Dear Parents,
My name is Gabrielle Almonte and with great pride I introduce myself as your child’s 5th grade teacher. I am thrilled to begin my first year teaching your child and look forward to a year boundless of exciting learning experiences. In a few words, let me tell you about myself. I am originally from California but have been living in Maryland for the past six years. I earned a Bachelor and Credential in Special Education from Grand Canyon University and anticipate completing my Master Degree from this same fantastic school.
I believe that “hearing is remembering, but doing is understanding.” As your child’s teacher, I intend to do just that. I intend to help your child discover what inspire him/her and aim to provide a stimulating learning environment that encourages him/her to trust his/her own opinions, while fostering confidence in his/her learning. I want to assure you that your child will be in a very busy learning place and enjoying a variety of hands-on learning activities, games, and learning centers. You are welcome to visit us anytime or even help if you wish.
Communication between us is my priority and to keep you informed of your child’s educational success, I will be sending home weekly notifications about how she/he is doing in class. You will be receiving notices each Friday and I ask that you please sign and return the notices with your child on Monday. In addition, our class has a digital citizenship all-inclusive learning resources for you and your child to help you understand our new technology programs and to help you in accommodations if your child has special needs. In addition, this digital citizenship serve as a path for finding programs outside the classroom that will help your child excel in his/her educational journey. The following is the classroom based instruction approach:
HOMEWORK: Will be assigned Monday-Thursday. Your child will bring home a "homework folder" which will require your signature to confirm completion. Please check your child’s homework every night. If an assignment is not done or finished, your child will be given an extra day to complete the assignment with partial credit.
GRADES: Your child’s grades will be based on classroom activities, projects, homework, and tests. Tests and projects will be 65% of the final grade, while homework, participation and activities will be 35%. Extra work will be always an option. This work will be placed at one of the learning centers.
TESTS: Missed tests will be given by arrangements in advance. If your child does not do well in a test, he/she may have an opportunity to ret-take it.
ATTENDANCE: If your child is absent, all missed assignments will be placed in folder on top of her/his desk. Please send a note with your child explaining the reason for the absence. At the end of each month, your child will receive a prize and a certificate for perfect attendance. Please make sure your child arrives to class in a timely manner. If your child is tardy, he/she will need to go to the office prior to entering the class. If the tardiness is excessive, you will be notified.
BEHAVIOR: Our classroom rule is based on a 3-strike and HERO rules. If your child does not make the right choices, he/she will receive a warning. If there is a second offence, your child will meet with me (privately) to reach out an agreement (in writing). At the third offence, you will receive a phone call. Each time your child exhibits an appropriate behavior, classroom engagement, or/and cooperation, he/she will be given a classroom token. At the end of the month, your child will have the opportunity to exchange the tokens for educative prizes. In addition, your child may be rewarded for best behavior with a certificate, “Student of The Week. and a treat. The following is a list of our classroom rules.
H=help yourself by being prepared with the needed materials.
E-Enter the classroom quietly and ready to work.
R-Respect others as you would like to be respected and raise your hand before talking
O-Obey rules and directives from your teacher.
Beforehand, I want to thank you for all your support. I am certain that together, we will succeed in your child’s achievement. I look forward to having the privilege of meeting you and teaching your child. Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime you have a question or concern. You can reach me at school by phone, email, a note (taped onto the weekly notification form), or by cell phone (I will provide it to you when we meet).
Respectfully,
Ms. Gabrille Almonte