Welcome from Ms. Mac

4th GRADE ROCKS!! 

Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year. I’m Ms. Mac. This is my fifth year teaching 4th grade at John C. Daniels. I love our school’s unique magnet theme and believe deeply in the importance of bi-literacy and celebrating diversity.  I’m excited to learn and grow with all of you this year.  

Curriculum overview:

Restorative Practices, Mindfulness and Classroom management:

My classroom management and behavior system is based on building a positive community. Mindfulness and restorative practices will be used in my classroom throughout the year.  Here’s how I understand those terms-

Mindfulness: being aware of the present moment and learning how to manage strong feelings and emotions

Restorative practices: building relationships and community in order to empathize with and understand others in a helpful, non-judgemental way.

Each morning we will have a community meeting (or circle) where we will check in, practice mindfulness and prepare for the day.  I have found that students look forward to this time and it enables everyone to have a chance to express thoughts, needs and concerns. We will learn about each other and develop connections through discussion and celebration. 

This year we will be using a 1-5 point clip chart system, similar to what returning students used in 3rd grade. Students can move up and down the chart throughout the day and will be able to monitor their choices and repair behavior if necessary. 

Students will record their number for the day in their agenda where homework will also be recorded.  This system will help you track your child’s behavior each night. For this to work, it’s important that your child’s number is checked each night at home.  

What the numbers mean:

5- Excellent, role model behavior

4- Good behavior that meets all classroom expectations and facilitates learning

3- Satisfactory behavior, could do more to meet expectations and facilitate learning

2- Reflection is needed, think about the impact of behavior on the community and how it can improve

1- Not meeting agreed upon expectations, please contact the teacher/ behavior reflection sent home

Homework:

Starting in October, students will be required to read for 30 minutes each night and write a short response in a reading log notebook.  This homework will be collected weekly and students will meet with the teacher to review/set literacy goals. More information will be sent home when reading logs begin.

Contact:

Feel free to contact me with any questions! Email is the easiest way for me to communicate with families.

Email: erin.mcelhone@new-haven.k12.ct.us

Phone: 475-220-3600 ext. 78203

Thank you!

I’m so grateful that I get to work with each of you this year!!