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How to Reach Me
I am available to conference with you before and after school. In the mornings I am usually at school by 7:45 and here in the afternoons until 5:00. You can reach me by phone or leave a voice message at 291-4791 ext. 122. I am also available through email at jjensen@freemansd.org. I will respond to your messages as quickly as possible. I am always willing to set up appointments that will fit with your busy schedule. Just ask!
Volunteers
Any time that you can donate to your child’s learning and classroom is greatly appreciated. Please know that if you sign up to volunteer on a regular basis, I will be looking forward to putting you to work! I rely on your consistency to be in the room at your scheduled times. I use volunteers in a variety of ways and sometimes my lesson plans depend on you! If for any reason you are unable to keep an appointment please let me know. I will send out a schedule of times and tasks that I need help with in the coming weeks. Thank you for your help in our classroom!
Money
On occasion it will be necessary for your child to bring money to school (lunch money, book orders, etc.). Always send money in a sealed envelope with the following information written on it:
- Your child’s first and last name.
- The amount of money included.
- The purpose for the money.
- My name and room number. (Mrs. Jensen's Room 120)
With many students to keep track of and several reasons to collect money, this helps me out tremendously and reduces the likelihood of errors. Also, if the envelope is left on the bus or playground, this information will help the money to be returned to the classroom.
Snacks
Our bodies and brains need energy to keep us going! On most afternoons we will take the time for a nutritious snack. We would really appreciate if you could supply a box or two of non-perishable, healthy snacks for our room. Please do not send peanut products (to avoid allergies) or products high in sugar. The goal for snack time is to feed our brains for that last bit of the school day. If your child has special dietary needs, please send appropriate snacks for him or her.
Birthdays
Birthdays are special occasions for young children. If your child wishes, he/she may bring treats for the class on the day of his/her birthday. Please send a note a day or two in advance, so I can set some time aside for a class party. If you wish to celebrate a summer birthday during the school year, that is fine as well. Please do not send birthday party invitations to school unless the entire class has been invited. Although it may seem convenient to distribute invitations this way, it can cause unnecessary disruption of the school day. Thank you.
Grading
On the report cards students will be graded on a scale of 1-4. I will use that same grading scale in the classroom. Sometimes it is necessary for students to practice a skill before I choose to put a grade on the paper. All papers may be corrected for a better score and sometimes it will be insisted. I will communicate this with a student through a conference or note on the paper. I have included a copy of the grading scale in this packet. Please take the time to understand what each grade 1-4 means.
Journals
I feel that a very important part of school communication involves parents and students. That is why I have developed a way for students to keep you updated on their lives, as well as practice writing skills. Each child will maintain a journal throughout the year. We will do a variety of writing activities in the journal during the week. Every Friday students will be responsible for writing a letter home in their journals telling about their week. I would encourage you to take this opportunity to respond to your child’s letter in the journal. This allows your child to give meaning to writing, practice reading, and strengthen your involvement in school. I will require that each student bring back their journals on Monday with at least a signature from you stating that you have read what they have written. My hope is that you will find time to write your child a loving and supportive letter in response to theirs. I hope that you will find this activity to be something to look forward to. You will enjoy looking back at your correspondences in the future!
Expectations:
At Freeman, we strive to focus on positive behavior expectations. Allowing the students to be successful by setting the expectations of what behavior should be represented in every situation.
Classroom Expectations/School Rules
- Be Responsible
- Be Respectful
- Be Safe
- Be Ready to Learn
However, there are times, where consequences need to be implemented.
Our third grade team is implementing a check (tally) and star system.
Stars will be given when the student is choosing to do their job in the classroom. (3 stars = outstanding you)
A check/tally will be given when the student is choosing not to do their job.
One check = warning
Two checks = 2nd warning
Three checks = white slip; *Reminder that a white slip is used to communicate with parents regarding a minor infraction. This serves as a reminder for the student to make better decisions for themselves and to discuss with their parents what their behavior was and how they can improve that behavior moving forward.
Three white slips in one month = referral to principal
Severe Disturbance: Sent immediately to principal’s office.
Everyday is a fresh start in our classroom! Everyone has a bad day once in awhile, therefore names will be erased from the board each morning and a new day will begin.
Positive Behavior Recognition:
Extra Recess Notes Home
Verbal Praise Phone Calls Home
Outstanding You’s Free Time
High Fives Learning
Smiles Pride
Awards Class Compliment Party
