As you know, fifth grade is a vital and challenging time in your child’s education. Aside from the academics, you’ll find that my teaching philosophy fosters a classroom of safety, learning, honesty, and above all, respect.

Here is some basic information.
Grading
Report cards are sent home at the end of each nine-week quarter. Progress reports are sent home every three weeks. Grades are earned in the following ways: tests, classroom participation, quizzes, homework, daily class work, and projects. Some of our assignments are a mix of more than one area and may count for grades in more than one subject.

Homework
Thirty minutes of reading every night is a mandatory homework assignment. Students must read at their reading level each night. Allow your child to pick a quiet place in your home, free from distractions, to read in everyday. To verify that your child has read, you must sign his or her agenda each night. Other homework will be assigned as well. I do not give homework during the weekend unless there is a major project due. I value your family time and won’t overload your child with too much homework. Research shows that the effective time for homework is roughly ten minutes per years in school. Therefore, your child will have approximately 50 minutes to an hour of homework each night.

Discipline Policy
We will follow the Lago Vista Guidelines for behavior in addition to classroom rules and procedures.

Snack
Because of our late lunch, we will have a mid-morning snack. Your child may bring a healthy snack to school. Please do not send sweets as your child’s snack.

Teacher Contact
The easiest and best way to contact me is via email at mk_hernandez@lagovista.txed.net.
I usually respond by the end of the day if you contact me through email. The second best way is by sending a note with your child to school. Our phone system is not very efficient so I don’t recommend calling my classroom. However, the voicemail system can be accessed at 267-8340 extension 114. Please don’t leave a time sensitive message. Call Heidi in the office if there’s an immediate need to reach me.