Parent Information

things you need to know as a parent in 4J

Emailing Mr. Jennings
Email me at jennincj@unit5.org if you have any questions or comments throughout the year. I check my email periodically during the day.

Assignment Books
Our main source of communication is the assignment book. Each day the kids will be filling out the book with information about what we did in class that day along with what assignments are due and when. Please look it over on a nightly basis and sign the bottom of it. There is also a place at the bottom for any questions you might have for me. Each morning I check the books and will see anything that you write to me.

Teachers this Year
This year your child has the unique opportunity of having three teachers for their content areas. They will be with me for science, and language arts. They will be with Mrs. Nourie for math and Mrs. Hartke for social studies. We will be switching classes on a daily basis for about 50 minutes. This is a wonderful chance to get the kids use to switching classes before junior high.

Homework Policy
Homework is assigned each Monday through Friday. In some cases there will be homework or studying to do over the weekend, but we try to keep it to a minimum. Many assignments are given with a couple of nights work time to complete. The three of us are very good about not overloading the kids with too much. At fourth grade the kids should be taking 40-50 minutes of homework a night.

Tests and Quizzes
For tests we like to give at least a weeks notice for the kids and study guides will be given out. For quizzes I may or may not give a study guide because they are based on what we cover in class discussions and I like to know if the kids are paying attention during them. Mrs. Nourie and I are very conscious of trying not to give tests on the same week, but sometimes it is not possible. We hope that giving plenty of time to prepare helps with this.

Spelling Words and Tests
Spelling pretests are given on Mondays along with the activities for the week. The activities will be due on Thursdays and the tests will be given on Fridays. I strongly urge you to practice the spelling words with your child on a nightly basis. We will practice in class by playing various games, but most of it will be the responsibility of your child to learn.

Water Bottles
At the start of the year I do not mind if the kids have a water bottle to use in class. I do have concerns with the constant trips to the bathroom and the filling of them. I will monitor that in class. We will stop it when the weather begins to cool down. If they need it for colds in the winter just let me know. I will allow them back for the entire class once the weather begins to warm up in the spring.

Absences
Students are responsible for making up work when they are absent. If your child is sick please call the office and let them know. I can get work together for a friend or sibling to take home at the end of the day. Please don’t ask for homework by lunchtime because it is too difficult to gather that together in such a short time. We have a lot of wonderful discussions in fourth grade and that is the basis for many of our days. Please try to plan appointments at times of the day that the kids won’t miss too much. I realize that can’t always be the case, but your help would greatly benefit your child.