Welcome to Miss Orrick’s 5th Grade Class!
Ventura Elementary 2010-2011
Dear Parent/Guardian,
I am excited to be your child’s 5th grade teacher for the 2010-2011 school year, here at Ventura Elementary. I am confident that with your help, encouragement, and continual support, we will be able to establish a partnership enabling your child to work to his or her fullest potential. I hope that this will lead to celebrated success throughout the year. In an effort to keep the lines of communication open, I ask that you contact me via the student agenda. It is important to check your child’s agenda daily in order to keep up on what they have for homework, upcoming test dates, or notes from me that require a written response. As a second means of communication you may email me directly at orrickm@osceola.k12.fl.us.
It is my firm belief that face to face communication is also essential between the parent and teacher especially at the start of the school year. I ask that you make it a point to meet with me briefly within the first month of school, so that all policies and procedures can be explained, as well as questions and concerns addressed.
Conferences…..Please do not request a conference via written note in the agenda or email. If you would like to set up a date and time to discuss your child’s performance, please contact Laura in the main office by calling 407-344-5040. Since Laura maintains my calendar, she will assign you an agreed upon date and time for us to meet. If for some reason you are unable to attend, I would greatly appreciate notification in either the form of a phone call or email as a form of courtesy.
Homework is given daily. Homework may consist of written work, assigned reading, and/or projects. Students are responsible for writing down their assignments in their agendas. Homework will be posted on the board and students will be given a sufficient amount of time to copy it down prior to the end of the day.
Reading every evening for at least thirty minutes is essential for increasing your child’s vocabulary and comprehension skills. Acceptable reading materials consist of AR books, chapter books, nonfictional magazines (example: Time for Kids) or the daily newspaper. Reading the local paper also keeps your child in touch with real world issues and topics which will aide in future class discussions.
Behavior is key…Students are expected for follow the school (R.O.A.R) as well as classroom rules, policies, and procedures. As the oldest students on campus, 5th graders are asked to keep in mind that they are the role models of Ventura and therefore set the tone for the younger students in the school. Students are expected to demonstrate the following qualities at all times.
RESPECTFULNESS Students are to respect everyone (teachers, peers, school administration and personnel), the personal property of their peers, as well as school property.
ORGANIZATION Students should be ready and organized at the start of each school day. Desks must be neat, folders, notebooks and binders organized, and have homework and supplies ready!
ACCEPTING Students will accept that other may have different viewpoints or opinions. Students are not to make fun of or comment on their peers’ responses. Students will treat others the way they would like to be treated. By adhering to these rules, students can take part in a safe, comfortable, and supportive learning environment.
RESPONSIBILITY Students must adhere to the school and county dress code, follow directions given by the teacher, stay on task at all times, and take responsibility for their actions.
Consequences will be issued when students fail to adhere to school and classroom rules, policies, and procedures. Please make note of the following actions that will be taken: 1. Verbal warning2. Minor infraction notice (copy sent to parent) and note in student agenda and loss of class privilege.3. Second minor infraction notice (copy sent to parent), phone call home, and loss of class privilege.4. Major infraction or continued previously reported infractions will result in a formal notice submitted to school administration and a request for a conference. Class privileges will also be suspended.
Rewards will only be given to students who demonstrate excellent behavior. Rewards will consist of distribution of Tiger Tickets, classroom activities, class raffles, and additional class celebrations.
Thank you in advance for your ongoing participation and support. Here’s to a great school year!
Sincerely,
Mandy Orrick
5th Grade Teacher
Ventura Elementary