GRADES - I grade on a point system which will turn into a percentage average at the end of the quarter. The top number indicates how many problems the student has correct. The bottom number indicates how many problems were assigned. For example, if 10 problems were assigned and the student misses 1, the grade will show as 9/10 B. The fewer problems assigned, the faster the letter grade drops.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS - If a student forgets an assignment, a 0 will be entered in the gradebook. If the assignment is turned in the next day, the 0 will be changed to a late grade. ( 1 point taken off the grade9/10 B now becomes 8/10 C). If the student does not turn in the assignment the next day, the 0 will remain in the gradebook. I will keep track of all homework assignments in a notebook so your child may check and make sure all work is done.

HELP AT HOME - Please work with your child on addition and subtraction, especially with regrouping. If I have to spend too much time working on these third grade skills, the class will fall behind in mastering fourth grade skills. Also check your child daily to make sure material presented in class was completely understood. Your help will be greatly appreciated and will be beneficial to your child.

TIMES TABLES - We will be learning times tables through 11. Start now! Beginning in October, I will give a test every week until everyone masters this skill. When mastered, your child will work on speed. WE WILL WORK ON MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION EVERY DAY from October until the end of the year.

GRADED PAPERS - Please make sure that your child brings home graded papers. If you do not see any papers, you cannot check your childs progress.

TESTS - I plan on giving a math test every Friday. Even if we are in the middle of a unit, I want to check progress and this will enable your child to bring up a grade in an area he/she is unsure of. I require ALL TESTS be signed by the parent or guardian and brought back to me. I will keep track of these tests so that we can look back if needed to see where any problems may have been. Be aware your child SHOULD have a test to show you on Monday (taken on Friday).

BONUS WORK - I will give a 20 point bonus each quarter. This will enable your child to make up for poor grades in an area where he/she is weak. However, this bonus must be turned in on time and will not be accepted late.

NOTEBOOK - Your child will keep a "Things to Remember" notebook in which we will write math terms and other processes to help work problems. Please save this notebook for 5^th grade since your child will be able to use it on the ISAT test.

PROBLEMS - If a problem arises, please send a note, call me at school, call me at home (939-6631), or arrange a conference. Many misunderstandings can be cleared up through communication.

I am looking forward to working with your child and having an exciting, successful year in this wonderful new school!

Sincerely,

JoAnne Hotto

Fourth Grade Math teacher