval County does have an attendance policy that you can find in the student Code of Conduct as well as on the county website. Excessive absences will receive contact from the Truancy Office. Tardies also need a note. All notes will be kept on file.

Inclement Weather- Yes, we are going to get rained on sometime this year! It is the inevitable life of having a classroom in a portable. Students are encouraged to keep a poncho or small umbrella in their book bag for those rainy days!

Progress Reports- Progress Reports will be sent home the 5th week of every nine weeks. Please sign ALL “D” and “F” papers. Mrs. Lammi requires ALL papers to be returned with each progress report. Progress reports are required to be returned by the 2nd day they were sent home. If for some reason you need to keep them longer, please send in a note to let me know.