Welcome to our Classroom!
Fourth Grade Holy Trinity Catholic School
2021-2022
 

My philosophy of education:  My classroom is a learning community.  All students are capable learners who possess different and varied multiple intelligences and learning styles. I will try to vary my teaching style and methods to meet every student’s needs. In my classroom all students will take responsibility for their behavior and their work. I will work my hardest to help your child succeed. As God has entrusted parents to be each child’s first and best educator, I look forward to working with you to facilitate your child’s success. 

Your child will be evaluated on: class participation, homework, quizzes, tests, and projects in Religion, Language Arts (which includes Writing, Reading, Vocabulary, and Grammar), Mathematics, and Social Studies. Letter grades are given. 

Birthdays:  We love to celebrate birthdays in fourth grade. If your child would like to bring in a treat, please make sure the items are individually wrapped. If your child celebrates his or her birthday during the summer, we would be happy to celebrate his or her “1/2 birthday.” Birthday book donations for the library are also encouraged.  These donations may be made in addition or in lieu of bringing in a birthday treat.

Also, if you are having a party for your child outside of school and wish to invite members of the fourth grade class all students need to be invited for me to distribute the invitations. Although if your child is a boy, then only the boys need to be invited. If your child is a girl, then only girls need to be invited. Thank you for your understanding.

Parents:  I encourage parental participation in the classroom.  If you have a special talent you would like to share with us, please let me know.  If you would like to help out with administrative tasks or special occasions in our classroom, please contact me.  As you know volunteers need all up to date clearances to volunteer at the school and in the classroom. 

Homework:  Every student has an agenda in which homework assignments will be written. Please monitor your child’s assignments. Homework is their responsibility – not yours, but it is quite helpful if you “check-up” on them. I am NOT asking you to sign your child’s assignment book each night. If your child develops a chronic homework problem, I will have you begin monitoring more closely and signing his/her agenda each evening. If a student does not complete his/her homework, he/she will have to complete that assignment at recess and also a yellow slip is given. Three yellow slips result in a blue slip which results in after-school detention. Typically expect to spend approximately 45 minutes on homework each evening.  Twenty minutes of reading is also my expectation. Homework will be updated daily on the Fourth Grade class webpage. 

Supplies and Wish List Items:  Occasionally there will be items I will need for the classroom. I will list these under WANTED on our class webpage.  Of course you don’t have to send in anything from my WANTED list, but if you are able I would appreciate it very much. Throughout the year your child will need to replenish his or her supplies. Check in with your child every couple of weeks and ask them if they are running low on anything. 

Breakfast and Lunch Payments:  Breakfast and lunch payments must be in an envelope with your child’s name and grade on the front of the envelope.

Specials: 

Snacks:  I encourage the students to bring a healthy snack to school. Please do not send in pop-tarts, candy, or cupcakes on a regular basis. Healthy choices include cheese sticks, pretzels, cheese crackers, squeezable yogurt, cut-up fruit and vegetables. Snack time will be at approximately 10:00 AM each day. Students must bring in their own snack.They are not allowed to share. 

Discipline:  It is very important that we have your support and reinforcement regarding appropriate school behavior.  I will be using Class Dojo this year to help encourage a positive classroom culture. I have sent home an informational letter on downloading an app so that you can check your child’s daily behavior. Our classroom discipline is based upon ROCKS. ROCKS stands for Responsibility, Obedient, Courageous, Kind, and Self-Aware.

HTCS uses a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports “PBIS” approach to discipline. Students can earn blue tickets for consistently displaying “ROCKS” behavior or going above and beyond and truly displaying positive Christian behavior and values. Any staff member can give any student a blue ticket. Students can earn weekly and monthly prizes from Mrs. Smith.

Uniforms:  Please make sure your child is complying with the dress code at Holy Trinity Catholic School. Belts are required when shorts or pants are worn. Also, shirt tails must be tucked in at all times. Masks must be worn at all times. We will have mask breaks. Please label, sweaters, sweatshirts, and masks with your child's name. 

Transportation Home:  If you child’s mode of transportation should change, even for just one day, I need to know.  Please send in a note or email me and Ms. Runk in the school office. Unless we have a note, email, or a phone call is made, your child will be send home in the mode that is indicated on the transportation sheet. Your child cannot verbal relay to me a change in transport home.

Telephone/Email:  I believe that a good parent-teacher relationship is necessary for maximum school success. Throughout the year, I will communicate with you through emails, updates to our class webpage, progress reports, grade reports, and parent-teacher conferences. I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any time.The best way to contact me is through email at @htccyork.org. If you need to speak to me in person, you may contact me at 717. 854.8263.
 

Link to Lunch Menu
Please assist with the PTO