Welcome to 4th Grade

Specials for 2011-2012

• FLES• PE• Guidance• Music• Art• Chorus-Wednesdays

• Library• Computer Lab• SME• Reading Buddy• Curiosity Cave• Running Club-Thursday

Parent/Student Expectations

Philosophy:Have funEnrich / extendChallengeSupport / accountableGive choice / motivate

Parent/Student Expectations

Whole language: Whole person; ability to read, write, speak

(we do not learn in isolation.) Integration:Variety of approaches to teach; (cooperative,

video, manipulative, learning styles.)

Curriculum / assignment routine: Spelling: (Individualized program)

Reading:Quarters 1 and 2: Conferences: (Individualized program) Quarters 3 and 4: Novel unit / whole group instruction  

Writing: (If you can talk, you can write!)

Steps:• pre-writing• drafting • editing/revision • sharing/publishing

Process and Products:• Higher level thinking strategies, Journals, learning logs, book

responses, integration with core subjects – (reading follow-up work)

• Some systematic approaches or models implemented – guided writing/reading.

• Look for skill attainment; • Creative writing opportunities to gain fluency, flexibility,

originality, elaboration.• May get to…(SOL prompts )

Procedures and Routines

• Homework Procedures-– You will find your child’s homework assignments in

their agenda every day.– Homework is given Monday-Thursday, occasionally

on Fridays.– Reading is required for at least 20 minutes a night.– The students are responsible for having a parent

signature on their agenda every night.

Procedures and Routines (continued)

• Nine Week Plans will be posted on the 4th Grade Website quarterly.

• Differentiated Instruction:– Integrating technology, scaffolding lessons, pre-

testing, enrichment, remediation, activities and resources for home, learning style inventories, and a variety of instructional strategies.

Procedures and Routines (continued)

Classroom Routines– In addition to your child’s agenda, we use a Take Home Folder for

assignments and parent-teacher communication. – Lunch money should be in an envelope with the students name. – Students are expected to walk quietly in the hallway with their hands

by their side and eyes forward.– Dismissal changes need to be in writing. In case of an emergency you

can call the office directly.– Students are expected to be in class and prepared to learn by 7:50

everyday.– We will try to reply to emails within 48 hours. Please keep in mind, we

rarely have a chance to check our emails during instructional hours.

Procedures and Routines (continued)

• Assessment Procedures:– Assessments are given continually throughout the

year.– Formative assessments are ones that are informal

and gauge your child’s comprehension.– Summative assessments are formal tests that are

usually given at the end of a unit or chapter.– We also use different programs to measure your

child’s growth throughout the year: SME, DRA, STAR, Renzulli, etc.

Procedures and Routines (continued)

• Grading Policy• The Dulles cluster is adding a .5 to each of the following progress

indicators.• Progress Indicators

» 4= Exceeds Standards» 3= Meets Standards» 2= Progressing Towards Standards» 1= Below Standard

• Grading Key» A= Outstanding» B= Very Good» C= Satisfactory» D= Needs Improvement» F= Not Performing

First 9 Week Curriculum Outline (continued)

Reading• Fiction/Nonfiction

Comprehension

• Whole Group Instruction/ Novel unit/ Read Aloud Individualized Program

English/Spelling• Mechanics, Sentence

Punctuation, Nouns, Four Types of Sentences, Adjectives

• Individualized program/ Word Study

First 9 Week Curriculum Outline (continued)

Math• Number Sense,

Computation, Estimation, Patterns, Functions and Algebra

• Self contained, Individualized Instruction

Social Studies• Virginia’s Land and

Location, 5 Natural Regions and the Effects of English Colonization

• Group projects /activities, Integrated Curriculum

First 9 Week Curriculum Outline (continued)

Science• Scientific Investigation,

Virginia’s Natural Resources, Solar System

• Group projects /activities, Integrated Curriculum

Technology• Student Safe Websites,

internet safety• Word processing and

keyboarding• SME Math and Accelerated

Reading• Computer lab, Neos and

laptops• Integration within the

curriculum

Classroom Management Plan Classroom Expectations and Consequences• Students need to follow the Classroom Expectations and will be rewarded when they do.• Students are aware of the consequences if they fail to meet the Classroom Expectations:

– First Warning, Second Warning, Third Time requires a note home written by the student and requires a parent signature.

Parent -Teacher Relationship• It is critical that we have a positive relationship and support each other whether

at home or in the classroom. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns.

Upcoming Events

• Field trips-NO CLUE?!

September Events• Arcola Fall Festival- September 24 (4-7pm)• Jamestown/Yorktown representatives will be

coming to visit on September 23.– The actual Jamestown visit is still in the works for

Spring 2012.

Don’t Forget!

• Don’t forget to sign up for November conferences.

• Also, there are volunteer and Mystery Reader sign-up sheets in the front of the room!

• There’s a Wish List for our class on the front door

Visit Our Specialists!

• Amy Stelly- TRT• Andrew Bango- PE• Elizabeth Bowers, Andrew Stevens and Megan Doherty-

FUTURA• Karen Espinoza- Librarian• Yanira Umana- FLES• Janet Spencer- Guidance Counselor• Dr. Adrian Re and Jennifer Leslie- Music• Jacqueline Jones- Art• Alana Skelly- SEARCH

Lastly…………

• Stop by and say “Howdy” to other staff members who will be working with your child this year.

• Be sure to stop by the library and say “Hi!” to the PTA!!!

• Please register for the staff directory in the computer lab.