2. Background Experience Grew up in Chino, California. Moo.
Studied Theology and Psychology at Azusa Pacific and earned my M.Ed at Claremont Graduate University
Worked at newspaper through college
UCLA Writing Project Fellow
Boston Poetry Project
Cornerstone parent too! My wife and I have twin eight year-olds who are in Mrs. Stevens and Mrs. Hokanson’s class
Experience
Teaching since Began as sub in 1991.
Taught fifth grade in Upland for 9 years, junior high English and drama for 2 years, and graduate school
Fourth grade at Cornerstone since 2004
I love teaching 4th grade!

3. A.M. Hyte duty starts at 8:10
P.M. Hyte duty leave classroom at 2:55.
Please be there on time before and after school.
Yard duty – tetherball courts
Always take the fanny pack and the clipboard when you go to recess or lunch duty.
No cell phones or chatting the whole time with other parents please.
Write any notes of interest on student behaviors on the white form provided (rather than just tell me about it).

4. Read clipboard when you come in.
Friday Folders – only file papers on top; don’t stuff folders until Friday after lunch
PLEASE READ the Grading Instructions sheet on the grade book binder. Checks for incorrect only.
Confidentiality – Student scores, and student behaviors should not be discussed among parents. If there is an issue at school with a child, please come to me, not the child’s parent.

5. Schedule appointments after school when possible.
Absences – student gets work upon return
Class size adjustments – more students and parents
Please no conferencing during teaching parent shift “(How’s _______ doing?”)
Distractions: cell phones, pencil sharpening, chatting with other adults
Please do not call the classroom during instructional time.
If you write me an in the morning, I may not see it until after school.

6. Scholastic Book Orders
Junior Great Books
Special Skills? Yoga?

7. Check the agenda each night (Look in the homework section of the folder, too)
Check to see that your child’s 8-pocket folder stays organized.
Read to and with your child.
Ask your child about what they’re reading.
Practice basic facts (+ - x )

8. Meaningful – no tears, no stress.
Reduced HW: Reading and unfinished class work
Typing and long-term projects
Occasional math practice
Optional homework
Instruments will need to be practiced daily.

9. Instrumental Music starts 9/13: Students need their instrument and music book! Please label cases.
Field Trips:
San Juan Capistrano/Lazy W Ranch on January
See Edlio. No nuts!
Parents of students who are celebrating a birthday will plan 20 minute activity or game. Contact me at least one week before the end of the month via or telephone.

11. Math Science Math in Focus – Problem-solving emphasis
Students will be given an online access code for this program – Think Central.
Practice math facts with your child. We will use Reflex this year.
Science
Earth, Life and Physical Science will be taught using Mystery Science and one other NGSS aligned curriculum which we are getting information on soon.

12. Edlio - http://cornerstone.pvpusd.net
Please subscribe to Ms. Upton’s page and other classes listed on that page.
Khan Academy
Reflex
IXL
Think Central

14. Focus on process, not just the end result
Focus on process, not just the end result. Mistakes are opportunities for growth!
Not reward-based
Focus on intrinsic motivation
“The more you reward someone for doing something, the less interest that person will tend to have in whatever he or she was rewarded to do.” ~Alfie Kohn
So what DO you do?

15. Content:
“The best discipline is a good curriculum”
Community:
Cooperative learning
Class meetings
Choice:
People learn to make good choices not by following directions but by making choices.
Class Motto: Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.

16. RSA Animate ”Drive” by Daniel Pink

18. Rules of the Game:
You need one piece of paper and a pair of scissors.
You can view the structure from all angles, but you CANNOT TOUCH it.
If you DO solve it, you may show your seat partner, but do NOT show anyone HOW you solved it.

19. What were your thoughts when I presented this challenge?
Was the first ten seconds of trying much different from the last ten seconds? How? Why?
Did you look at what other people were doing? Why?
How did it make you feel?

20. What is a growth mindset? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4KEQzOW3ps
Helping your child
Carol Dweck on Praise
Other interesting videos:
Carol Dweck on Teaching a Growth Mindset
Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset
Carol Dweck on Perfectionism