Cameo Elementary - Clovis, NM 88101

1500 Cameo St. - Clovis, NM 88101

Mrs. Spinks - 4th Grade

Dear Parents:

I am Brenda Spinks, your child’s fourth grade teacher here at Cameo. I have been teaching fourth grade at Cameo since 2007 and I love it! I have a Bachelor’s degree in education and a Master’s degree in Reading/Literacy, both from ENMU. Prior to teaching fourth grade, I taught Kindergarten. I am the mother of two wonderful children, Whitney and Tyler. I think 4th grade is the perfect age to teach. They are still young enough to be excited about school, yet mature enough to handle more complex skills. Fourth grade is a transition year -- children are going from learning to read to reading to learn.

I believe that all children are capable of learning. In order for them to learn, students must be willing to work hard and accept responsibility. As a parent, you are an integral part of the education process. I am happy to work with you as a team because working together makes the education process much more effective. When children know that their parents back up what the teacher says and visa-versa, they learn to be responsible for their own actions. The following is just a brief overview. I am always looking for ways to make learning fun! Thank you in advance for your support and help. Teamwork is vital to the success of each child!

Grading and Progress Reports Some student work will be graded and some will not. This does not mean that the work is not important or necessary. We all know that it takes practice to make perfect. The same applies to student work. Official report cards will be sent home at the end of each grading period and progress reports will be sent home in-between report cards.	Testing, Projects and Reports Tests will be administered in all subject areas as needed. Students will be given ample opportunity to study and practice for them and will be responsible for doing so in class as well as at home. Spelling words will be written in student planners on the first day of the week and tests will be given on the last day of the week. It will be your child’s responsibility to study for this weekly test at home
Homework Expectations Homework is a very important part of learning. It gives students the opportunity to practice or prove their knowledge of what is being taught in class. Students have planners which will go home with them EVERY DAY. Students will write their homework assignments in the planner every day and show it to you to sign. Students will have some sort of homework on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. If you do not get verification from me, you can expect that your child does have homework at least three nights a week. I require that all homework be completed and returned the following day. If this does not happen, your child will be expected to make up the work during recess or on his/her own time and they will earn a “Black Flag.” Please understand that if the assignment is still not completed or returned, your child will receive a zero on the assignment. I will let you know if missing assignments are becoming a problem that is affecting your child’s grades. Students will be bringing home library books. Please encourage your child to read at least 20 minutes every night.
Thursday Envelopes A student envelope will be sent home Thursday evenings containing graded papers. Please sign the envelope and have your child return it the following day. If the envelope is lost or torn, I will ask you to replace it.	Positive Reinforcement I promote positive behavior in our classroom by rewarding good behavior. Rewards might include a trip to the treasure chest, stickers, parties, certificates, notes to parents, lunch with the teacher, etc.
Method of Discipline We use the PBS model of discipline at Cameo. There is a set of common expectations throughout the school that students know about and practice –- the Triple A Way: Always Safe, Always Responsible and Always Respectful. Students receive checkmarks in a discipline book when they misbehave in the school. When they get 3 checkmarks in the book, they will get detention at recess. If a student gets nine checkmarks in a five day period, they will be sent to ISS at Sandia Elementary. In addition, if a child has three tardies in a nine week period, they will serve lunch detention.

Classroom Expectations

Respect others and their belongings, in other words, treat others the way you want to be treated!
Listen carefully, follow directions, and do not create disruptions in the classroom.
Be polite; no put downs or bad language.
Include everyone.
Follow the Triple A Way.
Do your best

Consequences for choosing to break a rule:

First time:            Verbal warning.

Second time:       Student receives a Yellow Flag

Third time:          Student receives a Red Flag. Student            then gets a checkmark in the PBS book and the            student signs the Conduct Book. At this point, the            student has to write a “Responsibility Paper,” which            is taken home and signed by a parent.

Fourth time:        If a student does not correct his or her            behavior at this point, it may be necessary for him            or her to visit with the principal.

4th Grade Daily Schedule
7:45 - 8:00	Breakfast in classroom
8:00 - 8:05	Announcements
8:05 - 8:15	Number ticket or writing prompt
8:15 - 9:00	Specials (P.E., Music, Art)
9:00 - 11:40	Literacy Science Social Studies
11:40 - 12:00	Lunch
12:00 - 12:30	Recess
12:30 - 2:00	Math
2:05 - 2:45	Computer Lab
3:00	Dismissal

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