Contact: 785-8726, ext.147
kwilliams@alpine.k12.ut.us

I am excited to teach your children this year.  The mission statement of Cedar Ridge Elementary is to develop and enlighten the mind, encourage compassion and integrity, and promote responsible citizenship.  My goals for my students are the same.

ATTENDANCE:  Students should be be on time and attend school every day.  Students miss essential concepts when absent or tardy.  Please send a written excuse following tardies or absences.  An excused absence does not excuse the student from coursework.

BATHROOM: Students may use the bathroom anytime before school or during recesses.  During class time, only one girl and one boy will be permitted to go at a time.  Students will be given three bathroom passes at the beginning of each week. If a student must use the bathroom during class time more than three times per week, I will call to see if there is special consideration needs to be addressed.

BIRTHDAYS: District policy states that no homemade treats may be brought to share with students, (unless proof of Food Handler’s Permit is provided).  Store-bought treats are acceptable.  Please keep them simple (i.e. cookies, donuts, etc. – not rootbeer floats or other time-consuming treates.)

CURRICULUM:  We will focus on the core subjects of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.  In each subject we will follow the Utah State Core standards and objectives.  These are available in detail on line at http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/.

Language Arts:  Language arts will be taught using a balanced literacy approach which includes reading workshop, writing workshop and word study.  Students will learn and practice the skills and strategies necessary to be independent, lifelong readers and writers.

Reading Workshop:  We will emphasize developing comprehension strategies and higher thinking skills in a variety of genre.  Students will read and respond independently to their reading and also participate in small group literature discussions.

Writing Workshop: Students will write a variety of pieces from different writing genre.  Writing lessons will focus on the writing process and the six traits of good writing:  ideas, sentence fluency, word choice, voice, organization, and conventions.

Word Study:  Spelling and vocabulary are included in word study.  Students will be assigned a weekly spelling list to learn.   Students will be responsible to spell high frequency words correctly in all of their writing.  Students will also learn vocabulary.

Math:  A balanced math approach is used which includes utilizing a math textbook, in-class explorations, and other applicable resources.
   
Science:  In science students will study matter, earth surface, magnetism, electricity, and basic genetics.  We will emphasize scientific processes and "hands on" experiences.

Social Studies:  In social studies students will learn about the geography, history, and government of America.  They will participate in a variety of activities and simulations.

Art and Music:  While art and music are taught by Mrs. Tjarks, we will also integrate the arts in our classroom with other curriculum areas.

Physical Education:  The focus in physical education will be physical fitness and sports skills.  In addition to Physical Education with Mrs. Robins, our class will regularly participate in fitness exercises.  Students are expected to wear or bring shoes which are appropriate for physical activity everyday.

Computers:  Mrs. Naugle is our computer specialist.  The focus will be on keyboarding skills, word processing, and multimedia presentations.

DISCIPLINE:   My goal is to have a classroom with a positive learning environment so that all students may acquire the skills and knowledge to become independent learners.  Students are expected to participate and contribute to all classroom learning activities and discussions.  They must behave in a way that neither disrupts the class nor hinders their own or any classmate’s safety, comfort, or opportunity to learn.  Students should show kindness to each other and respect themselves, the teachers and staff, and their peers.  To achieve a positive atmosphere, all students will be expected to follow several classroom rules and procedures.

We will follow the Cedar Ridge school-wide discipline program called “High Five” which consists of the following:  1) Be Respectful, 2) Be Responsible, 3) Keep Hands and Feet to Yourself, 4) Follow Directions, and 5) Be There, Be Ready.  Students who follow these rules will be rewarded in a variety of ways.  Those who choose not to do these things will receive consequences.  Parents will be notified if misbehavior become a habit.

DONATIONS:  All 5th grade teachers are requesting $10.   The planner cost is $3, and the remaining $7 will go toward classroom supplies and activities.  Clear Creek, if approved, will be an additional cost  in spring 2010 (approx. $20-25).

Alpine Foundation
Some times patrons wish to contribute to a larger donation to their student’s class, either personally or through their business.  A good way to do this is through the Alpine Foundation because it can be used for a tax advantage.  For more information about this visit the Alpine School District web site:  http://www.alpine.k12.ut.us.

GRADING:  Grades are issued quarterly.  Parents with Internet access will be able to check their student’s progress and grades by logging onto the Cedar Ridge Home page at http://cedarridge.alpinedistrict.org.  Alpine School District is in the process of changing online grading systems.  PowerSchool will be used until Oct. 26th.  Skyward will replace PowerSchool on Oct. 26th, starting with Term 2.  Access information will be sent home when it is available.

There will be two parent conferences to discuss your student’s progress.  Grades will be based on the following percentages:

          93% - 100% = A             75% - 79% = C+     
          90% - 92% = A-              70% - 74% = C
          87% - 89% = B+             65% - 69% = C-
          83% - 86% = B               Below 65% = N (needs improvement)
          80% - 82% = B-             

HOMEWORK: Homework is a critical part of learning.  Please check your child’s planner and homework folder nightly.  If an assignment is not completed at school, it becomes homework.  Occasionally students will need to work on special projects and assignments at home.  Regular homework assignments will include the following:

Daily Planner Daily homework assignments and reminders should be recorded.  It is the student’s responsibility to have it signed daily by a parent.

Reading   Students should read at home at least 20 minutes each night from Monday through Friday.  Minutes should be recorded on the Literacy Log, which is due the 1st day of the following week.

Writing   The main focus is on the writing process and the six traits of writing.  Students will write drafts, make revisions, and edit written papers in class and at home.  Final drafts will often need to be finished at home, preferably using a computer.

Spelling   Personalized spelling lists will be handed out the 1st day of the week.  Nightly assignments need to be finished at home during the week and recorded on the Literacy Log, due the 1st day of the following week (stapled to the back of the Literacy Log).

Math   There will almost always be daily ssignments which will be due the next day.  Work not finished in class automatically becomes homework.  Students will be able to access most assignments on the Internet from my classroom website.

Social Studies and Science   Students will do the majority of their work during class.  Some units may require students to complete a project at home.

LATE WORK:  Students are expected to turn in work on time.  Assignments will be docked 10% for each day late for the first week.  Assignments turned in between 5-10 days late will receive half credit.  After two weeks or 10 school days, the assignment will not receive credit.

    1 school day late = - 10%
    2 school days late = - 20%
    3 school days late = - 30%
    4 school days late = - 40%
    5 -10 school days late = - 50%
    10 or more days late = no credit

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP:
•    Planner: Sign or initial it every night.
•    Grades:  Check your child’s grades on Power School.
•    Check to see that assignments are completed with their best work.
•    Study Location:  Provide a consistent homework place—a regular time and a quiet place with needed materials.
•    Rescuing:  Motivate your child to complete projects independently so they can feel the reward of their hard work and develop skills necessary for long-term planning.
•    Writing:  Help your student proofread and edit writing.
•    Practice basic skills such as spelling, vocabulary and multiplication facts.
•    Be involved in your child’s daily homework.
•    Contact your child’s teacher when questions and concerns.
                   
PHONE USE:  Cell phones may come to school, but must be off and in backpacks during school hours.  Use of school phones must be for sickness or emergencies only. 

TOYS:  Students should leave all toys at home.  Any toys or electronic equipment (iPod, GameBoy, etc.) will be taken away from students.  Parents will need to come pick them up.  Cedar Ridge Elementary is not responsible for lost, stolen, or traded toys.
 
WISH LIST

Books
    U.S. History- Child Oriented
    Informational Science Books
    American Autobiographies

Magazine subscriptions
Cobblestone;   National Geographic Kids;   Crickett;   Ranger Rick;   Kids Discover;   Sports Illustrated for Kids
   
Talents and Expertise
If you have a talent or expertise that you would be willing to share with our class, or if you know someone whom you could ask to share with our class, please let me know.