Welcome to Parent Information Night!

1. Welcome to Parent Information Night! Mrs. Ramshaw (University 309) 5th grade

2. A Little About Mrs. Ramshaw • B.A. in Liberal Studies with Sociology and Education emphasis from UC Riverside • Master of Arts in Teaching with Reading emphasis • Teaching for 16 years; 2 at Eisenhower, 4 at Rosa Parks, 10 at Jefferson • Have taught 4th, 5th, and 6thgrades • Teacher on Special Assignment: ELL Coordinator and Intervention Coordinator • Demonstration teacher and presenter for Literacy Coordinators trained in CELL/ExLL • Trained in: CELL/ExLL, Step Up to Writing, GATE, Differentiated Instruction, Kagan Cooperative Strategies, SIOP, Thinking Maps • Teacher of the year in 2006 at Jefferson Elementary • Married for 9 years with 2 children: Charlie (7) and Sophia (5) • One dog-Pepper (Goldendoodle) • Raised in Corona • Like to read, exercise, watch movies, camp, garden, paddleboard, or anything else that allows me to spend time with my family

3. University of 309 Schedule 7:45-8:00 Prepare for Day (which includes preparing homework for that night) and complete Morning Work 8:00-9:30 Math 9:30-10:45 Language Arts 10:45-11:40 Recess and Lunch 11:40-12:15 Read Aloud and Independent Reading 12:15-1:00 Writing 1:00-1:45 Science/Social Studies 1:45-1:57 Prepare for home/Complete Classroom Jobs ** Read Aloud, Shared Reading, Reciprocal Teaching, Interactive Writing, Independent Writing, Book Clubs, Independent Reading will be used throughout the curriculum. More information about these strategies can be found online at www.cell-exll.com. • PE: Every Monday and Wednesday from 7:45-8:30 • Library: Monday at 1:00 • Computers: Friday at 11:50 • Reading Buddies with Mrs. Solorzano: Friday mornings

4. Attendance Policy • Imperative students attend & be on time • Late Slip from office after morning bell • Medical appointments after school or afternoon • Leaving early? Missing a day? Get homework or class assignments in advance • Report absences to Eisenhower attendance clerk at 739-7305. • Independent Study for 5 consecutive days absent • Make up missed class work/homework within two days after returning • Must ask teacher for quizzes or tests missed.

5. Necessary Supplies While all supplies listed on the supply list are necessary, the supplies listed below are imperative: • Checkbook transaction register • 1 ½” to 2” binder • 5 plain dividers (no pockets please) labeled: Homework, Unfinished/Early Finisher Work, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies • Composition book • 6 single subject notebooks

6. Classroom Behavior Guidelines I have classroom expectations that are covered in the Classroom Pledge that is recited every morning, Discussion Norms, and Classroom Rules Classroom Pledge - We are wonderful people. - We are intelligent and have the ability to learn. - We are responsible for our future. - Each day we will put our best effort into all our work. - Each day we will respect others, treating them how we want to be treated. - Each day we will respect ourselves taking care of our bodies and our minds. - We will achieve our goals now so we can do great things in our future. Discussion Norms • Show respect by looking at the person who is speaking. • All opinions are accepted and respected. • Allow each person time to respond. • Make sure all members are aware of the event being discussed. • Use polite terms when responding. Classroom Rules • Learn and allow others to learn • Respect everyone and everything • Be kind • Do your personal best • Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself

7. Behavior Guidelines Continued • Each student has a job that must be completed in class. Students were given a job application to fill out and return to me by the date listed on the application.  Students are then paid at the end of each month.  The pay for each job varies.  Students then use that money to pay room and board for their desk.  In addition to completing their jobs, students may earn money by excelling academically in the classroom as well as following the classroom rules. • They are also fined if they do not follow the classroom rules.  The amount of the fine depends on the severity of the infraction. • Please see the handout that was given to your child on the first day of school that gives specific Bonus Buck amounts for rent, bonuses, and infractions. Positive Reinforcement • Phone calls or notes home • Table and/or Group points • Class points • Compliments given to them by other classmates in the compliment jar • Being chosen as Lead Scholar for the day • Earning “Bonus Bucks" • Using any extra money they have earned at the classroom auction

8. Making Better Choices Cards • When a student is fined he/she will be bringing home a "Making Better Choices" card.  • The card requires the student to reflect upon the infraction and the choices that need to be made in the future so that the infraction does not occur again.  • The card needs to be signed by both the student and parent and returned to school the next day. 

9. Homework Policy • Purpose: to practice concepts covered in class, reinforce concepts, and build study habits. • Student Expectations: to fill out student planner and place any worksheets in binder in the morning, include unfinished class work throughout the school day, and get parent signature • If students cannot complete homework because either they do not understand it or they are taking an excessive amount of time, write me a note, send an email, or call and initial assignment. • “Extra Homework” – unfinished class work due may be expected to finish at home • Parent signature required on Homework Log • Missing homework without some form of parent communication will result in spending first recess at Lunch and Learn and a classroom fine to encourage responsibility.

10. 40 Book Challenge Purpose: To try to read 40 books in one school year • This project allows for students to read a variety of different genres • Students set their own reading schedule for the week and then reflect on whether or not the schedule they created worked before setting a new schedule for the following week • Students are then required to write a letter to me that discusses the events occurring in the book they are reading and the thoughts they have while reading • Each student is given a specific due date (7 students each day of the week) • This allows me time to conference with each of them individually about their reading progress • Students will take an AR test on each book they read

11. Grading Policy Our Grading Scale 90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D 59% below= F • Standard % Scale & Rubrics • Grades are based on the accumulation of weighted points • Grades are calculated on cumulative percentage and are rounded up whenever possible • Parents are able to view student grades through Parent Portal. See one of the ladies in the office if your user name and/or password are needed.

12. What is calculated into the Grade Book? • Chapter Tests, Chapter Quizzes, Concept Tests • Essays : final copy or draft • Spelling from writing • Spelling Tests (from HM and Greek/Latin Morphology) • Individualized Spelling Lists • Oral Reports • Random Class Work • Special Projects

13. VOLUNTEERING!!!!! I love and welcome as many volunteers that want to help. I really need a room parent as well as parents that can come in and assist me in book clubs, helping students balance transaction registers, writing, and miscellaneous filing. The role of room parent takes total commitment so make sure that you can devote this time before signing up. If two would like to co-parent, that would be great too. Any other help can be a regular day of the week, helping with projects and special days, or any other way you’d like to participate. You must have a volunteer application on file in the office. There are no siblings allowed at school when you are volunteering. Sign in at the office when you arrive and come on back!

14. Finally… • You can contact me at the school at anytime. I will generally be able to call you back by the end of the day. I am also in the classroom most days until3:30. You may also send me notes with your child if you need to contact me. Email is the fastest and best way to contact me. I check it often. Please contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. I am here for you and your child and their success is my most important priority. • If you need to conference with me before the October conferences, please let me know. Thank you for coming tonight!