WELCOME!WELCOME!WELCOME!WELCOME!

Fourth Grade Fourth Grade Parent/Teacher Parent/Teacher Survival GuideSurvival Guide

Mrs. Debbie StockhausenMrs. Debbie StockhausenMcKee ElementaryMcKee ElementarySeptember 5, 2012September 5, 2012

Classroom Procedures• attendance• specials schedule• subject folders• bus notes–must have student’s name,

teacher, who they are riding with and bus #

• absences/missed work (folder)• agendas• envelopes for signed papers• book orders• water bottle/healthy snack• birthday treats

Assertive DisciplineRules:1. Raise your hand2. Come to class prepared

with all supplies and homework completed

3. Only speak kind words4. Follow directions the

first time5. Keep hands, feet, and

all objects to yourself.

Consequences:1st verbal warning-write

name on board

2nd move clothespin and fill out behavior log-lose point

3rd move clothespin and fill out behavior log-lose point

4th move clothespin and fill out behavior log-lose point

Any further/severe disruptions – visit to Mr. Orr’s office.

*Monthly Reward Party if 12-16 points are earned

Student Handbook• Now online – McKee’s website• Dress Code (tennis shoes on P.E. day)• Personal Items – No:

~ CD players/digital cameras~ cell phones~ toys, games~ sports cards/trading cards

Homework• HW is given one point for each assignment in

that subject and entered as one test grade

• HW is checked for completion, not accuracy

• Missed homework-homework notice sent home to be signed, missed hw completed, and clothespin moved

• HW includes studying/preparing for upcoming tests

• HW/tests listed daily on classroom agenda

Grading

• Types of Assessment: objective/essay tests, reports, projects, informal – observation and participation

• Tests: advanced notice for tests and quizzes written on classroom agenda; tests below C should be signed and returned

• Grading scale: 90-100 A, 80-89 B, 70-79 C,60-69 D, 59-below F

• Progress Reports: Begin 2nd nine weeks

CURRICULUMCURRICULUMCURRICULUMCURRICULUM

Language Artsis:

•Reading•Writing•English•Spelling

Reading• Variety of materials: basal (text), novels,

technology resources, books/stories on tape• Variety of genres: fiction, non-fiction,

biography, poetry, fantasy, folk/ fairy tale• Variety of reading groups: independent,

partners, small/whole group • Reading 25 books – aligns with PA Standards

~ Accelerated Reader~ Silent reading time in class

~ Reading Log (20 min./night, signed and due on Friday)

AR Reading• STAR test to determine ZPD

• Goals determined by formula, can be altered up or down as needed.

• Information can be accessed online

• Great results last year / Students eager to read!

Writing / English• Journal writing: “quick”

writing that focuses on content

• Process Writing: more formal pieces that follow the 5-step writing process

• 3 District Writing Assessments: Narrative, Informational, and Persuasive

• Language Handbook • Lessons on grammar

skills are tied in with the reading story

• Supplemental resource materials

Spelling• Spelling list is tied in with the reading story

~ Pretest given when new reading story begins

~ Pretest – miss 0-1 become an alternate speller~ 20 words + 5 challenge words~ HW is cursive practice, PB pages, study words

nightly~ Test – 5 days after pretest

Math• Rocket Math (math facts review)• Math is sequenced month by month• Flexible Math grouping• What will we study?

~ Data Analysis~ Rounding, Place Value, Estimating, Comparing

~ Time ~ Money ~ Multiplication and Division ~ Geometry ~ Fractions ~ Metric ~ Probability ~ Measurement• Times Tables

Science/Health• ASSET, Inc. – a center that promotes learning in an

inquiry-based environment• Hands-on• Units we will study:

~ Characteristics of Sound (Parts of the Ear)~ Electricity & Magnetism~ Land and Water

• Health – Knowing About Yourself & Others, Food Pyramid/Plate, Disease Prevention, Body Systems

Social Studies• Five regions of the United

states• Pennsylvania history• Quizzes, chapter tests• State reports• Learn study skills; vocabulary;

study guides

Ways To Help Your Child Succeed in 4th Grade

• Check agendas daily• Check backpacks daily• Tests should be studied for in

advance• Monitor AR reading • Help promote your child’s

responsibility for their learning

Other Assessments• Scantron: Fall, Spring

~ testing is computer-based~ immediate results

• (3) District and In-class writing assessments throughout the year:~ Narrative, Informational, Persuasive

• PSSA: Reading & Math-April 8-19 Science – April 22-26

D.A.R.E.• D.A.R.E. = Define, Assess,

Respond,Evaluate

• Drug/alcohol/violence awareness program implemented by N.F. Police Sergeant John Bates

Possible 4th Grade Field Trips

• “Challenge By Choice” in September• PNC Park, Science Center, Children’s

Festival, Children’s Museum• 4th Grade picnic (held at McKee in

June)

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Please complete the following clearances to join us on a field trip or help at school:

• Act 34 – Criminal Record Check• PA Child Abuse History Clearance• Download these forms from

McKee’s website

How to contact me:

• dstockhausen@westasd.org• 724-693-8451, ext. 4033

Thank youfor coming!