Please feel free to call or email me anytime. I am available to you in person by appointment any day after school as well.
Music and Movement
Music and movement is a class based on the educational theory of Carl Orff. Orff was a German composer in the 1930s, and an excellent music teacher. He and his friend Mrs. Keetman, a dance teacher, developed a teaching strategy that intertwined music and movement, which has proven itself many times over in children’s increased ability to dance, play instruments, sing, and compose music. Your child will spend 40 minutes with me every day.
Katie Meyer
I attended school at Mott Community College in Flint, and then transferred to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in vocal music education at Wayne State University in Detroit. In a small school in Idaho for two years after that, I taught K-12, band, and choir. Next, I was married and joined the Peace Corps with my husband. We spent two and a half years in Tanzania teaching English to native Swahili speakers at the elementary level. I got certified in Orff Educational Practice Level One during summer 2015, and am working on my master's degree with Spring Arbor University. Grading Procedure
On your students' report and progress cards, you will see 2 grades. One is academics, and one is work skills. Academics include all the theory, performance skills, and information that are part of the music and movement class. This is based on the State Content Standards for music and dance. Work skills include behavior, professionalism, preparedness, and age appropriate interpersonal scores.
I am taking an assessment course for my master's degree. This year, I will be transitioning fully into the 4 point system as I learn more fully what it is and how to use it to the best advantage of your children.
As stated in the Parent/Teacher handbook, Concerts are mandatory. Your student is depended on at these times not only by me and the school, but by all of his or her classmates. See below for conflict information.
*Concert Dress is a concord polo tee shirt (15$, available for sale), black pants and dark shoes. Please no perfume/cologne.
*In the event of a schedule conflict, students must bring me written notice from a parent one week in advance of a performance to receive an alternative project.
*In the event of an emergency, students must bring me written notice from a parent to discuss an alternate way to earn credit. Credit earned by performance will be easier than the same credit earned in another way.
Expectations, Classroom Management, and Discipline
I look forward to getting to know your child. My largest class this year will have 21 students, and each class will spend 40 minutes a day with me. I prefer to have an open line of communication with you, and to work with you as needed to individualize the management of your child’s behavior. Here is the framework from which I am starting.
Rules
1.Respect others and their belongings.
(Only touch things that belong to you unless allowed by owner)
2.Respect others’ ideas and opinions.
(Talk only during your turn, be a good audience member)
Consequences
1.Each student gets one free warning per day.
2.The behavior is written in the behavior log and affects their professionalism score.
3. They lose recess time in 5 -10 minute increments, depending on the severity of the offense.
4.I arrange a meeting with you and contact the director to make a plan.
Please let me know if we need to discuss this management plan. See the contact page.