Mrs. Patton's Parent Resource Page
Last updated
June 15, 2010
| Absences, Tardies, Early Dismissal | Effort |
| Assignments and Due Dates | Field Trips |
| B.E.E. Binders | Friday Folders |
| Birthdays and treats | Grading Scale |
| Book Orders | Homework Policy and Expectations |
| Book Projects | Math ~ Investigations |
| Calendar | Make-up work |
| Classroom Economy | Progress reports |
| Classroom Expectations | Report cards |
Classroom Newsletters -  |
Resources for Parents |
| Class Policies Handout - coming soon! | Student Planners |
| Classroom Usage Policy (computer expecations) | Schedule |
| Class Web Site | School/Home Communication |
| Curriculum | School Supply List |
| Discipline - |
Spelling |
| Web Site Parent Permission Slip | |
Dear Parents,
Welcome to The Parents' Page!! I believe that a key factor in the success of each child begins with continuous communication between school and home. It is my intention that this website will be one method of communication between us. Please know that you can always call me at school (636-978-4001) or send in a note with your child. Additionally, you can email me with questions, concerns, or with information that you would like to share with me. I check my email several times a day (including evenings and weekends) and make every effort to promptly reply to your messages.
The resources below provide more detailed information regarding everything you want to know about Mrs. Patton's classroom. I hope that you will explore this informative page of my website, and please contact me with any questions that you might have.
Thanks again for visiting mrspatton.com. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Patton
Expectations are high for each and every child in Room 22. I believe that EVERY child can learn. Therefore, all students are expected to take part in the learning process. As part of this learning process, your child is expected to complete daily class work and homework on time. The completed assignments should be of fifth grade quality. These standards include following written and verbal directions, using complete sentences in all written work, and making an effort to spell all or most words correctly. In math, fifth graders are expected to clearly explain their thinking and to show their work. Finally, using the correct heading on all papers is expected. Another part of the learning process involves class participation. Students are expected to contribute on a regular basis by asking questions, answering questions by students and/or the teacher, and by sharing thoughts and ideas. A variety of teaching strategies and cooperative learning techniques are used in order to increase students' participation. Some of these include "think-pair-share," "heads together," learning walks, and the use of numbered popsicle sticks to randomize participation.
"It takes less time to do a thing right than to explain why you did it wrong."
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
In an effort to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment for all students, I have several things in place. First, students take part in the creation of our classroom rules. I provide input or guidance when needed, so that students are very clear of my expectations. School rules are enforced in addition to the classroom rules. These are: 1) Keep your hands, feet, and all other objects to yourself. 2) Follow directions the first time given.
Second, The Knight Pledge is posted in our classroom and is sometimes recited school-wide as a reminder to do the Knight Thing. The pledge is as follows:
A DARDENNE KNIGHT:
Knows and follows the school rules
Never gives up
Is a responsible school citizen
Gives respect to adults and others
Helps keep our school safe and clean
Takes pride in our school
Strives to make a positive difference
Another program utilized in our room is a classroom economy system. For more information, click here. For students that disrupt the learning process for others, I will conference with that child and remind him/her of classroom and school rules. He/she will complete a Think Sheet (from http://specialed.about.com). When a Think Sheet is completed by a student, I also follow up with parents to share my concerns. For repeated problematic behavior, students will see the principal. She may send home a note or make a phone call to discuss the concerns with parents.
Finally, I will use a Weekly Report to summarize your child's week at school. These will be issued on Fridays, and can be found in your child's Friday Folder. The report should be reviewed at home, both by the parents and the child. Please sign and return the report by the next school day. Your child's behavior and work habits will be included in this report.
A key factor in the success of each child is continous communication between school and home. Therefore, several methods will be used to assist families in this communication. For specific details regarding certain forms of communication, scroll to the top of the page and click on the topic you wish to learn more about.
1. Student planners
2. B.E.E. Binders
3. Phone calls, notes home, and/or emails
4. Weekly Reports - issued on Fridays
5. Friday Folders
6. Through the class website
7. Midquarter notices
8. Report cards
9. Parent/teacher conferences (at the end of the first quarter for all students and their families; as needed during the year)
10. eMINTS Family Nights (Dates will be posted soon.)
What is a B.E.E. Binder?
- A 3-ring binder
- Everything students and parents need is in it.
- It is designed to prevent wrinkled papers in the bottom of the backpack.
- It helps to avoid lost notes, newsletters, or assignments.
- Planners are kept in it too.
Why is it important to have?
- Teaches organizational skills.
- Promotes and organizes communication between school and home.
What should students do with their B.E.E. Binder?
- Take care of it, as it is used all year.
- Check every section every school night.
- Clear out the old stuff (from old units, month-old newsletters, word lists, notes, etc.). NOTE: Students should always check if not sure whether to keep or throw something away.
- Take it home daily. Bring it to school daily.
- Keep it clean.
- Show to parents every school night. They will be impressed with your organizational skills. You are so responsible!
What is in the B.E.E. Binder?
There are 8 tabbed dividers with pockets. The sections will be labeled as follows (which will be completed together on the first day of school):
- Pencil pouch: Keep 1-2 pencils, a highlighter, and a pen (of any color) in this pouch.
- Homework (first divider): Assignments that are to be finished at home. This is also where to place completed homework assignments to turn in at school the next day.
- Between School and Home (second divider): Notes from the teacher, notes from parents, newsletters, lunch menu, school calendar, etc. Some items will stay in this section over a period of time (menu, newsletter, spelling list or reading information). Other items will be removed on a daily basis (flyers to parents, notes to parents and/or teacher).
- Math (third divider):Any notes or handouts, and class activities should be kept here.
- Science (fourth divider): Any notes or handouts, and class activities should be kept here.
- Social Studies (fifth divider): Any notes or handouts, and class activities should be kept here.
Thanks to Mrs. Fenwick and Mrs. Alexander for permission to use and modify
their B.E.E. Binder information.
Homework Policy and Expectations
Homework plays an important role in helping students develop academic skills, responsibility, and ownership. For your child to benefit from completing homework, it is best if s/he has a quiet place and a designated time to work on assignments.
Policy: As noted in the district's policy manual, homework refers to an assignment that is to be completed outside of class. In addition, teachers will assign three types of homework: practice exercises, prepatory work, and extension assignments. Fifth graders can expect homework Monday through Thursday and should take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete (the maximum time specified by the school district). If your child is struggling with the completion of homework in a timely manner on a consistent basis, please let me know so we can address the situation and help your child be successful.
As with completed class assignment, completed homework assignments should be of fifth grade quality. These standards include following written and verbal directions, using complete sentences in all written work, and making an effort to spell all or most words correctly. In math, fifth graders are expected to clearly explain their thinking and to show their work. Finally, using the correct heading on all papers is expected.
Each Friday, you will receive a newsletter that will list important dates, summarize what we've done in room 22 during the week, and what will be happening the upcoming week. Click here to view my newsletter online.
The blue and white Dardenne folders are used as Friday Folders. Students will bring it home every Friday, and it will be full of handouts from me and/or the office, graded papers, my weekly newsletter, and the upcoming week's spelling list and reading information. The contents will be sorted into two labeled pockets: "Review and Remove" and "Sign and Return."
Anything in the "Review and Remove" pocket is yours to keep. Papers in the "Sign and Return" pocket will be stamped "Please sign and return" due to an earned grade of less than 70%. I encourage you to review all of the graded papers with your child and discuss your child's understanding of the content taught and assessed. At that time, if you or your child have any questions or concerns about the assignments, grades, or your child's understanding of the content, please feel free to contact me. Encourage your child to ask questions about the assignment as well. The stamped papers need to be signed and returned on the next school day.
Each quarter, students will read a book on their reading level, complete the specified project by the due date, and share the project with the class. For each project, a specific reading genre will be assigned. For these details, please refer to the Book Project page. Students will have independent reading time to read their book in class, as well as time during Reader's Workshop to work on the project. Depending on how class time is used, some students may need additional time at home to read the book and complete the project. In addition to a quarterly book project, students are encouraged to read a minimum of 20 minutes per night.
P.E. |
T, Th, F* |
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Music
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M, W, F*
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Library
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Thursday
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Art
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Recess/lunch
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Daily
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2nd Rcess
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Daily
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1:45-2:00
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Click HERE to view/print a copy of the 2009-2010 supply list.
Please make sure supplies are replenished throughout the year.
NOTE: You will need Adobe Reader to view this document.
Click on the link below to download for FREE.
The Fort Zumwalt School District
Grading Scale
Letter |
Percentage |
Letter |
Percentage |
A |
100-95 |
C |
76-74 |
A- |
94-90 |
C- |
73-70 |
B+ |
89-87 |
D+ |
69-7 |
B |
86-84 |
D |
66-64 |
B- |
83-80 |
D- |
63-60 |
C+ |
79-77 |
F |
59 and below |
Effort Scale
3 = excellent
2 = satisfactory
1 = needs improvement
Classroom Usage Policy
(for computer usage)
Check back soon for an updated policy for the 2009-2010 school year.
Thanks!
Research has proven that regular attendance is vital to your child's success in school. There is a direct connection between doing well at school and being at school daily. However, if your child will be absent, please call the office to confirm that your child will not be at school. Otherwise, our Attendance Clerk will contact you to verify the absence. At the time of the phone call, make-up work can be requested for your child. If make-up work is not requested, a folder will be on your child's desk upon returning to school.
Tardies
School begins at 9:15. If your child arrives after this time, s/he needs to check in at the office. Your child will be given a tardy pass to give to the teacher. Tardies are documented on your child's quartely report card.
Early Dismissal
Regular attendance is important to the success your child will have in the classroom. However, there are times when your child needs to be signed out early. If you know in advance, please send in a note with your child. This will help me have assignments and materials organized and ready to go when s/he is signed out. It also helps your child plan ahead, which can minimize the disruption in the classroom.
When students are absent, they are responsible for making up the work. Students have one school day for each day absent to make up the assignments that were missed. For example, if a child was absent on Monday and Tuesday, s/he has two days to complete the assigments, and the work would be due Friday morning. District policy states that if a student is present when an assignment is given, then s/he is responsible for turning in that assignment despite absences. For example, if a student is present when a book project is assigned and is aware of the October 3rd due date, but this student is absent on October 3rd, then the assignment would be due the next school day that the child is at school. It is also important for me to point out that many of our classroom activities (cooperative learning activities, partner activities, webquests, in-class games and discussions) cannot be completed at home. Therefore, regular attendance is encouraged.
For more details about the district's attendance and make-up work policies, please visit this link: Fort Zumwalt School District Policy Manual
If you and your child decide to share treats with the class, please keep in mind that it is district policy that food items be store-bought and pre-packaged. Please select a treat that can easily be distributed among students (individually wrapped items are most convenient). In addition, it is highly recommended, but not required, that treats be healthy. In order to maintain instructional time, treats will be passed out at lunch, and students will be discouraged from distributing treats throughout the building. We currently have 22 students.
Scholastic book orders will be sent home in Friday Folders. I participate in the Arrow, Tab, and Click programs. When more than one flyer is sent home, please consider combining the orders and paying with one check. All orders need to be paid for by check made payable to Scholastic Book Clubs. Due dates for all orders will be stamped on the flyers. The option to order online is also available by going to The Parent Ordering Page. Our class username is jpattonsclass (all lowercase, no spaces). The password is emints.
Since becoming an eMINTS teacher, I have learned so much about effective teaching practices and great ways to use technology in the classroom, one of which being the creation of a classroom website. I take great pride and joy in this useful resource for students, parents, and others around the country (and hopefully someday, around the world!). I update my site regulary, so you can rest assure that what you are reading is current.
By going to www.mrspatton.com, you have access to spelling lists, book project information, up-coming events, and so much more. This resource is for you, and I want it to be user-friendly and full of useful information. If you think of anything you'd like to see added, please email me at jpatton@fz.k12.mo.us. Additionally, if you feel that something should not be included on my web site, I'd also like to hear from you.
Back to the top
Please click on the link below to learn more about this hands-on, inquiry-based math program that is implemented in our classroom, and classrooms throughout the Fort Zumwalt School District.
Investigations in Number, Data, and Space - Be sure to click
on the link "Introducting Investigations to Families" for a printable pdf file.
Pearson Successnet login page - A teacher-issued username and password are needed.
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Includes Back-to-School 2008 resources! |
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| Harcourt Reading Series - Parent Support Page | ||
Helpful Sites to Help Your Child |
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The importance of sleep (for kids) Includes a parent link |
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Book Nut |
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The National Education Association
The BBC
(from Britain, but the tips are useful)
Math help - a dictionary of terms
More math help: AAAmath.com
Even MORE math help: aplusmath.com
BJ Pinchbeck's Homework Helper
StaySafe 
Great for parents with a link to a kid's page
Parents' Guide to Internet Safety (by the FBI)
Disney's "Doug" shares tips (kid-friendly)
SafeKids - family resources
The HomeworkSpot - Science Fair
Lexile Scores
Thanks to Mrs. Renz for inspiring me to organize my parent resources in such an effective way.
The external links above are provided as helpful resources for parents. Mrs. Patton, Dardenne Elementary School, and the Fort Zumwalt School District are not responsible for questionable or controversial content that may be found through the links below. Due to the constant changing state of websites and the Internet, if you encounter a problem or a broken link, please contact me at jpatton@fz.k12.mo.us.