Welcome to Fourth Grade ! !

 

I am looking forward to an exciting and enriching year with your child. With consistent support and communication, I am confident that the school year will be successful and rewarding.  

The following pages include information that will answer some of the questions you may have about the curriculum, discipline & homework policies and other information important to our classroom. It is provided for your convenience and intended to assist you and your child in developing a framework of expectations throughout this school year.

 

I know this year will be enjoyable and challenging. I will continue working to build a learning program with a strong academic foundation based on the state standards. I look forward to working together to insure the best possible education for your child

 

Here’s to a GREAT YEAR . . .

                                                                              

Reading

 

Mesa Public Schools uses an integrated language arts program from the Harcourt Brace Publishing Company, which includes spelling, grammar, writing, and reading components. I will be using this literature-based series and additional trade books for instruction. The series is titled Trophies and includes a spelling and reading workbook.

 

It is very important to the success of reading achievement for students to read outside of the regular reading program taught at school. Students are encouraged to read at home as much as possible.

 

The Accelerated Reader program will be implemented again this year. This program enhances the independent reading level of each student by tracking their reading and comprehension through a computer program. Our library has many books and quizzes for this program. Students are initially tested to assess their individual reading levels and then check out books at their reading level. Each student is asked to set goals based on their individual ability, keep a reading log documenting progress, and take a brief test after reading each book.

 

Spelling

 

Weekly lists are generally grouped by similar characteristics, usually phonics or subject areas. Words from the current reading story, math or other content areas may be added. Pre tests are given on Monday, followed by 3 pages to complete in the workbook. Workbook pages are due on Wednesday. The post-test is given on Fridays.

 

Handwriting

 

Letter forms are reinforced and legibility is a priority. By the middle of the school year, all students are encouraged to complete assignments in cursive writing. A weekly cursive packet will be assigned.

 

English

 

In addition to our integrated Reading series, we also have an English book! We will use this textbook to learn about appropriate punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure and parts of speech.

 

 

Writing

 

Writing is integrated throughout the curriculum and encompasses all subject areas. Students are taught to improve fluency, descriptive language, and format with the six traits of writing. Writing assignments will include poetry, narratives, essays, articles, letters, directions, and research reports. Students will complete the whole writing process with each assignment.

 

Math

 

The Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Math series will be used. Fourth grade computation skills add to previously learned skills of addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Division is introduced. The emphasis is on problem solving, incorporating these four operations. We will also complete units in place value, patterns, geometry, algebra, measurement, charts and graphs, data analysis, fractions and probability. (WOW!! That’s a lot!!) Mastery of math facts is essential. Fourth grade mastery goals are: 100 addition and subtraction facts in 3 minutes, multiplication in 3.5 minutes and division in 4 minutes. State standards mandate mastery of multiplication and division facts through 12 !

 

Science

 

Different units are presented each quarter. Topics covered include the study of Energy & Magnetism: Variables; Earth Science and Plant and Animal Adaptation. Activities include hands-on materials, a variety of projects and research projects. We will focus on the scientific process. Science will now be part of the AIMS testing !

 

Social Studies

 

Arizona is the main topic. Mapping skills, the geography of the state, state history, Native Americans, early settlers and explorers will all be covered. 

 

Student Planner

 

Students are reminded to write down their daily assignments and put checks beside the assignments that they have completed by the end of the day. Please check this assignment book daily and sign at the bottom. Ample time is given for each assignment. The daily assignments, upcoming tests and long term projects are always recorded on the board for students to write in their planner. It is the student’s responsibility to copy these assignments into their student planner and also to get the parent signature.

 

 

Specials

 

ELP is on Thursdays. Some make-up work and assignments might be necessary. ELP students are responsible for finding out what was covered on that day.  They will miss P.E.

 

P.E. is on Tuesdays, 8:35-9:05 and Thursdays, 8:35-9:05. It would be helpful to have your child wear comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes on those days.

 

Computer Lab is on Wednesdays, 1:25-2:25.

 

Art/Media Center is on Fridays, 8:35-9:05. These two specials will alternate weeks.

 

Music is on Mondays, 11:00-11:30.  The pull-out program for strings will be on Mondays, 8:35-9:05 and Wednesdays, 9:45-10:15.

 

 

 

 

Discipline Plan

 

Often success depends on self-discipline. Please know that I will not allow any student misconduct to interfere with my teaching or the learning of any other student. Your child deserves the most positive educational environment possible for educational growth. Therefore, in our classroom, we will use the following discipline plan.

 

Rules:

1.        Respect others. Be kind with your words and actions.

2.     Respect school rules and personal property.

3.     Listen carefully and follow directions the first time given.

4.     Stay in your seat and raise your hand to be called on.

5.     Work quietly. Make sure all work is completed on time.

 

Rewards for Terrific Behavior:

 

*verbal praise                    *positive notes home

*special activities                *delicious treats

*teacher choice(surprise)       *etc.

 

Consequences For the Opposite of Terrific Behavior:

 

We will follow a Challengers Club Red Circle system. This is a quarterly incentive program. Students that earn no more than 6 red circles in the first quarter will be able to participate in a fun 4^th grade activity. Expectations will increase with each quarter. (No more than 4 in the second quarter, 3 in the third and 2 in the fourth!!) Habitual naughty behavior can result in time outs; loss of recesses; an invitation to the principal’s office; in and out of school suspensions.

 

Homework Policy

 

Homework is a valuable aid in helping students to make the most of their learning experience in school. Homework reinforces skills learned in class; improves student performance; teaches students to work independently and helps to develop positive study habits.

 

Homework is:

 

-Any work not completed in class

-Reading at least 15 minutes a day

-Practicing math facts

-Practicing weekly spelling words

-Studying for an upcoming test

-Working on research/book reports

 

My expectations include:

 

-All daily work  is completed by the next morning.

-Students complete their homework on their own and to the

  best of their ability.

-All work turned in must include a full heading, completed on a full size piece of paper---not spiral notebook paper and be

  neat.

-Students are responsible for making up homework assignments due to absences, band or orchestra.

-Students will get one extra day for each day absent to

  complete their assignments.

-Students will lose recess for incomplete/missing assignments.

-Incomplete/missing assignments that are not turned in the

  following day will result in a zero.

-Students will use the provided assignment book. Incomplete homework will be circled in red and will count towards the quarterly Challengers Club!

 

Homework may be assigned Monday thru Thursday. Parents are the key to making homework a positive experience for their child. I ask that you make homework a top priority by providing the supplies and encouragement needed, as well as a quiet homework environment.

Thank You