Welcome Back to School 2012! Welcome to Mrs. Zendt's 4th grade homeroom! I am delighted to have you! This newsletter will explain some of the ins and outs of our classroom. In 4Z we all work together as a community of learners. Therefore, we work to solve our differences in a peacful, appropriate and fair manner. We work as a team, each of us contributing in maintaining a classroom where we can be happy, proud and share with one another, as well as guests. We also utilize kindness, compassion, and respect when dealing with one another and others that we meet. Let's make this the best year YET!
Transitions and Expectations
4th Grade is a big transition for everyone. There are many differences between third and fourth grade, as children begin to grow and take on more personal responsibility and learn to be accountable for themselves. For example, students are expected to fill out their assignment book, neatly on a daily basis, as well as have it looked at and signed by a parent or guardian each evening. Work is to be completed on time, in a neat, quality manner to the best of each unique individual's ability. As teachers, we are very happy to help students (and parents/guardians) through this transition as these children become more mature and become the best fourth graders they can be!
Positive Classroom Behavior
Expectations across 4th grade is consistent. The teachers, as well as West Perry School District believe in rewarding positive behavior. Therefore, the 4th grade teachers have a reward system in the classroom that rewards positive behavior, while not-so-good behavior receives a consequence.
In Mrs. Zendt's classroom each student has their own raindrop. When classroom rules are ignored the student's raindrop gets dropped usually sequentially, depending on the severity of the infraction. The first drop is only a warning, second drop is loss of 5 min. recess, and so forth.
However, each day a student does not have his/her raindrop dropped the
student receives a sticker on our reward chart. After EVERY 20 stickers, the student may choose from a variety of rewards!
*Almost everyone gets their raindrop dropped at least once or twice during the year. This is NOT a big deal. Nobody is perfect, and we all have "those" days.
Outstandings-Students also have the opportunity to earn "outstandings." These are given inconsistently for showing kindness, respect, following directions, etc. You never know when you might earn an outstanding. Every 5 "outstandings" equals a reward!
Important Note from Mrs. Z
Just as I set high expectations for my students, I expect my students and parents to hold high expectations for me. If you have any problems, concerns, issues, shares, or joys please feel free to contact me and always encourage your child to speak to me. If your child is facing an issue at school, with me, anyone, or anything else it is important that they talk to me about it, so we can work it out. I will try to help, or will refer your child to the appropriate school personnel. We are all human, even teachers and we all make mistakes. The idea is to use our mistakes as stepping stones, and learn from them.
I promise to be open, fair, and kind. Please have your child come to me, or you can notify me if your child feels they have been treated unfairly in any way...by anyone. Your child and his/her happiness are very important to me. If I am unsure of a problem, I am unable to help, or to try to make it right. Unfortunately, sometimes things get blown out of proportion, when they could have been resolved simply. Thanks.
One Final Note...
Besides my own family your children are the most important people in my life. By working together we can make this a successful, fun and happy fourth grade year. I am looking forward to the year ahead. Please remember, communication is the key in creating a content, cohesive community. Please contact me anytime.
Please continue to peruse my site. There is much more information to be found concerning our classroom, expectations, links, myself, contact information and so forth! Here's to a great year!
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