Frequently Asked Questions
Please see the information below to help answer commonly asked questions. If you don't see the answer you're looking for, then please contact me. Thank you!
Absences
If my child is out of school, should I send a note?
Yes, all absences are marked unexcused until written notification has been received regarding the absence. You may email me, send a note, or call the front office.
How long does the student have to complete makeup work from an absence?
For each day a student is absent, s/he has 1 day to complete any classwork and homework assignments. It is the student's responsibility to make sure s/he gets all the assignments missed on the day of absence.
What types of absences are considered excused?
Excused absences include: illness or injury, death in the family, dental or doctor appointment.
Transportation
What if my child will go home a different way than his/her usual mode of transportation?
Written or verbal notification from the parent is required in order for a student to go home a different way in the afternoon. Under no circumstances will a student be sent home an alternate way without parent permission.
Who do I contact if my child is having difficulty on the bus?
Please contact Mrs. Zadell, the assistanct principal, for assistance.
Food & Drinks
Is snack time provided each day?
Yes, a working snack is provided each day around 10:30am.
Can students have water bottles in class?
I strongly encourage each student to bring a water bottle to school each day. Please do not send juices, soda, or dark-colored drinks.
What type of snacks are permitted?
Students are encouraged to eat snacks which are healthy and will feed the brain and body positive, sustained energy. Please refrain from sending sugary and greasy snacks.
What is the policy about sharing food at snack and lunch?
Students are not allowed to share or trade food. Allergies, special diets, and family preference all play a role in this.
Can I send a treat for my child's birthday?
Absolutely! However all food must be store bought and prepared in order to prevent any possible health concerns. We will generally enjoy the treat during lunch for dessert.
Homework
About how long should homework take each day?
The average 5th grader should spend about one hour to one and half hours on homework. This includes daily reading time as well.
How much assistance should I give my child with homework?
Generally, 5th graders are able to work independently. PLEASE make homework time your child's responsibility. If you know they are weak in a particular subject, then more assistance may be needed.
Does the agenda need to be signed daily?
You are always encouraged to check and sign your child's agenda; however, it not mandatory. Your signature may become mandatory if your child is not consistently completing homework daily.
What if my child forgets homework materials at school?
Please DO NOT bring your child back to school to retrieve forgotten homework. S/he may complete an alternate assignment to receive credit until s/he is able to complete the homework the next day.
Alternate assignments include:
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Completing lessons on Study Island
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Write a story
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Print a math page and complete
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Create 5 - 10 word problems and solve
- Write a story, sentences, etc. with spelling words
My child has left for school and I notice s/he has left his/her homework at home. What should I do?
STOP! Do not rush the homework up to school. Let him/her learn a valuable lesson about responsibility that only situations like this can teach.
Volunteers
I'd like to volunteer in the classroom, for special events, and for field trips. What must I do in order to volunteer?
All parents must complete the online volunteer registration form. Parents must register each school year. Please visit the computer lab to register as soon as possible.
Will there be opportunities to volunteer in the classroom?
Absolutely! I love classroom volunteers and rely on them to work with students, as well as complete clerical tasks. Please be respectful of our instructional time and classroom procedures by not using this time to conduct personal visits with your child or inquire about your child's progress.
Is confidentiality important?
Yes! During your volunteer time, you may work with students and/or see student work. Please respect our classroom and keep any knowledge confidential.