Parents, you receive weekly newsletters titled Jasztal's Headlines, so most updates are mentioned in there. One important thing to remember about this site is that there is an extensive link list that can help reinforce specific skills I teach in my classroom. Teachingvision.org is a website that is meant to be used both in and out of the classroom. There are websites and resources for every subject and every project we complete in our classroom over the course of the school year.

Classroom Assignments and Homework

This is on another page, but I wanted to reiterate that classroom assignments are due the next school day after they are assigned. Class time is always provided to complete the assignments, yet if they are not finished, it is the student's responsibility to take the assignment home to finish. In addition, homework is assigned Monday-Thursday evenings, and the work counts towards your child's grade (5%), which can make an important difference. Each assignment is awarded points. The most homework I will ever assign in one evening (in combination with the other teachers) is 45 minutes.

Volunteers

I could not imagine having a classroom without the assistance of families. Whenever a family member of a student enters our classroom, it brightens the moods of everyone. Parents play an extremely important role in the functioning of our room, so please feel welcome. It is especially great when a dad comes in because the male students can have a role model to look up to. In order to volunteer, you must fill out a sheet three working weeks prior to assisting in our room. Mrs. Green in our front office has the forms. I encourage each family to fill out the form, even if you may not choose to volunteer this year. This form is essential as well for you to go on a field trip with our class.

2007-2008 Information

Core Essentials [Similar Program to Character Counts] Classroom Information and Procedures Class Calendar

Articles to Guide You Through The Year

Love and Logic- "The Instant Empathetic Response" Love and Logic- "The One Year Plan- Parent's Guide for Helping Children Succeed in School" Love and Logic- Three Types of Parents Read Why Reading Is So Important For Your Child Every Night- (Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, America Reads Challenge. (1999) "Start Early, Finish Strong: How to Help Every Child Become a Reader." Washington, D.C.)

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