Disclosure
Mrs. Swenson’s
Class Disclosure
“Children may forget what you say, but they will never forget how you made them feel”
Welcome, I am excited to be your child's teacher and I am looking forward to a great year with you and your child. I teach to the Davis District DESK Standards. You may access these standards through the Davis School District web site. I use multiple teaching methods in my effort to accommodate the different learning styles of children. As a teacher, I am responsible for providing researched based curriculum in a safe and stimulating classroom. Students are responsible for their learning. As parents, teachers, and students pull together we can make school a great place to be.
My discipline policy is, based on the fact, that each child has the right to learn in a positive environment, and that each child should be responsible for his/her own behavior. To help the children monitor behavior, I will use the following steps as necessary: Remind about inappropriate behavior as a warning. Remove from the situation if necessary. Journal appropriate behavior during Think Time, Restrict privileges, conference with parent.
By Teaching and implementing the Class Agreements and incorporating Life Skills in our classroom, it is my hope that our upcoming year will allow all students to learn in a safe and positive environment! Simply said, “Work hard and be nice.”
Attentive Listening
Appreciation/No Put Downs
Mutual Respect
The Right To Pass
Curriculum
Language Arts is a primary focus. We work in the areas of phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. It is my hope that you will read to your child and with your child. The McGraw/Hill Reading program will be used to instruct students in all areas of Language Arts.
Math will be from the district created Advantage Math program and supplemented as needed by the teacher. MyDSD has a parent resource page to help with the math concepts at home.
Core Subjects will be science, art techniques, social studies, and health. These subjects will be integrated throughout the year to build a strong learning foundation.
Homework
Students are expected to read grade level text with expression and use punctuation cues. To help facilitate this practice, at least 15 minutes of nightly reading is suggested. Try to find books on your child's reading level. After they read a book, work on their comprehension by asking questions like:
- Who were the characters in the story?
- Where did the story take place?
- What was the problem in the story?
- How was the problem solved?
- Have you ever had an experience in your life like the one in the story?
Grading:
Students will receive the SMART(Standards Mastery Assessment Reporting Tool) report at the end of each term to indicate what the student understands and can demonstrate in the areas of Language Arts, Mathematics and various content areas including Art, Health, Science, Social Studies and Music. In addition, students will be assessed on their ability to follow directions, participate and work cooperatively. The student's social behavior will also be reported.
On a regular basis your child will be tested in various ways so that an accurate account of what skills and concepts he/she has mastered and what things the child might need additional help with. Many assessment methods will be used such as pencil/paper assessment, verbal response to questions, informal yes/no observations, as well as the use of manipulative objects by the student to demonstrate what they know. Occasionally the children will be tested one on one by the teacher or an adult. Please check myDSD for student grades and missing work.
Volunteers
I welcome and encourage parents to visit in the classroom. Classroom volunteers are a valuable part of our program. However, the most important school involvement you do with your child will be at home. Please look at your child’s papers daily and help with concepts we are learning. The home is a crucial component to a successful education.
Recess
All children go out to recess. If your child needs to stay in, please send a note. After three days a doctor's note is required. Please have your child dress for the weather. In the winter if snow boots are worn, please send a pair of shoes to wear in the classroom. Please label all personal items: coats, boots, lunch boxes, and backpacks.
Snacks
The kids are welcome to bring a small snack for themselves to eat right after recess if they feel like they get to hungry before lunch.
Birthdays
Birthdays are important. We celebrate your child on that special day. Please don’t send party invitations to pass out at school unless there is one for every child in the class (or at least every child of the same gender). The school policy is that birthday treats brought into the classroom by the student is not allowed.
Toys
Please remind your child that toys from home need to stay at home. They will be taken away until after school.
Lunch Money
Please send direct to Nutrition Services by using your myDSD account or in an envelope with child’s name, my name, and grade. District policy states that lunch money must be paid to eat.
Coming and Going From School
Children must be on time for school. The first bell rings at 8:45 a.m. and the tardy bell rings at 8:50 a.m. At the end of the day 3:25 p.m. or 1:25 p.m. on Friday, make sure you know where to meet any friends or family that you go home with. If you ride a bus, remember the bus number.
Please contact me anytime. Sometimes a simple phone call or email can clear up a lot of frustration or confusion. It’s going to be a great year!
Natalie Swenson
801-402-3250