Posts by Amy Gwizdz:
Homework
Parents,
Yesterday, we played a game in science that taught us the difference between inherited and acquired traits. The game was engaging and thought-provoking, and the students enjoyed themselves. I felt that students should be accountable for their learning, so I assigned a brief homework assignment, which was to write a one paragraph reflection about what this science activity taught them.
As of this morning, 11 out of 26 students did not complete this assignment. Not only was this assignment in their planners AND on the blog, but we discussed it at the end of the school day and answered questions about it, as well.
So I am appealing to you. Most of you know that I do not assign much homework, as I, too, am a parent of a fifth grader and I know how important it is to have family time. However, some things are unavoidable. There is only so much time in the school day, and if assignments are not complete, then I have two choices: give more time to do the assignments in class next time, and push the whole class’ instruction back one day, thus falling behind in curriculum, or assign the unfinished work for homework.
As you can see, the first option is not a logical one. We, as a district, have pacing guides we are expected to follow. There is very little wiggle room in the schedules to allow for lagging. Therefore, our only other option is homework.
As a teacher, I try very hard to communicate to parents what is expected of my students. The planner is filled out daily, and is posted on the blog. Math Journal pages and Study Links are uploaded to the computer for those who may forget their books in class, and resources shared in class are generally shared on the blog as well. If there is ANYthing else I can do as a teacher to communicate to parents and students what is expected, PLEASE let me know. I am willing to try something else, as these methods apparently are not working for everyone.
As a parent, I am asking that you check your child’s planner daily. If you are unable to see the actual planner, or your child has left the planner at school, you can go to the “Assignments” tab on my blog to find the day’s planner online. Also, don’t forget to check the “Calendar” tab for test dates and project due dates.
As a student, your child should be responsible for showing you his/her planner daily, and showing you what color he/she was on for the day, any test scores received (in which case you are to sign the planner) and any missing homework assignments. This is getting them ready for middle school!
Again, if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. We are a team, and I am here to support you anyway I can, and I’m hoping for your support as well. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Gwizdz
Math-A-Thon
The 2nd Math-A-Thon is Wednesday February 13!!!!
Welcome to iBlog
Welcome to iBlog Teacher Websites Sites. This is your brand new classroom website. There are some things you should do to get started. Hopefully you have been following the Getting Started Tutorial. It is important that you edit your profile so that you can choose your school and grade level as this will help parents […]
Leo’s Fundraiser TOMORROW!
HELLO EVERYONE, help support Geer Park Elementary School PTA with a special fundraising event: Geer Park Elementary School Fundraising Event at Leo’s Family Dining (5575 Greenfield Rd. in Dearborn) Wednesday, February 6, 2013 All Day! Begin your Late Start with breakfast or meet us for lunch or dinner. A portion of proceeds from all […]
New Cardmarking, New Jobs!
Congratulations to our new job recipients! Daily Reporter~ Selena Techie~ Nour Substitute~ Tarek Resourceful Recyclers~ Safa and Lili Secretary~ Jonathan Attendance and Lunch Monitor~ Zeinab Mailman~ Hider Housekeepers~ Hadi and Crishanya Materials Manager~ Marwa Librarians~ Ramy and Amam Book Buds~ Tabark, Lara, Atef, Shatha and Anthony Congratulations to all job applicants!
From the PTA
This Friday, February 1st, PTA will be having a popcorn sale!! Each bag is $0.50. Help support Geer Park PTA by purchasing a bag. Teachers will collect money for popcorn until Friday morning. Thank You, Geer Park Elementary PTA
Lunch Changes
Wednesday is Breakfast for lunch. Thursday is Salad Bar. Friday is Pizza.
PTA News
News from our PTA: Greeting Parents, Remember this Friday, Janurary 25 is the last day to hand in BoxTops. Send your clipped BoxTops with your child. PTA will collect BoxTops Friday morning from each classroom. The class with the most BoxTops collected wins a popcorn party! NO popcorn sale this Friday. Thank you, PTA
Menu Change
January 22 will be Bosco sticks and January 24 will be quesadillas. 🙂
YouTube Video on Writing a Satisfying Paragraph
Hamburger Paragraph