## Table of Contents

1. How do you communicate with parents?
2. How do you grade students academically?
3. How do I get in touch with my child's teacher?
4. Who is Mrs. Mullins?
5. What is your Behavioral Plan?
6. Can I help in the classroom?

### How do you communicate with parents?

Brooks prides itself on its communication with families and the community. This prideful success comes from the communication tool we call the student's Day Planner. Each child receives a planner at the beginning of the school year. The students are asked to carry this tool with them each day to assist in organizational skills as well as responsibility.

The planner is used for many purposes throughout the school year. The way I will use the Day Planner is to give you daily/weekly updates on what your child is doing in the classroom. I will let you know if there is a specific skill your child needs to improve upon, or if there is a behavioral problem. The planner includes the Student Handbook, where you will find specific information about our school and the way we operate. The Day Planner is only as successful as we make it, so let's stay in touch.

##### Back to Top

### How do you grade students academically?

Warning, Warning, Warning! "Mrs. Anderson grades hard!" (That's my reputation.) Let me explain "HOW" I complete report cards.

Your child is in an ungraded primary classroom, this means your child does NOT receive letter grades until he/she is in the fourth grade. Your child is graded on their "progress" within a nine week period. The symbols for progress are: LP=Little Progress, SP=Steady Progress, RP=Rapid Progress or X=Needs Improvement. This does not translate to letter grades! Let me repeat that, I am NOT giving letter grades. (RP is not to be considered equivalent to an A, SP=B, etc.!)

I work very hard to advance your child academically and socially as far as he or she can achieve. I feel it is in the best interest of my students to challenge them in a caring and nurturing environment. My reporting system will reflect areas of strength and weakness. (Remember, understanding our weaknesses is how we grow and mature.) Your child's progress report should challenge you and your child to work hard to master new skills introduced each nine weeks. If we all work as a team, you, your child and myself, we can ALL ACHIEVE MASTERY!

As a primary teacher, I am very aware of the transition between the primary years to the intermediate grades. (It's a huge transition!) It would not be fair to you or your child, if I "sugar coat" their progress.

If your child receives a SP, remember... that IS steady progress. (It's very good!) That should be everyone's goal! With your support your child should progress steadily and be prepared for the next school year.

##### Back to Top

### How do I get in touch with my child's teacher?

Our communication is very important for the success of your child's education. There are several ways to contact me. You can call the school and leave a message for me with our secretaries. I will return your call ASAP. We can also schedule a conference before or after school to discuss matters of concern. You may also write me a note in your child's Day Planner or e-mail me at tanderson@bullitt.k12.ky.us.

I realize it is difficult to wait for a response, but your patience is greatly appreciated. I will contact you as soon as possible. Your child is very important to me and I want to do what is best for him or her.

##### Back to Top

### Who is Mrs. Mullins?

Mrs. Mullins is a highly trained, Title I assistant. She works very hard to assist the students and myself in the daily operations of the classroom. We are a team and we work together to insure the best possible learning environment for your child. I couldn't do it without her. Thanks Mrs. Mullins!

##### Back to Top

### What is your behavioral plan?

Every morning your child recites Brooks Elementary School's Pledge of Excellence. My classroom expectations follow this pledge. Behavior is a part of your child's educational process. It is important to advance academically, but it is also just as important to advance socially. Each day your child is given the opportunity to start their day on a positive note. My students are given three pencils, one of each color, green, yellow, and red. If a student is not respectful or responsible, he/she is asked to remove a "pencil." You will know your child's behavior each day through his/her Day Planner. At the end of each day, your child's Day Planner will be stamped with a green quarter, a yellow dime, or a red circle. These colors should indicate to you how many warnings your child received within the school day.

Each child is rewarded bi-weekly for good behavior. They are allowed to purchase items from The Anderson's Store. Your child may choose to spend the amount of money he/she earns each week, or save his/her money and make bigger purchases at a later date. If your child's behavior becomes problematic and interferes with your child's academic or social progress, I will contact you. We will set a time to conference with you and your child.

##### Back to Top

### Can I help in the classroom?

Yes! Yes! Yes! Your child's academic success depends upon good role models and a positive learning environment. These cannot be accomplished without the help of parents, grandparents, and other adults in the community. There are many different areas of need, and there is always a job to fit everyone's talents. Listed below are just some of the jobs that need to be filled:

- Anderson's Store attendant
- Help with Book In The Bag
- Stuffing Tuesday Envelopes
- Reading tutors
- Art projects
- Decorating the classroom
- Field trip chaperones
- Paperwork (i.e. running photocopies, collating and stapling, etc.)
- Parties
- Donations

The only requirement is that all volunteers are to have a criminal background check completed. This is to protect our Brooks students . Also, remember to sign-in at the office and enter the classroom quietly as not to disturb the students. We do want you and need you!

##### Back to Top

##### Anderson, Tina
Copyright © 2000 [Brooks Elementary School]. All rights reserved.
Revised: December 02, 2000 .