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Welcome to The O’ZoneWelcome to The O’Zone

Back-to-School Night 2013

class web page: http://pbvusd.schoolwires.net/theozone

• Please sign in

• Find your child’s desk

• Look around the roomLawrence S. O’Connor, Teacher

Room D-4revised 9/5/2013

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What are tonight’s FAQ topics?

• Introduction• Class Schedules• New Report Cards• New Web Site• New Online Grades• Addendum

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On what will the curriculum focus?

6th Grade

• Prepare for STAR English/Language Arts, & Math tests

• Ancient Civilizations

• Earth Science

5th Grade

• Prepare for STAR English/Language Arts, Math, & Science tests

• U.S. History

• Earth, Life, & Physical Science

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What does the Weekly Schedule look like?

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What does the Language Arts schedule look like?

• Thursday - start reading selection w/ groups in Reading, Vocabulary/Phonics, Spelling, & Independent activities

• Friday - practice skills in large and small groups• Weekend - re-read selection and practice vocabulary &

spelling if desired• Monday - practice skills in large and small groups• Tuesday - review concepts (also GATE day)• Wednesday - review & take summative assessments in

Reading and Language, and write new vocabulary & spelling lists

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What do the Math, History, and Science schedules look like?

• Math– every day– daily assignments are checked the next day– quick-check assessments on many days– summative assessments about once each week– overall grade based 90% on summative assessments

• History & Science– about 4 days each week– overall grade based 90% on summative assessments

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What does the new Report Card look like?

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Where can I find the new district website, and how can it help our family?• The District’s address is pbvusd.schoolwires.net• Laurelglen’s address is pbvusd.schoolwires.net/laurelglen• Our class page is pbvusd.schoolwires.net/theozone

• Website Overview• Registration under For Parents menu• Calendar Alerts & Subscriptions• Online Grades via ParentVue & StudentVUE

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What are ParentVUE and StudentVUE, and how do I access it?

• It’s District provided real-time information on assignments, grades, immunization compliance, transcripts, and more. This year it is for grades 4-8 only.

• Follow the account activation instructions in the letter the district sent to you.

• Additional Resources are available on the New District Website under the For Parents menu.

• On the Laurelglen web site, navigate to the ParentVUE or StudentVUE portal.

• Log in.• Overall Grades are weighted 90% Summative Assessments

and 10% Daily Work per District directive.

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How can our family keep track

of assignments?• Each assignment is written on the back board on

its due date.• Students must write the assignment details and

due dates on their assignment paper.• Assignments are posted on the class web page.• Students record assignments in their planner for

a parent to review.

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What’s the assignment policy?• Most are due the following day. • Assignments and projects that require more effort are given

more time.• Homework becomes anything that is not finished in class.• If absent, turn in assignments within two days.• Assignments missed due to lengthy excused absences

could become excused (negotiable).• Late work is subject to a random service charge.• Music students are responsible for concepts & assignments

they miss.• GATE students are responsible for understanding the

concepts taught that day & should do partial assignments unless told otherwise.

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How does my child know what’s been done when out of class?

• Ask a reliable friend.

• Check the projection screens.

• Check the Assignment Board.

• Check with Mr. O.

• Check the class web page.

• Be sure to turn in anything that was collected while out.

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How can I keep my child organized?

• To help students stay organized, they have colored folders in Language Arts (red), Math (blue), Science (green), and Social Studies (yellow).

• Help your child organize papers in the correct folder or binder section.

• Keep returned papers as study aids for quizzes and tests and to check that online grades are correct.

• Do not stuff papers into a backpack or into books or into trashcans!

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How can I help my child be successful?

• Help them take responsibility for their actions and make the right choices.

• Provide a distraction-free study area at home.• Require him or her to bring all assignments home

every day to review with a parent.• Increase fluency by reading orally with your child.• Practice math facts.• Prepare flash cards for quizzes and tests.• Encourage them to always do their best.

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How do I find out how my child is doing in class?

• Review papers and tests after they are returned.• Require your child to bring home all

assignments, even if they are finished, so you can review them.

• Check the Online Grades that are updated several times a week, sometimes daily.

• Review the quarterly Report Card.• Visit the classroom and observe.• Schedule a conference.

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Why are my child’s grades lower than expected?

• Common at the start of year as students learn the routine & teacher’s expectations.

• Doesn’t pay attention to instruction or directions.• Doesn’t follow directions.• Doesn’t complete assignments.• Doesn’t turn in work when requested.• May need more thought & effort, especially on

writing assignments.• Doesn’t understand the concept(s) yet.

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How is conduct determined?•A+ Expected Behavior•A- Warning•B Lose classroom privileges for the day•C 15 min. time out during recess•D 25 min. time out during lunch recess & call parent/guardian•F Teacher calls parent, student possibly has to speak w/ Mrs. Irvin w/ suspension for a serious offense

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How can I help the class?

• Assist in the classroom as a language arts group leader, by sorting and grading assignments, by prepping activities, or by working with individual students on assignments and projects.

• Organize special activities and participate in them.

• Buy needed supplies, especially consumables, that the school doesn’t replace.

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What kind of special events do we have?

• Equinox and Solstice feasts (the first is Friday, Sept. 20)

• Report Card Celebration Luncheons

• Color Day Lunch

• Oral Language: Wednesday, Oct. 30

• Geography Bee: Friday, Dec. 13

• Science Fair: Wednesday, Jan. 15

• Reagan Library Trip: Tuesday, May 27

• ?? After-School Homework Help Sessions