Lancaster Elementary School “Unlock the Mystery of Learning” Welcome to Open House Lancaster Elementary School 2018-2019 “Unlock the Mystery of Learning” Please have a seat at any desk. We will begin in just a couple of minutes.

Mrs. Gause’s Info. Name: Melissa Gause Email: Melissa.gause@stpsb.org School Phone Number: (985) 792- 0156 Website: http://schoolwires.stpsb.org/Domain/4251

This year, our new counselor is Deanna Desmond. New Faculty This year, our new counselor is Deanna Desmond. We are also fortunate to have a full-time MHP, Ashley Tamboli, along with our School Resource Officer, Deputy Troy White. Feel free to reach out to our counselor and MHP if you have any counseling needs for your child.

Internet Resources Parents have access to JPAMS to check grades and attendance in the student progress center. You will receive a letter from the school board with log in information specific to your child. Please visit lancasterelementary.stpsb.org for updates on events, student handbook, teacher website links, cafeteria menus, etc… We also have a link to My Payments Plus to pay for cafeteria fees and student fees. You can also access Moodle which has a lot of our textbooks online, as well as Typing Agent. **Pass out Moodle Directions from Erin.

At Lancaster we prefer for them to be in the book bag. Cell Phone Policy STPSB has changed the policy on cell phones. Students are allowed to store cell phones in the off position at school. At Lancaster we prefer for them to be in the book bag. Consequences will be given for use of cell phone, and parents will be required to pick the cell phone up at their convenience.

Car Line Reminders Make sure you have your tag displayed where it can be easily read. Use the stacking lanes in the morning and afternoon. Please be courteous to other drivers, buses, and staff members. Refrain from using cell phone. If your child is serving a detention or is attending morning intervention, please arrive early, as kids will be dropped off in the carline. For safety reasons, please do not check your child out after 2:45 pm.

Math Curriculum Updates In review of data over the past few years, math has been identified as an area to be strengthened as a whole school. We are following the STPSB Guaranteed Curriculum which addresses the Louisiana State Standards for math. This year we are incorporating the use of Eureka strategies, along with traditional algorithms and procedures for teaching new math concepts. Parents can visit the Louisiana Believes website to review the state standards, along with access to parent resources. Visit stpsb.org to see sample units and the curriculum we follow. Parents can also view resources on our individual teacher webpages. For example, the parent’s guide to Eureka with videos. If you have questions during homework, please let us know.

VIP Folders will go home each week. Grading Scale A: 93%-100% B: 85%-92% C: 75%-84% D: 67%-74% F: 66% and below VIP Folders will go home each week. Parent/Guardian must sign the VIP test folder signature page and students will return his/her folder to school the following day. All D/F papers must be returned to school.

Test Taking Tests are given weekly At the beginning of the year I go over all test directions under the document camera before students take the test. After several weeks, students are expected to read directions on their own to prepare for the LEAP. Since I read directions to the class, I expect students to follow directions and check over their work before turning it in. Tests do get tougher as the year progresses in order to prepare for the LEAP test. Math/Reading test questions are created to mimic LEAP style questions.

Math Assessment Breakdown - At least 9 grades each 9 weeks - homework is not graded Breakdown: - Multiplication Fact Quizzes 2 per 9 weeks (averaged) - 7-8 other Math Assessments will be given (typically 1 per week)

ELA Curriculum Updates State standards and curriculum resources can be accessed through stpsb.org and Louisiana Believes websites. This year we are doing 2 Guidebook units which are based off of a novel study and supporting resources provided by the state. Some of the novels we will read this year include: Charlotte’s Web Because of Winn-Dixie Wetlands ** Discuss the main novels for your grade level at this point. Third grade: adjust with your curriculum.

ELA Grade Breakdown - At least 9 grades each 9 weeks - Homework is not graded Breakdown for Language Arts: 4-5 grammar quizzes including mentor sentences average spelling quizzes to 1 grade 2 writing grades for the 1st nine weeks (this will increase each nine weeks) 1 speaking and listening grade (presentations) Breakdown for Reading: vocabulary quizzes (3-4 will be given each 9 weeks) Cold Read Assessments (1-2 each 9 weeks) RAP Assessments (1-2 each 9 weeks) Reading Comprehensions Tests (based on the book we are currently reading) 1-2 for the first 9 weeks. Students will take more cold read tests during certain units. *** 4th-6th grade teachers: Please place the breakdown of the ELA grade here to include spelling, grammar, writing, comprehension, Achieve.

Social Studies Curriculum Updates In review of data in recent years, this is an area that we need to strengthen. We are teaching literacy skills in social studies with the use of primary and secondary sources. DBQ’s (Document Based Questions) will be used to analyze social studies content. Students will look at primary and secondary sources to gather information about a topic. They will then use that information to answer questions. We do this because this is the formatting of the LEAP test. *** Explain what this means: DBQ’s

Social Studies Grade Breakdown - homework is not graded- typically students will just review notes from class and review the knowledge guide for the week at least 9 grades each 9 weeks Social Studies Breakdown: average of LA Dailies (1 grade) in class projects 6-8 other assessments given each 9 weeks

Science Curriculum Updates We are moving towards investigative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) based science lessons. Our lessons are following the Louisiana State Standards and are incorporating literacy skills, science experiments, and technology.

Science Grade Breakdown - homework is not graded- typically students will just review notes from class and review the knowledge guide for the week at least 9 grades each 9 weeks Science Breakdown: in-class projects/assignments 6-8 other Assessments given each 9 weeks

Curriculum Resources As you can see, education today is pulling from a variety of resources to address state standards for each subject. Textbooks are used to reinforce standards, but they are not used as a sole program.

State-Wide Testing LEAP 2025 Testing Dates: 3rd-4th Grade Paper-Pencil Testing: April 29-May 3 Please be mindful with student attendance during these dates.

Class Reminders Our Classroom Communication- email, website, & notes. I do not check my email once I leave school. If an email is sent once I have left school, I will respond the following day. Positive Behavior- Turtle tokens/ whole class rewards/group rewards Behavior Log (school wide)- blank is good (If marked, please sign) clip chart 3 marks in a day = morning detention 5 marks in a week = morning detention

R.A.P. (Restate, Answer, Prove) The RAP method helps prepare students for all subjects on the LEAP test. Example from The Bee Tree: How did grampa get the bees out of the tree? Grampa got the bees out of the tree by building a smoke fire. The text states, "That's where the honey will be, but we'll need plenty of smoke. Everyone set about to build a smoke fire from twigs and damp leaves"

We will have 2 field trips this year. Parents are NOT allowed to take photos of other students in the class. Award Ceremony- every student will not get an award this year. - Straight “A’s” on every report card - Student with the highest average in each subject for the whole year - Principal Award - Classroom Citizenship Award (class votes on this) - P.E. awards (given by the enrichment teachers) Multiplication Facts- One of the most important skills for the kids to know before moving on to 4th grade!

Label Money with your child’s name and my last name. Students are responsible for turning in what is needed each morning. Students will place any important papers in the bucket by my desk. Snack time is in the morning around 10:30am Be sure you pack your child a HEALTHY snack that is not messy. This is usually a working snack. You may bring in a special treat for your child’s birthday, please pre-cut slices.

I look forward to working with all of you! THANK YOU FOR COMING. I look forward to working with all of you! 