Kinsey Kids' Korner Messages

Classroom Economy

Mrs. Kinsey — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:41:22 GMT

In our classroom, we have an "Economy System". Each week, kids earn play money for the following things:

$1.00 for each day they complete their homework

$1.00 for each day their desks and binders are organized

A set amount for the weekly job they're assigned.

Each day, students fill out a receipt, which categorizes the earnings for behavior, homework, and organization. On Fridays, they will add in the pay for their weekly job, and will be paid for what they've earned for the week.

Bonus Bucks

Students can also earn "Bonus Bucks" during the week for showing extra special effort and for doing good deeds for others. These bonus bucks are not accounted for on their receipt, but are just random dollars given to the kids when I feel they've done something to earn them. Homeworkopoly occasionally rewards kids with bonus bucks as well, but you have to do your homework to play.

Saving

Every trimester (October, January, April), we open our classroom store, and kids may save to purchase things with the money they've earned. With parent donations of toys and money in the beginning of the year, I hope to obtain lots of highly desirable "goodies" for the classroom store! Beside prizes such as toys, books, and games, students can also save up for items on the Reward List, such as classroom parties, homework passes, free spins on the Homeworkopoly gameboard, and good notes home to parents, and more!

Responsibility

From this system, students learn responsibility. They learn to keep track of their money and not to lose it. They learn how to save up for things that are important to them, instead of spending everything at once. They also learn the value of earning money, instead of just being given things for free. They take more pride in their work, their behavior, and take more responsibility for their actions.

FAQ

What if I don't have my homework on the day its due, but I bring it the next day?

In order to earn the money, you must bring in all homework on the day it is due. If there is an "Extreme Emergency" in your family or house and your parents explain it to me in a note, that's the only time I'd allow you to get paid for a late assignment.

What if there are two assignments due (math and spelling, for example), and I only have one subject done? Do I get half payment?

No, you must bring in every assignment on the day it is due in order to receive the full $1.00 for the day. There are no half payments. It's all or nothing.

How will you know if my desk and binder are clean every day? Will you be checking daily?

The desk inspector will be checking your desk daily. I will do surprise binder checks. I am going to use the Honor System, and trust you are keeping your binders neat and organized. You will have time at the end of each day to organize your desk and binder. If I happen to notice that you've been unorganized, you won't get paid for that category for that day. If you have not fixed the problem by the next day, you will lose your pay for the week ($5.00).

Can we give away the money we earn to help others earn something they want? Or can some of my friends and I put our money together to earn a party for the whole class?

Although that's a very nice thought, you may only spend the money that you earn. The point of the Classroom economy is to learn the value of earning and saving money yourself, just as adults do in the real world. Unfortunately, there is no combining or giving away money in our Classroom Economy. My weekly tally sheets will let me know how much you might have earned.

Do we have to wait until the classroom store to exchange our money?

You must wait for the classroom store to purchase things such as books, games, and toys. However, you may exchange your money for things on the Reward List (such as free homework passes, free spins on Homeworkopoly, etc.) daily, but not during direct instruction time!

Will you ever take money away from us?

No, I won't take money away from you, but you might not get paid depending on the circumstances. If your behavior is not perfect, you'll lose $1.00 for that day's behavior when you fill out your receipt at the end of the week. If you don't do your homework, you'll lose $1.00 for that day when you fill out your receipt at the end of the week. The same thing goes for organization and your class job. So even though I'm not taking money away from you, you won't really be earning it either.

What if we lose our money? Will you give it back to me?

No. If adults lose money, the bank doesn't give it back to them! We earn it, and must be responsible with it. If you put into your ROCKET binder zipper pouch as soon as you get it, you won't have to worry about losing it! But if you're not organized and responsible with your money and you happen to lose it, you'll learn a valuable lesson.

If we are absent, will we still get paid for behavior, organization, and homework?

If you are absent, you can be paid if you complete the assignments for that day according to the "Absent Work" rules. Otherwise, you must be present to win!

R.O.C.K.E.T. Binders

Mrs. Kinsey — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:47:50 GMT

R.O.C.K.E.T Binders

Responsibly Organized Children Keep Everything Together Securely

What are ROCKET binders?

ROCKET binders are a way of creating organization and responsibility in students through an organized binder with indexed tabs and sheet protectors.

What are the components?

It all starts with a simple 1" three-ring binder. There are six parts to the binder:

Left Front Pocket of binder - Take Home/Bring Back Folder **Very Important!	A two pocket folder is placed in the inside front pocket of the binder itself. This is the Take Home/Bring Back folder. The Take Home side of the folder could include mail, graded work, or notes from the teacher. The Bring Back side will include homework (finished or to be done) and notes for/from the teacher. This is the only part of the binder that goes home. **Parents need to check this folder daily.
Zipper Pouch	The zipper pouch is the first thing in the binder rings. This is to hold money (real and classroom cash) safely.
Notebook Paper	This is where your child keeps his/her personal supply of Wide Ruled Notebook paper.
Indexed Tabs with subject labels	After the notebook paper come the indexed tabs. There are 7 tabs to be labeled with the following subjects: Work in Progress, Reading, Writing, Math, Spelling, Social Studies, and Science. Each area will hold papers for that subject only!
Clear Sheet Protectors	Clear Sheet Protectors are used to preserve important information that will be referred to often throughout the school year, such as rules, calendars, multiplication charts, etc.
Class Economy Weekly Payment Receipt in back pocket of binder **Very Important	In the back right pocket will be the Behavior Chart. The Behavior Chart is colored in daily, then placed in the Bring Back folder **to be signed by parents and every Friday and returned to school on Monday.

What are the rules of the ROCKET binder?

1. You must not draw or doodle in your ROCKET. Treat it with respect. Keep it clean, as you would a pet!

2. Do not let any of your friends have anything out of your ROCKET. It is yours, and has very important information you will need all year long.

3. Understand the point of having a ROCKET Binder. The reason is to keep you organized, so keep IT organized!

4. All papers go in your ROCKET. There should be no loose papers in your desk at any time! "Every paper has a home!" Put papers exactly where I say, when I say! Not later! If you listen to me about organization, you will be organized, I guarantee! If you don't cooperate, you won't be organized.

About Our Class

Mrs. Kinsey — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:13:44 GMT

Absences

Please call the school at (623)376-3700 to let us know if your child will be absent.

Absent Work

Much of our work is done in groups or is teacher directed. Since this cannot be made up at home, it is imperative that your child be in school as much as possible. Please consult the calendar on our school website before planning trips or appointments.

If your child must be absent, he/she will be responsible for making up the work that was missed, with two days for each day absent given. Please call me early in the morning so I can have the assignments ready for you to pick after school or send them home with a sibling or friend. Please do not e-mail these requests, as I may not check my e-mail first thing in the morning. Your child will have one day for each day of absence to make up the work.

Arrivals & Departures

School starts at 8:45 A.M. and dismisses at 3:30 P.M. On early release days, dismissal is at 12:20 P.M. Our learning starts as soon as the bell rings, so make every effort to have your child here on time.

Backpacks

Students should bring a backpack each day to hold their folder, water bottle (in an outside pocket per the librarian's request), snack, and lunch.

Behavior

Australia - If a student has been given a warning and still can't control their behavior, they go to "Australia" (based on the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst), which is a seat at the back of the room. They stay there until they think they are ready to work appropriately. How long they stay is entirely up to them. They are responsible for their own actions and behavior.

Think About It - Think About It is a little more serious than Australia. If a child has gone to Australia, but still cannot behave appropriately, I will send them to another classroom where they will fill out a sheet explaining what the behavior was, why they behaved this way, and how they could change their behavior next time. After the paper is filled out, they will take three minutes to reflect on their actions, then return to the classroom. When the paper is filled out to my satisfaction, I will sign it and staple it in the school planner for a parent signature, and it will be returned to me the next day.

Birthdays

Treats are allowed to celebrate your child's birthday. They can be dropped off in the classroom between 8:30 and 8:45 A.M. After that, please leave them in the office so instructional time is not interrupted. We will share them during our daily snack time. Students will not be allowed to disrupt other classrooms by passing out extra treats.

Book Orders

Book orders will be sent home every month or two. Scholastic Book Clubs provide a wonderful way to build a home library very inexpensively. They offer classic, award winning, and special interest reading materials. This year, parents can place orders on line! A flyer with a link will be sent home and a link will be added here when book order flyers are given out.

Clothing

Make certain your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. It does get cold here sometimes! Please put your child's name and room number (C108) on coats, sweaters, backpacks and lunchboxes. Remember, healies are not allowed at school. Hats are not to be worn inside the building, except for during certain Student Council Spirit Days.

Communication

In order to communicate with you most effectively, I'll need your e-mail address. Put your child's name in the subject line and your name in the message. Send the e-mail to me at elizabeth.kinsey@dvusd.org . Students whose parents do this will earn a small prize!

If you have any questions or concerns, please write a note in the planner, send in a note, e-mail me at elizabeth.kinsey@dvusd.org or leave a message at (623) 376-3750. E-mail is my preferred method of communication and is checked daily.

Also, check this website frequently for the "Latest News." If a student needs extra help or falls behind, I will contact you. Remember, you can check your child's grades at any time on the PowerSchool site.

Class Economy

This year we will have a classroom economy to help students learn the value of earning and saving money. Students will be paid for their responsibility, behavior, organization, class jobs, and good deeds. They will keep track of their money and can save up to purchase rewards or to spend at our class store, which will open at the end of each quarter, beginning in October. I will be asking for a $5 donation to use to buy prizes. If you have any toys, games, or books around the house that are in good condition and would be suitable as prizes, we would always appreciate those donations!

Grading Scale

The grading scale is as follows:

A	90-100%
B	80-89%
C	70-79%
D	60-69%

Fourth Grade Weighting of assignments:

     Tests     60%

     Homework     15%

     Classwork     25%

Grades can be checked online at the PowerSchools site, http://ps.dvusd.org/public/ . Information on logging in to the site and passwords will be sent home at the beginning of the year and is available from the school office. Progress reports will be sent home every three weeks only only for students receiving a D or F in any subject.

The Fourth Grade policy is that grades for late work will be reduced by 25% for each day an assignment is late. Since one of our goals is to produce responsible citizens, completing work on time needs to be your child's priority and responsibility, just as it is for you at your place of work.

Each quarter, your child will be given many opportunities to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum. It is normal for students to experience periods of difficulty throughout the quarter as material becomes more challenging. Just remind them, effort produces achievement. Hard work WILL pay off. All grades are final.

Handwriting

According to the third grade teachers, all students were completing assignments in cursive by the end of the school year, so we will start the year off using cursive handwriting. There will be a brief review each day, and every student will have a desk plate showing proper letter. If any students are having real difficulty, a practice packet will be sent home.

Homework

Homework is assigned to provide students an opportunity to practice new and previously learned concepts. It is also intended to help students develop responsibility.

Homework should be a priority in your home. Your child should have a set time and place in which to complete his/her work. Homework should be: 1) Neat and complete, 2) Turned in on time, 3) Completed by the student with as little parental help as possible.

When all homework for the week is turned in on time, your child will have the opportunity to play Homeworkopoly on Friday. If your child does not turn in homework on time, he/she may lose recess to complete the work. Grades will be lowered by 25% for each day an assisgnment is turned in late. A conference may need to be held to establish a homework contract.

As part of their training to become productive citizens, completing homework needs to be your child's priority and responsibility. Very rarely, there may be extenuating circumstances. If this is the case, please notify me by phone, note, or e-mail so that an alternate arrangement can be made.

Late Work

When all homework for the week is turned in on time, your child will have the opportunity to play Homeworkopoly on Friday. If your child does not turn in homework on time, he/she may lose recess to complete the work. Grades will be lowered by 25% for each day an assisgnment is turned in late. A conference may need to be held to establish a homework contract.

Lunch

Our lunch period is at 10:45 A.M. Money can be added to your child's cafeteria account through EZschoolpay.com. Please click on the "Links" tab to the left to connect. I do not handle any lunch money or accounts. If you have questions, you will need to contact the ladies in the school cafeteria.

PTSA

Your involvement in our parent/teacher organization helps our school and students tremendously. Please consider attending meetings or helping out by adding your name to their list of volunteers.

Report Cards

Report cards are sent home at the end of each quarter - October, January, March, and May. You keep the report card itself, sign the envelope and return the envelope only to school. Please try to send it back as soon as possible so you don't have to worry about losing it!

Restroom

One boy and one girl at a time are allowed out of the room. Students may use the restroom at any time except during direct instruction or tests. Those who abuse the privilege may have it revoked.

Rewards

100 Compliments - Any time the class is working well together, walking quietly in the hallway, complimented by another teacher or adult, or just doing an outstanding job, they will receive a compliment. When we reach 100 compliments, they will receive a class party of their choice.

Group Points - When a group is ready first, quietest, working most cooperatively, and more, they will be awarded a group point. When a group has earned 10 points, they will each receive $10 from our classroom economy, which they may use in a variety of ways.

Exceptional Effort - Whenever a child shows effort above and beyond the ordinary, either in behavior or classwork, they will earn a dollar of classroom money to save toward a reward.

Homeworkopoly - Students who have completed all assignments on time all week will get a turn at the Homeworkopoly Board on Friday.

Snack

We will have a brief snack time each day. Children should bring a HEALTHY snack, with none of the first three ingredients listed as sugar or corn syrup or ending with "-ose." A water bottle is absolutely essential in our hot, desert climate.

Supplies

Please click on the "Supplies" tab to the left. It is critical that your child come to school prepared to learn.

Tardies

If you child is late for school, be sure to sign them in at the office before dropping them off. Our learning starts as soon as the bell rings, and tardies are disruptive to the class. Please avoid bringing your child to school late.

Toys

Toys should not be brought to school. They might be lost, and I will not be responsible for them. Balls or jump ropes may be brought for recess, but must be marked with the child's name and room number (C108).

Visitors

Anthem's school policy is that ALL GUESTS must sign in at the office.

Volunteers

By volunteering at school, you let your child know that you value their education. Volunteers will be needed throughout the year to chaperone field trips, run copies, help with parties, send in treats or prizes, prepare materials at home, assist with special projects or small groups, and more. Please let me know if you are interested in helping in any of these ways!

Water Bottles

It is crucial that your child have a water bottle at school each and every day! Our brain cells, neurons, make connections through a liquid medium in the brain. Studies have shown that within seven seconds of taking a drink, brain function increases! Learners are allowed to drink at any time except during direct instruction and tests.

Zzzzzzzzz!

Studies show that children need 9-11 hours of sleep each night. It is during sleep that their bodies mend and grow and their brains process the learning from the day. A bedtime routine including reading, talking about the day, and/or tucking your little one in will be one of your (and their) most cherished memories. Believe me - I speak from experience! My kids are grown and gone, but they tell me how much they appreciated that time together. Please help your child be the best learner possible by setting a regular bedtime for school nights.

Spelling Lists

Mrs. Kinsey — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 23:46:45 GMT

Week of December 1-5, 2008

Sitton: tree, front, space, course, American, which, great, own, usually, family

Trophies: Pres., Dr., Ave., Hwy., Rd., St., Fri., Sat., Sept., Dec., tsp., lb., Wed., Gov., Mt., Rte., Jan., Pkwy., Sun., Mon.

Challenge: occasionally, interpreter, equivalent, appetizing, irrigation

Welcome!

Mrs. Kinsey — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 02:02:16 GMT

Upcoming Important Dates

Fantasy Book Reports due December 1st!

Topic 7 Math Test on Wednesday, December 3, 2008. To view the book on line, go to www.pearsonsuccessnet.com. To login, the user name is your child's 1st initial, middle initial, 1st 3 letter of last name, and last three numbers of lunch code, all in lower case. Password is the lunch code. For example, Scott Ryan Kinsey, 123456, would be user name srkin456.

Book orders will be due December 5th. Orders will be here by Christmas break. I tried online ordering last month, but received no orders at all, so we will go back to the traditional way. Just send your order in with your child! Thanks!

Friday Spirit Day

Every Friday, wear our school colors - Blue and Yellow - to show school spirit!

Save General Mills Boxtops for Education! They can be found on all kinds of products - cereal, tissues, frozen foods, Ziploc bags, etc.

Assignments

Mrs. Kinsey — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 15:40:51 GMT

Reading

Students are to read 20 minutes for 20 days each month.

Please note and initial your child's reading on the monthly calendar page of your child's planner.

On a Weekly Basis:

Math homework is generally given Monday-Thursday.

Monday - Reading Vocabulary assignment

Wednesday - Spelling Packet due tomorrow

Thursday - Read the story for tomorrow's Reading Quiz, Spelling Packet due in the A.M., Study for Spelling Test

Friday - Reading Selection Quiz and Spelling Test given

header1106

Mrs. Kinsey — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 05:57:55 GMT

School Supplies

Mrs. Kinsey — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 05:48:13 GMT

Arizona law requires that public schools provide supplies required for academic success. This list represents optional, supplementary items, which you may supply at your discretion. If you have questions, feel free to contact the school.

Fourth Grade Supplies/Donations List

Individual Supplies

R.O.C.K.E.T. Binder - 1" binder, two-pocket folder, zipper pouch, wide-rule notebook paper, 7 index tabs, clear page protectors (See "R.O.C.K.E.T. Binder")
4 spiral notebooks
1 additional two pocket folder
1 extra pkg. wide-ruled notebook paper
24 sharpened pencils
4 dry erase markers
1 pkg. red pens
1 pkg. eraser caps
Plastic pencil sharpener with container
2 pkgs. colored pencils
2 boxes crayons (no more than 24 in box)
12" Ruler - inches & centimeters
Scissors
2 Gluesticks
Multiplication flash cards
Large pencil box or plastic shoe box
Backpack with outside pocket for water bottle
Individual whiteboard & eraser (an old sock will do)

Except for the R.O.C.K.E.T. Binder, please place these items in a large ziploc marked with your child's name to be given out to your child as needed.

Classroom Supplies

2 boxes of tissue
1 box of baby wipes

1 pkg. Ziplocs by first initial of last name-
A-I sandwich size, J-P quart size, R-Z Gallon size

Dry erase markers
Pencils
Hand sanitizer
Index cards - 4X6
Lined, wide ruled notebook paper

Red pens

3 hole punch

Mini staplers

These items will be shared by the class as needed.

Thanks SOOOOO much for your generosity!

Class Schedule

Mrs. Kinsey — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 05:48:13 GMT

Classroom Schedule

8:45-9:00        Spelling Activity

9:00-10:00       Reading (SAGE 8:45-9:30)

10:00-10:45     Writing

10:45-11:30     Lunch

11:30-12:30     Math (SAGE 11:45-12:30)

12:30-1:15       Specials

1:15-1:40         Mountain Math/Cursive/Snack/Bathroom

1:40-2:30         Minilesson/Grammar

2:30-3:10         Science/Social Studies

3:10-3:30         Agenda/Pack up/Classbuilding

Early Release Schedule

      9:45-10:30 Lunch

      12:05           Dismissal

Weekly Special Area Schedule

Monday - P.E./Computers

Tuesday - Band/Library

Wednesday - P.E.

Thursday - P.E.

Friday - Art

Favorite Links

Mrs. Kinsey — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 05:48:13 GMT

Reading www.harcourtschool.com

Math www.thatquiz.com

www.multiplication.com

Foss Science www.fossweb.com

www.primarygames.com

http://www.ezschoolpay.com/

Use the above link to put money into your child's lunch account.

Meet the Mrs. Kinsey

Mrs. Kinsey — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 05:48:13 GMT

My job is to keep learning fun, while letting students know that I always expect their personal best. To do this, I can draw from the know-how of having taught for twelve years with experience primarily in fourth grade, but also in first, third, and preschool. My Bachelors and Masters Degrees are in elementary education with an emphasis in science and are from NAU.

As a parent, I know what you are going through. I've been there! My son, Scott, is 27 years old, was just married in March, and is a City Planner for the City of Long Beach. My daughter, Laurel, is 24 and a PICU nurse at St. Joseph's hospital. She's getting married this November. Let me give you some personal advice straight from the heart: start saving for your children's college educations NOW! Seriously, my advice would be to cherish every hug, kiss, and memorable moment, because your children will be grown and gone in the twinkling of an eye.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, scrapbooking, being active in church, and spending time with my family. I'm thrilled to be in the beautiful, family-centered community of Anthem, and honored to be entrusted with your precious children for the year. Please help me by sharing your concerns, insights, celebrations, or fun moments. The best way to reach me is by e-mail. (Drop-in visits can distract from instructional time.) Together, we can build a passion for learning that will last a lifetime!

Email me: Mrs. Kinsey

It Worked!

Mrs. Kinsey — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 05:48:02 GMT

Congratulations and welcome to your new site.

To start editing this site please log in. Your email address and password are the same as the ones used to create this website.
After logging in, click the Edit link at the end of this post to edit this text. To create a new post, click the News command in the Editors Only menu at the top of this page.
This is your site. You can change almost everything about it, including its name, appearance, membership and bulletin features. The Prefs command in the Editors Only menu is the place to start.
Visit the Getting Started page on the Manila-Newbies site. It provides an overview and introduction to the different kinds of projects you can do with Manila. The Manila-Newbies site is there to help you work with Manila and to learn from each other.
Finally, please bookmark this page. This is your website. Be sure you can find it again.

Welcome to the homepage for Mrs. Kinsey's Fourth Grade!

Mrs. Kinsey — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 05:48:01 GMT

Welcome to our class homepage! We hope you will visit often. Here you will find daily assignments, a list of supplies needed, our daily and specials schedules, and other important and interesting information.

http://www.ezschoolpay.com/

You can use this link to put money into your child's lunch account.

Kinsey Kids' Korner Messages

Classroom Economy

In our classroom, we have an "Economy System". Each week, kids earn play money for the following things:

$1.00 for each day they complete their homework

$1.00 for each day their desks and binders are organized

A set amount for the weekly job they're assigned.

Each day, students fill out a receipt, which categorizes the earnings for behavior, homework, and organization. On Fridays, they will add in the pay for their weekly job, and will be paid for what they've earned for the week.

Bonus Bucks

Saving

Responsibility

FAQ

What if I don't have my homework on the day its due, but I bring it the next day?

In order to earn the money, you must bring in all homework on the day it is due. If there is an "Extreme Emergency" in your family or house and your parents explain it to me in a note, that's the only time I'd allow you to get paid for a late assignment.

What if there are two assignments due (math and spelling, for example), and I only have one subject done? Do I get half payment?

No, you must bring in every assignment on the day it is due in order to receive the full $1.00 for the day. There are no half payments. It's all or nothing.

How will you know if my desk and binder are clean every day? Will you be checking daily?

Can we give away the money we earn to help others earn something they want? Or can some of my friends and I put our money together to earn a party for the whole class?

Do we have to wait until the classroom store to exchange our money?

You must wait for the classroom store to purchase things such as books, games, and toys. However, you may exchange your money for things on the Reward List (such as free homework passes, free spins on Homeworkopoly, etc.) daily, but not during direct instruction time!

Will you ever take money away from us?

What if we lose our money? Will you give it back to me?

If we are absent, will we still get paid for behavior, organization, and homework?

If you are absent, you can be paid if you complete the assignments for that day according to the "Absent Work" rules. Otherwise, you must be present to win!

R.O.C.K.E.T. Binders

Responsibly Organized Children Keep Everything Together Securely

What are ROCKET binders?

ROCKET binders are a way of creating organization and responsibility in students through an organized binder with indexed tabs and sheet protectors.

What are the components?

It all starts with a simple 1" three-ring binder. There are six parts to the binder:

What are the rules of the ROCKET binder?

1. You must not draw or doodle in your ROCKET. Treat it with respect. Keep it clean, as you would a pet!

2. Do not let any of your friends have anything out of your ROCKET. It is yours, and has very important information you will need all year long.

3. Understand the point of having a ROCKET Binder. The reason is to keep you organized, so keep IT organized!

4. All papers go in your ROCKET. There should be no loose papers in your desk at any time! "Every paper has a home!" Put papers exactly where I say, when I say! Not later! If you listen to me about organization, you will be organized, I guarantee! If you don't cooperate, you won't be organized.

About Our Class

Absences

Please call the school at (623)376-3700 to let us know if your child will be absent.

Absent Work

Much of our work is done in groups or is teacher directed. Since this cannot be made up at home, it is imperative that your child be in school as much as possible. Please consult the calendar on our school website before planning trips or appointments.

Arrivals & Departures

School starts at 8:45 A.M. and dismisses at 3:30 P.M. On early release days, dismissal is at 12:20 P.M. Our learning starts as soon as the bell rings, so make every effort to have your child here on time.

Backpacks

Students should bring a backpack each day to hold their folder, water bottle (in an outside pocket per the librarian's request), snack, and lunch.

Behavior

Birthdays

Book Orders

Clothing

Communication

In order to communicate with you most effectively, I'll need your e-mail address. Put your child's name in the subject line and your name in the message. Send the e-mail to me at elizabeth.kinsey@dvusd.org . Students whose parents do this will earn a small prize!

If you have any questions or concerns, please write a note in the planner, send in a note, e-mail me at elizabeth.kinsey@dvusd.org or leave a message at (623) 376-3750. E-mail is my preferred method of communication and is checked daily.

Also, check this website frequently for the "Latest News." If a student needs extra help or falls behind, I will contact you. Remember, you can check your child's grades at any time on the PowerSchool site.

Class Economy

Grading Scale

The grading scale is as follows:

Fourth Grade Weighting of assignments: Tests 60% Homework 15% Classwork 25%

The Fourth Grade policy is that grades for late work will be reduced by 25% for each day an assignment is late. Since one of our goals is to produce responsible citizens, completing work on time needs to be your child's priority and responsibility, just as it is for you at your place of work.

Handwriting

Homework

Homework is assigned to provide students an opportunity to practice new and previously learned concepts. It is also intended to help students develop responsibility.

Homework should be a priority in your home. Your child should have a set time and place in which to complete his/her work. Homework should be: 1) Neat and complete, 2) Turned in on time, 3) Completed by the student with as little parental help as possible.

As part of their training to become productive citizens, completing homework needs to be your child's priority and responsibility. Very rarely, there may be extenuating circumstances. If this is the case, please notify me by phone, note, or e-mail so that an alternate arrangement can be made.

Late Work

Lunch

Our lunch period is at 10:45 A.M. Money can be added to your child's cafeteria account through EZschoolpay.com. Please click on the "Links" tab to the left to connect. I do not handle any lunch money or accounts. If you have questions, you will need to contact the ladies in the school cafeteria.

PTSA

Your involvement in our parent/teacher organization helps our school and students tremendously. Please consider attending meetings or helping out by adding your name to their list of volunteers.

Report cards are sent home at the end of each quarter - October, January, March, and May. You keep the report card itself, sign the envelope and return the envelope only to school. Please try to send it back as soon as possible so you don't have to worry about losing it!

Restroom

One boy and one girl at a time are allowed out of the room. Students may use the restroom at any time except during direct instruction or tests. Those who abuse the privilege may have it revoked.

Rewards

100 Compliments - Any time the class is working well together, walking quietly in the hallway, complimented by another teacher or adult, or just doing an outstanding job, they will receive a compliment. When we reach 100 compliments, they will receive a class party of their choice.

Group Points - When a group is ready first, quietest, working most cooperatively, and more, they will be awarded a group point. When a group has earned 10 points, they will each receive $10 from our classroom economy, which they may use in a variety of ways.

Exceptional Effort - Whenever a child shows effort above and beyond the ordinary, either in behavior or classwork, they will earn a dollar of classroom money to save toward a reward.

Homeworkopoly - Students who have completed all assignments on time all week will get a turn at the Homeworkopoly Board on Friday.

Snack

We will have a brief snack time each day. Children should bring a HEALTHY snack, with none of the first three ingredients listed as sugar or corn syrup or ending with "-ose." A water bottle is absolutely essential in our hot, desert climate.

Supplies

Please click on the "Supplies" tab to the left. It is critical that your child come to school prepared to learn.

Tardies

If you child is late for school, be sure to sign them in at the office before dropping them off. Our learning starts as soon as the bell rings, and tardies are disruptive to the class. Please avoid bringing your child to school late.