6–3 prong 2 pocket folders

3 Composition books

Post it notes

a calculator ($1)

scissors

tissues (to share)

pencils and a pencil bag (boxes take up a lot of room)

wide rules notebook paper

water bottle with lid (labeled)

colored pencils or markers

protractor

2 glue sticks

1 inch binder

Please NO trapper keepers–they do not fit in desks.

Mrs. Lenz’s Classroom Policies

I.                    Grades

The following grade scale will be used for all subjects except writing and reading.

100%         A+

94-99%      A

90-93%      A-

87-89%     B+

84-86%     B

80-83%     B-

77-79%     C+

74-76%     C

70-73%     C-

67-69%     D+

64-66%     D

60-63%     D-

59 ¯           E

All graded homework, tests, and projects are to be taken home on Friday.  Graded work is returned to students in folders by the door.  NO graded work is to be thrown away or put in a desk.  Assignments which have received a grade less than a C- may be redone and returned for a grade no higher than a C. 

II.                 Homework Policy

Most homework will be work that has begun in class and needs to be finished by the following day.  Some long term assignments will need to be worked on at home and school.  In these situations, a timeline showing what portions of the projects are due at which times will be sent home.  Students will be required to record their assignments on a daily basis on an assignment sheet.  Please be sure to review this with your child daily. 

Homework not handed in on time will be accepted the following day for a score of no greater than 75%.  Students will be expected to stay in from recess to work on the late assignment.  Students with habitual problems handing in work may be asked to attend a catch up class on Wednesdays from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. 

III.               Attendance

We want to encourage good work habits to help your child be successful in the real world.  One of the ways we do this is to encourage good attendance.  While work can be made up, missing instruction time can never be recaptured.  We understand, however, that children do become ill now and again.  However, if your child misses 7 days in one marking period, a letter will be sent home from the principal requesting that a doctor’s note  be provided for any further missed days.  If your child continues to be absent, we will be required to contact the truancy office in your county.

IV.              Character Connex

Character Connex is a character building program that will be used in Columbiaville again this year.  At the beginning of each month there will be an assemble discussing a new character trait (such as respect, responsibility, compassion, etc.)  The students then will work all month to show that character trait.  When an adult from the school sees that trait in a student, the adult will write that child’s name on a cut out shape and send the student to the Character Tree where the child will place his/her cut out onto the tree.  At the end of the month, the students with their names on the tree will participate in a fun activity to celebrate successful character building.  September’s trait will be RESPECT.  Discuss with your child what you mean by respect.

V.                 Dress Code

Shorts and skirts need to be long enough so that the child’s finger tips, when placed at their sides, touch the fabric.  No shirts with gaping arm holes.  Shirts must cover the midriff.  Shoulder straps need to be 3 fingers wide.  No low cut shirts.  No mesh or see through shirts.  Underwear must not show.  Please save excessively ripped pants for skateboarding.  Please no distracting hair styles or colors.  No drawing on skin.  Any child who does not follow the dress code will be given a t shirt and/or a pair of sweat pants to wear.        

VI.              MEAP Testing

MEAP is coming early again this year!!  We will be testing the first two weeks of October.  This means that we will be beginning to prepare for the MEAP very early this school year.  Please talk to your child about the importance of trying their best.  This year’s MEAP will include Language Arts, Math and Science.  We will be sending home more information on how to help your child prepare. 

VII.            Switching

My homework class will be switching to Ms. Kohan’s class from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. each day for science instruction.  I will be instructing her class at that time.  This is a good chance for students to practice their organizational skills and prepare for changing classes next year at the middle school.

VIII.         Specials

This year all 5^th graders will have their specials at the same time—10:55-11:40.  During this time they may be participating in gym, music, leggo robotics, or band.  I will have the exact schedule for you by the 3^rd week of school.  The delay is due to the need for band students to acquire an instrument.  Hurray!!! Band students will no longer be missing core subjects!!!

IX.              Communication

Mrs. Lenz                     591-3433 (voice mail during the day)  mlenz@lakevilleschools.org 

Please feel to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Dear Parents and Students,

    Welcome back to a new school year!! I hope you’re excited about learning new things and finally being the oldest, smartest, and, oh yes, the best looking kids in Columbiaville Elementary! :)  The supply list that I mailed to you in early August will be coming in pretty handy so you’ll want to get out there while there are still supplies on the shelves!!  If you need a new list, please check our class blog and scroll down until you find it.  (http://merrylenz.edublogs.org)  You’ll also find the daily homework posted here.  (I know I’m just amazing!!:) 

Here’s some things to think about before I see you on September 5th. 

1.  You only get one chance to make a good first impression.

2.  The work you put into being the best person you can be today will determine the kind of person you’ll be tomorrow.

3.  If success was easy, everyone would be successful.  Let’s face it, it’s going to take WORK!!

The first day you will be allowed to choose your desk so you’ll get one that’s the right size.  After that I’ll arrange where you will sit.  Let me know if you have trouble seeing the board or if you prefer to be close to the front.  Remember to get a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast so you can be prepared to be your best every day. 

Attached you will find some classroom policies for you to read through and discuss.  I look forward to helping you make this the best school year ever!!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Lenz