Frequently Asked Questions
How can my child get a good grade in Mrs. Miles' class?
-Come to class prepared on time. Bring a pencil, paper, and other supplies that are needed to function in school.
-Complete and turn in work ON TIME! Don't wait until the last minute. Write assignment dates in your planner and get assignments completed and turned in on time.
-If you don't pass a test, RETAKE/CORRECT it. You can retake/correct all test grades up to 70%. Students MUST make arrangements with me if they want a higher grade. I will not seek out students who fail tests.
What happens if my student has a zero or a low grade in the gradebook?
Daily assignments cannot be corrected for a higher grade. Extra credit will not be given throughout the year. I have high expectations for students to do their best the first time they are given any activity. If your student has a permanent zero in the gradebook, it is because they turned it in on the third day after it was due and/or it is missing. If you have Skyward access, you should be notified when your child is missing an assignment. At that point, you can work with you child to help them get it turned in. After a zero has been entered into the gradebook permanently, I will not change the grade unless it is a test that has been retaken or corrected.
How can I help my child?
-Check their planner every evening
-Check Skyward regularly
-Communicate and contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
-Download istation at home and have your child practice
-Encourage your child to read nightly for a determined amount of time (at least 20 minutes)
-Study with your child when there are upcoming tests
How can I schedule a conference?
Conferences, either phone or in person, can be scheduled by sending me a message at leyahmiles@misdmail.org. My conference time is 1:40-2:40.
Where can I view student assignments and grades?
Student assignments and grades can be seen in Skyward. Please check Skyward regularly. Hard copy assignments will come home with students after they have been graded.
How important are the 5th grade STAAR tests?
For the 5th grade, the Math STAAR and the Reading STAAR must be passed, otherwise students will have to retake the test a second time. If it isn’t passed the second round, students must attend summer school and take the test for a third time. If they do not pass the test the third time, a committee meets to decide if the student should be retained or passed on to 6th grade. The Science STAAR does not have retakes, however, their grade on the Science STAAR is still very important. If students do not pass the Science STAAR, they risk losing one of their elective classes in middle school and taking a science improvement class, along with their normal 7th and 8th grade science class.