Classroom Handbook
Absences
Please make sure to let me know if your child will be absent from school, especially if it is a planned or extended absence. If I have a heads up, I can send satellite work with you, or give you materials for new concepts that will be missed while your child is gone.
Because we only have three instructional days each week, I encourage you to plan family vacations during our scheduled breaks. Starting in October, students will have a week off each month to accommodate for vacations.
All absences must also be reported to the office: attendance@calvarymeridianprep.org. Please consult the CMPA Handbook for more information on school policies regarding absences.
Birthdays
I love to celebrate each one of my students on their special day. If you would like to send a treat, or small trinket with your child to share with the class, please let me know. Birthdays will be celebrated at lunch time so children can enjoy treats with their lunches. If you would like, you can join us for lunch that day to sing and celebrate your child.
- To ensure the safety of students with allergies and food sensitivities, please make sure all treats are store bought.
- Sending in a treat is completely optional. Students will be celebrated in class either way.
Book Reports
Students will complete two book reports this year. These reports will entail reading a chapter book they have never read before, completing the guided book report, and presenting their project to the class. Book reports are a great way for students to apply the reading skills we’re learning in class to a book of their choice. Having students share their work with their peers increases motivation and confidence. Detailed instructions will be sent home in your child’s homework binder at the beginning of each quarter. Students will not be keeping reading logs this year, so please plan your time accordingly.
Chromebooks:
Fifth graders are encouraged to bring a Chromebook to school as part of their transition into middle school, where technology will be used more regularly in the classroom.
While computer time in 5th grade will be limited, we will begin introducing essential digital skills. Students will learn how to navigate Google Classroom, type and format essays, and complete interactive assignments in science and social studies. This gradual introduction helps students build confidence and responsibility in using technology for learning.
All device use will be closely monitored. Students will be required to log in using their school-issued Google account, and Chromebooks will not be shared between students to ensure both privacy and accountability.
Classroom Management / Behaviors
In upper elementary, we transition away from visual behavior systems such as color cards or clip charts. Instead, students are encouraged to take ownership of their actions through personal responsibility and reflection. To support this growth, I use a proactive, grace-filled approach to classroom management.
When disruptive behaviors arise, the following steps will be taken:
- Reminders and Support:
Students will first receive reminders and guidance to help them refocus and follow classroom expectations, rules, and procedures. - Parent Communication:
If disruptive behaviors continue, I will reach out to parents via email or phone. As a University Model School, we value the partnership between teachers and families—not only in academic growth, but also in character and conduct. I believe in keeping open lines of communication so we can work together to guide students in the way they should go. - Administrative Involvement:
If a behavior persists and begins to significantly impact the classroom culture or learning environment, the school administration will be informed. This may lead to a meeting involving the student, parents, and myself. The goal of these meetings is always to collaborate on strategies that will help the student succeed and thrive.
At the heart of my classroom management philosophy is Biblical guidance. I aim to lead with wisdom, extend grace, and keep Christ at the center of every decision. My ultimate goal is to help students grow not just academically, but also in character, responsibility, and faith.
Classroom / School Rules
Mr. Cordero has one main rule for the school: You can do anything you want as long as it doesn’t cause a problem for yourself or someone else.
In our classroom, we have two rules:
- Respect Yourself, Respect Your School, Respect Others
- Make Smart Choices
Contact Information
The best way to contact me is via email: katkins@calvarymeridianprep.org
On school days, I cannot guarantee a response until after school hours; however, on Satellite Days I will regularly check my email and respond to questions in a timely manner.
PLEASE don’t ever hesitate to reach out. Our unique school model allows for a partnership between teachers and parents. If you have a question, no matter how small, please ask it, especially on Satellite Days regarding homework. I would rather you reach out and ask for clarification than struggle through assignments.
Google Classroom:
To help prepare 5th grade students for middle school, we will begin using Google Classroom. Students will learn how to navigate different Google platforms such as Google docs, forms, sheets, and slides. Because we will be working in Google classroom occassionally throughout the school day, students are encouraged to bring a Chromebook with them.
Homework / Satellite Work
There is no homework on school days. All “homework” will be completed on Satellite Days. However, students may choose to work on projects such as book reports during school days if they would like. I also encourage students to read each night to build fluency and comprehension skills.
On Satellite Days, students will receive a Satellite Learning Sheet (SLS) in their binder along with any worksheets that need to be completed. Sallelite work is focused on practicing concepts students have learned in class. Because Satellite Days can be very “paper heavy,” we are working toward reducing the amount of worksheets children complete on Satellite Days. Instead, your child may be completing hands-on activities, Seesaw activities, Link-tivities (web-based interactive learning), and/or Google Classroom assignments. There will still be a few worksheets for your child to complete, but all of the teachers at CMPA will be working to create more variety in what students complete. You, as the parent and co-teacher, always have the option to print the online assignments, or have your child complete them on paper instead if you prefer to do so.
As the co-teacher, you may enhance or support assignments as needed to fit your child. For example, if your child is excellent at fractions and the practice seems too easy for them, have them do a hands-on assignment instead by using fractions in the real word. They could bake a half batch of cookies or double a brownie recipe. Whatever you do, just make sure you include your activity with your SLS work when you turn it in the following school day.
Homework Binders
Each student will get
an O.R.B.I.T Binder
(Organized Resource Binder
& Information Tracker).
Inside the binder you will find the following:
Log-in Sheet: Includes student log-in credentials for all online learning sites.
Homework Folder: This is split into two sections
– 1 – Return to School: This contains work your child needs to complete and return to school.
– 2 – Keep at Home: This is where you will find Space Logs (newsletters), graded work, and spelling lists.
Project Folder: Any long-term projects, such as book reports, will be kept here.
Resources and Study Materials: Students will occasionally take notes on key terms or concepts that will be helpful when studying for a test. All of these items, including study guides, will be kept here. This section will also include resources that may be helpful when completing assignments on Satellite Days.
* Additional lined paper will be kept in the back of the binder for use at home when needed. *
Illness
If your child is not feeling well or is exhibiting cold/flu symptoms, please keep him/her home. Please refer to the CMPA Student Handbook for more information.
Satellite Day Success
Students will receive a Satellite Learning Sheet (SLS) on Wednesdays and Fridays. These sheets will include detailed instructions outlining the assignments to be completed on Satellite Days. Activities will vary and may include worksheets, math games, online exercises, and hands-on projects.
To help make Satellite Days a success, here are a few helpful suggestions:
1. Create a Distraction-Free Workspace
Set up a designated area for schoolwork that is free from distractions like the TV, video games, or toys. A calm, focused environment helps students stay on task and complete their work more efficiently.
2. Break Work into Chunks & Take Brain Breaks
Even in the classroom, students don’t work for more than 30 minutes without a short break. Schedule a few pauses during the day for stretching, snacks, or movement. These mini-breaks help students reset and refocus.
3. Plan Around Schoolwork
When organizing your Satellite Day, be sure to set aside a few hours for focused academic time before scheduling other activities or electives. Blocking off a few hours to devote to Satellite work ensures that all work gets completed on time.
4. Remember: Parents Are Co-Teachers
Parents, your involvement is key! Just as we would support students in the classroom, you’re encouraged to help your child with their work at home. These assignments are designed to reinforce classroom learning. If needed, feel free to make adjustments—such as turning a lesson into a hands-on activity—just note what was completed on the SLS so your child receives credit (see the “Homework” section above for more information on modifying assignments).
5. Review Completed Work
We ask parents to initial the SLS as a way of confirming that work has been reviewed. Checking over your child’s assignments allows you to catch and correct any mistakes and helps prevent misunderstandings from taking root.
6. Communicate!
If something doesn’t make sense or your child is struggling, please don’t hesitate to email me. I check my email regularly on Satellite Days and am happy to offer clarification or support. You can also use the SLS to note if an assignment was particularly challenging or required extra help—this lets me follow up in class as needed.
7. Give Yourself (and Your Child) Grace
Learning at home can be tough—especially early in the year. Big emotions are normal during this transition, and some days will be harder than others. Be kind to yourself and your child as you navigate the back-and-forth between home and classroom learning. If you need encouragement or support, I’m always here and happy to help however I can!
Snacks
Students will have the option to eat a snack before lunch. While I do not require snacks to be “healthy”, please be advised that I will not allow them to eat candy for snack. They are welcome to have any treats they bring at lunch time.
Water Bottles
Students may bring a water bottle to use in the classroom. Please make sure the water bottle is spill proof/leak proof as they will sometimes need to be kept inside your child’s backpack. All water bottles need to have a closing lid (not an exposed straw). I also recommend labeling your child’s water bottle with his/her name in case it gets lost.
Weekly Lesson Overview
Each week, you will receive an overview that explains what we will be covering in class that week. This overview will include an academic focus as well as the Biblical foundation for each lesson. In each Biblical section, you will find disucssion questions that will be used in class and on Satellite Days. These questions may not change each week as they are aligned with each unit rather than individual lessons.
Volunteering
CMPA has so many wonderful volunteer opportunities including monitoring recess, lunch, and other activites. Volunteers are also needed in the classroom! If you would like to volunteer in the classroom, please click here to sign up for a spot. Due to classroom schedules, policies, and procedures, we cannot allow volunteers to come unannounced. All classroom volunteer time MUST be scheduled ahead of time with your child’s teacher. A background check will also be required before serving on campus.