Handbook

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Mrs. Kathy James
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Mrs. Kathy James

• 1981 graduate of Perry Central High School, 1985
  graduate of Indiana State University B.S., and
  Indiana State University in 1988, M.S.
• Currently beginning my 29th year of teaching at
  Ferdinand Elementary.
• Married to Tony James and mother of three
  children, Tim, Aubrey, and Mackenzie.

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• Your child is in room 107 this year. I will be
  corresponding with you via letter, e-mail, phone,
  and in person this year.
• Please read the handouts from the office and
  return all signed documents within 2 school days.
• Refer to the school handbook for procedural
  information.
• Make all book order checks out to the book club
  on the order form. I cannot accept cash for
  books. Please remember to send checks.

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• Report cards will be given each nine weeks.
• Letter grades will be given in reading, math,
  spelling, and English.
• Effort grades (1, 2, or 3) will be given in p.e.,
  social studies, science, and conduct.
• Reading effort will be based on class effort.
• Conduct grades are based on behavior. Repeated
  warnings and/or pink slips will result in a 2 or
  lower in conduct. (5 names contact10
  principal visit)
• Your child is responsible for telling you if he
  or she is disciplined at school.
• Pink slips are sent home to be signed if your
  child receives repeated warnings on a given day.
  

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• Parents must bring medications, if needed, and
  pick them up. Ask your pharmacist to prescribe
  separate bottles for school and home.
• P. E. - Your child must participate in p.e.,
  unless I am notified by a parent or physician.
• Visitor Policy - All visitors, parents, and
  volunteers must sign in at the office and receive
  a visitor pass. This is even if you are stopping
  in briefly. This is per our corporation safety
  plan.
• Write a note or call in advance if you plan to
  come to school to visit your child. I will
  usually have some work for you to do to help the
  class in some way.

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Reading
Self-Selected Reading Students will read for
20-30 minutes per day in materials which they
choose. The books must be on their reading
levels. A.R. tests will be taken on these books.
Guided Reading Reading in our basal reader
will be guided by the teacher. Focus is on
fluency and comprehension. Most reading in this
block will be at the childs fluency level.
Weekly tests will be given on Fridays.
Spelling Our weekly spelling list will be in
the newsletter . Students should practice
reading and spelling them each night. We will
use them in speaking and writing. Tests on
Fridays.
Writing Students will write each day. They will
write mostly on self-generated topics with
modeling of structure and grammar by the teacher.
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Accelerated Reader

• A.R. is a computer management system for reading
  comprehension.
• Children have opportunities to take tests on
  computers in the classroom, iPads, and library.
• Many of the selections in our reading series are
  A.R. titles.
• A.R. will account for 10 of the reading grade.
• Parents are able to check AR points online. This
  is the site parents should use at home to monitor
  Accelerated Reader tests.  The login ( first
  letter of first name, first four letters of last
  name) and password (lunch number) are the same as
  the student uses at school. 
• https//hosted137.renlearn.com/123739/HomeConnect/
  Login.aspx
• Check to see if your child is bringing home A.R.
  books from the library (bright green tags).
  Encourage them to read and reread a book before
  taking the tests.
• We encourage to strive for an average 80 or
  better.

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Math, English,Social Studies, Science

• Saxon math is used. The program is comprised of
  a math meetings, manipulative experiences, fact
  drills and timed tests. Homework M-Th. Tests
  every 5th lesson. No homework will be given on
  lesson days ending in zero!
• English and grammar skills, along with writing,
  will be taught during language arts time.
• Social Studies and Science will be read together
  in class. We also do some activities and lessons
  online. (iPads) Lots of discussion is involved
  with these subjects, as well as special projects.
  Tests will be given, even though an effort grade
  will be the only grade on the report card.
• The social studies and science texts are
  available ONLINE! Usernames and passwords will
  be sent home as soon as possible.

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• Your child needs to bring in
• 20 pennies
• 10 nickels
• 10 dimes
• 4 quarters
• to school in a zip lock bag with his or her name
  on the bag. The money will go home at the end of
  the year if your child is responsible with it.
• Your child will have math fact homework and
  skills homework most evenings.
• Check side B and make sure your child returns it
  to school the next day.
• If your child forgets to turn in homework 3 times
  during a grading period, then a 2 will placed
  on the effort grade for math.
• This information was in Mondays newsletter.
  Did your child show it to you? It can also be
  found on my website!

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(No Transcript)
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Keiara Abe Zoey Joel Ashlyn Sophia Carter Ethan
G. Gus Luke Reid Aubrey Carson Jasmine Nevaeh Noah
Alex Brayden Katey Avari Grace Miles Ethan Mandy
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• Complete and turn in all work.
• Talk only with permission during instruction.
• Follow the teachers directions.
• Sign and returns must be received within 2 days.
  

Grading Scale 100 A , 94-99 A, 90-93 A- 87-89
B, 83-86 B, 80 - 82 B- 77-79 C, 73-76 C, 70-72
C- 67-69 D, 63-66 D, 60-62A D- 0-59 F
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• Below is a list of much needed item for our
  classroom. Please consider something from the
  list below. Thanks for your support.
• Baby Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Colorful Sticky Notes (all sizes)
• Box Tops for Education (Your child earns a ticket
  for each Box top brought in!)

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Helpful Hints...

• Read to your child every day.
• Listen to your child read.
• Encourage them to write all kinds of things
  grocery lists, letters, thank you notes, stories,
  journals, etc.
• Talk positively about your childs education and
  school.
• Encourage him or her positively. Be lavish in
  your praise!
• Monitor the amount of time your child spends in
  front of a television or technical device per
  day. Playtime is good!
• Send only healthy snacks to school.
• Contact Mrs. James if you have any concerns.

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Class newsletters will go home each week. (For
some short weeks newsletters may be combined.)
Visit our website!

• http//www.tinyurl.com/greatdayin2j