Saturday, July 27, 2013

Keeping in Touch This Year



1.     Phone:  326-3121

2.       E-Mail:
jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
(If you haven’t already received e-mails from me, just drop a quick note to this address to have your e-mail address added to my mailing list. There should be at least one posting about every week.)

3.       Weekly Gold Team Newsletter with plans for the following week:
http://apps.gcsc.k12.in.us/blogs/dknecht-strong/newsletters/
(This is on the Maxwell website. Plans and assignments for the upcoming week will be posted at the end of each school week.)

4.       Blog for Mr. Ellars’ Science / Social Studies class:
http://maxsci.blogspot.com/
(Lessons, assignments, and class activities are discussed in greater detail on the blog.)

5.       Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Max.Sci.5
(An opportunity for teachers, parents, and students to communicate on an open Facebook page.)

6.       Homework E-Mail:
ellars.lab@gmail.com
(Some assignments during the year can be turned in by e-mail. This address is what I use for that purpose. It’s for assigned e-mail only and won’t be checked except when homework is expected. If used for anything else, the message will probably be lost.)

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Reminder on Meet Your Teacher Night

Reminder - Meet Your Teacher Night on Wednesday, July 24 from 6:30-7:30.  -  For everyone whose calendar is in better shape than mine, sign up sheets for the Fall Parent Teacher Conferences (Thursday, Oct 24 and Monday, Oct 28 from 3:00-6:30 both days) will be available in Homeroom classes on Wednesday.

You can find Mr. Ellars hanging out in room 402.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Welcome to Fifth Grade

Parent Note #1 to start off the 2013-2014 year.
__________________________________


Dear Parents,

I am delighted to be your child’s science and social studies teacher this year. With your encouragement your child will participate in and enjoy many exciting and rewarding experiences this academic year.

Since lifelong success depends, in part, on learning to make responsible choices. I have developed a classroom discipline plan which guides every student to make good decisions about their behavior at Maxwell. Your child deserves the most safe and positive educational climate possible for growth, and I know that together we will make a difference in this process. The plan below outlines our rules, positive recognitions for positive behavior, and consequences for inappropriate behavior.

Rules -
1. Follow directions when given
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
3. No swearing or any other use of inappropriate language
4. Treat everyone with courtesy and respect

Positive recognition -
1. Oral recognition of good behavior
2. Awarding “Gotcha” good behavior coupons for rewards and MIS drawings.
3. Positive thank you notes sent home
4. Positive phone calls home

Consequences of choosing to not follow rules (per week)
1. First time – Verbal Warning
2. Second time – Stay after class one minute
3. Third time – Separation from learning group and Behavior essay   (homework)
4. Fourth time – Contact parents for conference on behavior improvement
5. Fifth time – Send to office

Severe Disruption bypasses other steps and student will be sent directly to the office.

Be assured that my goal is to work with you to ensure the success of your child this year! Please discuss this information with your child. Save and/or print this page for reference throughout the year.

Jim Ellars
MIS Science / Social Studies

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Spring ISTEP Results

We've received information that the Indiana Department of Education's independent validity study that is working to determine the impact of the interruptions on the Spring ISTEP test scores is still in progress. Last year's scores will be available to schools, students, and parents when the impact on test validity is established.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

2013-2014 Textbook Rental Fees



And don't forget the Meet Your Teacher Night next Wednesday at MIS from 6:30-7:30 pm.







Monday, July 15, 2013

School is Just Around the Corner!

The beginning of the 2013-2014 school year at MIS is just around the corner. Fifth grade parents are invited to meet your child's teaching team on Wednesday, July 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the fifth grade wing (west wing of second floor). The first day of school for students will be Wednesday, July 31.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wed, July 24 - (Registration 12:00-7:00) (Fifth Grade Teacher Meet 6:30-7:30)
Thu, July 25 - (Registration 12:00-7:00) (Sixth Grade Teacher Meet 6:30-7:30)
Mon, July 29 -
(Fourth Grade Teacher Meet 6:30-7:30)
Tue, July 30 - Teachers: Work Day
Wed, July 31 - First student day (2013-2014 school year begins!)