22415 Overlake Street | Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080 Phone 586.775.8370 | Fax 586.447.3574
Questions and Answers
The following are the answers to questions you may have throughout the year. If you have other questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me at mkrafchak@stjoan.net.Also, refer to the section on my website "Ways to Help Out at Home" for other ideas to promote your child's learning.
Do I sign the homework notebook? Each day the children write the homework assignment in their homework notebook. I do not post the homework on line because I am trying to teach the children to be responsible for their own homework. Please go over the homework and sign the notebook each night. This lets me know you saw the homework and supervised its completion. I do check the notebook each morning, so if you have a question or concern you may write it here. I will answer you as soon as possible.
Can I send in a Birthday treat? Birthday treats are welcome! A small, individual treat, such as a cookie, or Rice Krispie treat works best. (I have found that the students take off the frosting on fancy cupcakes and only eat the cake.) Pencils also make nice treats. Please limit your treat to something small, rather than treats and large goodie bags. We have 17 students, and I do not know of any allergies in our class. Students like to visit the office, so a few extra treats are o.k..
When do the children go to "Specials"? The following is the Specials" Schedule: Art:WednesdayPlease send an oversized t-shirt to wear over uniform. Gym: TuesdayWear a plain t-shirt and shorts under uniform. Music: Friday Library:Thursday Mass: Thursday Spanish: Tuesday Computers: Monday
How do I contact you? As I have stated above in the Homework Notebook section, I do read the notebook and will respond to any question you have via this notebook. I read my e-mail (mkrafchak@stjoan.net) before and after school, and will respond to you as quickly as possible. If you need to contact me during school hours, please call the school office, and they will deliver your message to me. I find that if you have a concern it is best to discuss this in person. I will gladly meet with you. Do not hesitate to contact me.
Where is pickup at dismissal, and can my child go home with a friend? Children will be dismissed through the Primary Building doors between the two buildings. If your child is going home with a friend, I need a signed note stating with whom the child will be going home, and who will be picking up your child after school before I can release him/her.
What if my child is going to Latch Key? If your child is going to latch key please send in a note to let me know. Also, If you have a set schedule, send that schedule in and you won't have to send a note each time.
What about homework/absences? If your child is absent, remember to notify the office. You may request homework, when you call in the absence, and the office will notify me. All homework may then be picked up in the office. The student is allowed one day, per each day absent, to return the homework. Please return all homework in the ABSENT FOLDER.
Do papers need to be returned? Students will be bringing home a weekly pack of papers, stapled to their Management Sheet. Unless a paper is marked "Re-Do or Fix", you do not have to return the papers. Please go over them, and praise your child for their accomplishments, then discuss the mistakes, but not dwell on them. I have told my students that mistakes are how we learn. If you notice your child skipping things, talk to them about going over their work carefully, beginning with remembering their name (first and last).
How does my child "practice math and write down how" on Wednesday nights? Your child should be practicing math with flash cards every night, in order to memorize them. On Wednesday nights you should spend time doing the flashcards, as well as practicing the skills we have been learning in our daily math classes. Math is a continuous learning process, and this extra pracice should help in maintaining the understanding of the skills presented. This practice can be done on the computer, in the form of worksheets, or games, or any other way which helps your child learn and enjoy learning. (Tenmarks assignments, when introduced, is a great way to practice).Writing it down in the notebook clues me in on the various ways the students are learning. Practice should be for at least an extra 15 minutes.