The ABC’s of Fourth Grade
A
Attendance: Encourage your child to come to school every day to develop good attendance habits. It is also important that they be on time. Please send a written note when your child is absent. Your child must bring this note explaining the absence upon his/her return.
AR: Accelerated reader (AR) is a reading program that helps to enhance student comprehension skills. We read books at school and AR test (ask questions about a book) to practice and assess comprehension. Each child is to spend at least 15-30 minutes reading nightly. Student goals will be based off of genres. AR test scores do not go into the grade book.
ACC Math: Accelerated math (ACC) is a math program designed to reinforce skills taught throughout the school year. Each nine weeks students will have a goal to achieve. At least two ACC math assignments should be scored each week. ACC math can be completed both online and in the paper form. ACC math assignments do not go into the grade book.
AVID: Fourth grade students will be participating in a program called AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination), a college-readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges in the U.S.
Agenda: Each evening your child will bring home their homework assignments written in the agenda, which should also be in their binder. It is the student’s responsibility to copy the homework correctly from the board. The agenda will also be used as a communication tool. I will initial your child’s agenda every day to ensure homework assignments and information are written correctly. Any missing homework will be highlighted in the agenda. I may also write other messages, therefore it is important that you read and sign the agenda every day as well. Your signature also lets me know that your child completed his or her homework. You may also write messages for me in your child’s agenda. Your cooperation in this is very much appreciated.
B
Behavior Plan: We are choosing a color system for behavior not procedures. The colors red, white and blue will be used. Red=ready to learn, White= warning given, Blue= responsibility reflection given for no change in behavior. Attached to the responsibility reflection that the student will fill out is a leveled behavior form from Stateside, both of these are expected to be signed and returned the next day. Class Dojo may also be used with this color system in certain cases.
Birthdays: Birthdays are special days in fourth grade. Birthday snacks are permitted as long as the food is store bought. NO HOMEMADE FOOD ITMES ARE ALLOWED. Please check with your child's teacher for the best time for delivery if interested in supplying snacks on your child's birthday. (This is not required!) You should always keep in mind that certain students may have allergies or other medical conditions.
C
Communication: Please utilize email, phone, and agenda to address any questions or concerns that you may have. A good rule of thumb is always ask if you are in doubt.
Conferences: We will hold conferences during the fall and spring. Other conferences will be scheduled as needed. Student led conference will also be held during the school year.
D
DAY 4: Students will attend Physical Education, Art, Music, Spanish and Computer Lab. We encourage students to wear tennis shoes each day, due to physical activity.
Dress Code: Each child is asked to come prepared for the various types of weather. Items such as umbrellas, rain boots, raincoats, jackets, hats, and gloves may be necessary. Please read over the dress code in the school handbook. All footwear should be conducive to normal school activities, so please have your child wear sneakers when they are scheduled to have PE. Comfort is advised! Be sure to include names on all apparel in case they are lost.
Deadlines: When information is given via paper, website or email please pay close attention to deadlines given. Please make every effort to adhere to the deadlines. It is VERY difficult to plan and carry out activities when deadlines are not met.
E
Early Release Days: Stateside’s approximate release time on early release days is 12:20. See the school calendar for early release dates.
F
Fees: Please make sure the $6.00 school fee is paid. Students are held responsible for lost or damaged textbooks or library books. ($5.00 instructional fee and $1.00 art fee)
Facebook: Please “like” our school Facebook page for up-to date information.
G
Grading Scale: The following grading system is used by Onslow County Schools:
A: 100 - 90
B: 89 - 80
C: 79 - 70
D: 69 - 60
F—59 and below
To be eligible to earn either Honor Roll or Principal’s List status, students must earn an “S” in all categories not represented by numerical or other letter grades.
H
Homework: Your involvement is encouraged because a child who has help retains more information and has greater incentive to do his/her best. Homework will graded for a completion grade and feedback will still be given. It is important for me, as your child’s teacher, to know if a concept is understood or not, and homework is one way for me to check that. Incomplete or missing assignments not only have a negative effect on student achievement, but also on work and study habits.
I
"I Can": In fourth grade, we encourage our students to be responsible for themselves, their actions, and their learning. We try to present a positive "I Can" approach where ALL students can be successful!
J
Just in case an absence occurs: It is the student’s responsibility to check for any make-up work that needs to be completed. Also, remember to send in an absent note.
K
Keep up to date with happenings at Stateside and the classroom by visiting our website at http://stateside.nc.oce.schoolinsites.com
L
Lunch: Menus are posted online. You can prepay and monitor lunch accounts online at www.prepay.com
M
Monday Morning Meetings: One of the driving forces at Stateside is Monday Morning Meeting. Each Monday the entire school meets in the multipurpose room. This is an opportunity for students and staff to celebrate successes, learn about our nine week theme and practice leadership skills. Students are highly encouraged to present at Monday Morning Meeting. Students that are interested may pick up a request form from Mrs. Helt. They complete the form and return to Mrs. Helt.
N
NEHS: Students will receive a Candidate Form after the end of the first semester if they have maintained an overall average of 93% or better for the first semester as well as demonstrated appropriate behavior. The Candidate Form needs to be completed by both the student and parent. This form needs to be as specific and detailed as possible. The deadline that is listed on the form must be adhered to. The NEHS committee will use a rubric to determine a student’s eligibility for being inducting in this year’s chapter of NEHS after the Candidate Form is returned complete.
Notices: Please remember to check agendas nightly for notices. Please check teacher websites for up-to date notices. Please check your emails for up to date happenings.
O
Please arrive on time for school. Students are allowed to come into the classrooms at 8:00. The tardy bell rings at 8:30. It is important to be on time because work begins first thing in the morning.
P
Patriot Pay: Stateside utilizes a school-wide token economy system. Displaying good character traits and following rules and procedures is rewarded with Patriot Pay. Students can spend this money at the school store.
POD: Student will be allowed to bring their technology from home on certain days. A POD (personally owned device) form needs to be completed and signed by both the parent and student and filed with the homeroom teacher. This will also allow students to bring technology on certain field trips.
Popcorn Fridays: Students can purchase popcorn Monday – Thursday from their homeroom teacher for 50 cents. No money for popcorn will be accepted on Fridays. The popcorn will be delivered on Friday afternoon.
Q
Questions: Please ask if you have a question.
R
Recess: A 10x10x10 model is utilized for student recess time. Our 10x10x10 time is 2:30 - 3:00.
Responsibility Reflection: If your child behaves wonderfully for the day by following all of the classroom rules, then nothing will be sent home. If your child had a hard time behaving positively according to the classroom expectations, then you will see a Responsibility Reflection and a leveled form stapled to their agenda. The Responsibility Reflection sheet that is stapled to their agenda was completed by the student about their behavior. The leveled behavior form was completed by the teacher about their behavior. These need to be signed by a parent and returned the following day.
S
Stateside Handbook: Please make sure you have read and are familiar with all of the rules and procedures that are in the school handbook. It contains many items not mentioned in this letter. A copy of the school handbook is in the front of your child’s agenda or you can request one from the teacher.
Snack: We allow time for two snacks during the day; one in the morning and one during their 10x10x10 time in the afternoon. If your child is going to participate, we ask that snacks be healthy choices. Students are not permitted to share their snacks due to certain food allergies. Please be mindful that students may have a peanut or nut allergy.
Subject Areas
Math – Math grades will be a combination of tests, quizzes, projects, and class assignments. Not all math assignments will be given a grade because they will serve as practice opportunities for your child. All assignments will be given feedback however.
Writing/Grammar – This grade is a combination of grammar exercises, tests, and writing assignments. Not all writing assignments will be given a grade because they will serve as practice opportunities for your child. All assignments will be given feedback however.
Reading – Reading grades will be a combination of activities, projects, and other assessments. Other subjects will be integrated with reading also. Reading comprehension and skills will be taught through these subjects; therefore, some activities may count as a reading grade and a science, social studies, or writing grade. Not all reading assignments will be given a grade because they will serve as practice opportunities for your child. All assignments will be given feedback however.
Word Study – Your child’s word study grade will combine spelling words correctly and applying phonics skills. The students will be taught a phonics skill or word pattern and will be given words that reflect this skill. When studying and practicing words, make sure your child can explain the skill. Some skill examples include: open syllable, closed syllable, long vowel patterns, inflectional endings, etc. Word study homework will be graded for completion. Vocabulary will also be included within our word study time. Vocabulary assessments will be graded and used within the word study report card grade.
Science/Social Studies – The fourth grade social studies curriculum focuses on North Carolina history, which will be taught all year. Your child’s Social Studies and Science grades will be a combination of activities, projects, and tests. The science units of study are; Forces of Motion, Properties and Change, Conservation and Transfer, Earth and Universe, Earth History, Ecosystems, Molecular Biology. Not all science and social studies assignments will be given a grade because they will serve as practice opportunities for your child. All assignments will be given feedback however.
T
Transportation Changes: You must provide your child's teacher with a written, signed, and dated note for any bus/pick-up changes. If someone else is to pick up your child other than yourself/spouse, you must provide a note including his/her full name. They must also show proof of identification in the office and know the password that is on file for your child. All phoned in transportation changes need to be made prior to 2:30.
Take Home Folders: You may expect any important papers and your child’s completed work to come home in a separate folder periodically. The purpose of this folder is to communicate your child’s progress to you. When this folder is brought home, please go through all the contents with your child and then sign or initial the work in the “Sign and Return” side of the folder and return it the next school day. It is very important that this work is returned to school, so please help your child remember to bring it all back.
U
The use of internet may be required for completion of certain tasks both in school and at home. Please alert your child’s teacher if this is unavailable to your child at home.
V
Volunteering: Classroom volunteers are always welcome. If you think you would like to volunteer in your child’s classroom or on a field trip this year, you must fill out the appropriate paperwork from the county, which is available in the front office. If you plan on volunteering in the classroom, please notify the teacher ahead of time.
W
Water bottles are allowed in the classroom. Please make sure that the water is labeled with student’s name.
X
Xtra resources can be found in your child’s binder or on my teacher website. Periodically the teacher may send home resources to utilize for extra help.
Y
YOU are important to your child’s education!
Z
Zzzz’s- It is important for your child to get plenty of rest each night.
Classroom Expectations
Mrs. Huygens 4th Grade
Class Expectations
I am very excited to start our journey together in your child’s education. Understanding and following these expectations will lead to a successful school year for each of us. If you ever have a question please do not hesitate to contact me, I believe that communication is a large part in smooth school year.
Behavior
It is important for 4th graders to be aware of their choices they make and how they affect others. We will maintain a positive environment and encourage the golden rule… “Treat others as you would have them treat you.” I am choosing a color system for behavior not procedures. The colors red, white and blue will be used. Red=ready to learn, White= warning given, Blue= responsibility reflection given for no change in behavior, attached to the responsibility reflection that the student will fill out is a leveled behavior form from Stateside, both of these are expected to be signed and returned the next day.
Homework
Homework is intended for practice and teaching responsibility. I encourage you to work with your child to help build a support team at home. However, I understand if “life” prevents this from happening at times. Your child is ultimately responsible for their homework. Homework is checked for completeness. We will review homework in class together for accuracy and understanding. If your child is having a difficult time or taking excessive time completing their assignments, please let me know. Homework is not intended to stress your child.
Homework will occur Monday – Thursday unless additional study is needed for a project or test.
· Reading: Each night your child should read for 20 minutes. He/she will be encouraged to read their selected library book; however, they may choose a book or article from home to read nightly. Occasionally a reading article will be sent home with parent/child participation.
· Math: Your child will have complimentary assignment from that day’s lesson (when noted in agenda).
In addition to completing the nightly assignment; each night your child will need to study math facts for 10 minutes. Math facts consist of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Flash cards are a good way to practice these facts.
Textbook: Math textbooks will not go home unless you feel it necessary. Students will be provided with a login and password to access their math materials online at: www.pearsonsuccessnet.com.
Word Study: Word Study lists will be differentiated each wave cycle to meet your child’s needs. Activities will be listed in the front of their Word Study notebook and assigned for practice. Word Study will begin on “5” Day and tested on “K” Day. Nightly Word Study homework will not come home until an established routine is developed within the classroom for each activity.
Agendas
Agendas will need to be signed daily. I expect the child to take responsibility for their own learning by recording daily homework, events, and projects. More importantly, agendas are a good source of communication between teacher/parent. If you would like to discuss privately, you may reach my by:
Email: a[email protected]
Attendance: Encourage your child to come to school every day to develop good attendance habits. It is also important that they be on time. Please send a written note when your child is absent. Your child must bring this note explaining the absence upon his/her return.
AR: Accelerated reader (AR) is a reading program that helps to enhance student comprehension skills. We read books at school and AR test (ask questions about a book) to practice and assess comprehension. Each child is to spend at least 15-30 minutes reading nightly. Student goals will be based off of genres. AR test scores do not go into the grade book.
ACC Math: Accelerated math (ACC) is a math program designed to reinforce skills taught throughout the school year. Each nine weeks students will have a goal to achieve. At least two ACC math assignments should be scored each week. ACC math can be completed both online and in the paper form. ACC math assignments do not go into the grade book.
AVID: Fourth grade students will be participating in a program called AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination), a college-readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges in the U.S.
Agenda: Each evening your child will bring home their homework assignments written in the agenda, which should also be in their binder. It is the student’s responsibility to copy the homework correctly from the board. The agenda will also be used as a communication tool. I will initial your child’s agenda every day to ensure homework assignments and information are written correctly. Any missing homework will be highlighted in the agenda. I may also write other messages, therefore it is important that you read and sign the agenda every day as well. Your signature also lets me know that your child completed his or her homework. You may also write messages for me in your child’s agenda. Your cooperation in this is very much appreciated.
B
Behavior Plan: We are choosing a color system for behavior not procedures. The colors red, white and blue will be used. Red=ready to learn, White= warning given, Blue= responsibility reflection given for no change in behavior. Attached to the responsibility reflection that the student will fill out is a leveled behavior form from Stateside, both of these are expected to be signed and returned the next day. Class Dojo may also be used with this color system in certain cases.
Birthdays: Birthdays are special days in fourth grade. Birthday snacks are permitted as long as the food is store bought. NO HOMEMADE FOOD ITMES ARE ALLOWED. Please check with your child's teacher for the best time for delivery if interested in supplying snacks on your child's birthday. (This is not required!) You should always keep in mind that certain students may have allergies or other medical conditions.
C
Communication: Please utilize email, phone, and agenda to address any questions or concerns that you may have. A good rule of thumb is always ask if you are in doubt.
Conferences: We will hold conferences during the fall and spring. Other conferences will be scheduled as needed. Student led conference will also be held during the school year.
D
DAY 4: Students will attend Physical Education, Art, Music, Spanish and Computer Lab. We encourage students to wear tennis shoes each day, due to physical activity.
Dress Code: Each child is asked to come prepared for the various types of weather. Items such as umbrellas, rain boots, raincoats, jackets, hats, and gloves may be necessary. Please read over the dress code in the school handbook. All footwear should be conducive to normal school activities, so please have your child wear sneakers when they are scheduled to have PE. Comfort is advised! Be sure to include names on all apparel in case they are lost.
Deadlines: When information is given via paper, website or email please pay close attention to deadlines given. Please make every effort to adhere to the deadlines. It is VERY difficult to plan and carry out activities when deadlines are not met.
E
Early Release Days: Stateside’s approximate release time on early release days is 12:20. See the school calendar for early release dates.
F
Fees: Please make sure the $6.00 school fee is paid. Students are held responsible for lost or damaged textbooks or library books. ($5.00 instructional fee and $1.00 art fee)
Facebook: Please “like” our school Facebook page for up-to date information.
G
Grading Scale: The following grading system is used by Onslow County Schools:
A: 100 - 90
B: 89 - 80
C: 79 - 70
D: 69 - 60
F—59 and below
To be eligible to earn either Honor Roll or Principal’s List status, students must earn an “S” in all categories not represented by numerical or other letter grades.
H
Homework: Your involvement is encouraged because a child who has help retains more information and has greater incentive to do his/her best. Homework will graded for a completion grade and feedback will still be given. It is important for me, as your child’s teacher, to know if a concept is understood or not, and homework is one way for me to check that. Incomplete or missing assignments not only have a negative effect on student achievement, but also on work and study habits.
I
"I Can": In fourth grade, we encourage our students to be responsible for themselves, their actions, and their learning. We try to present a positive "I Can" approach where ALL students can be successful!
J
Just in case an absence occurs: It is the student’s responsibility to check for any make-up work that needs to be completed. Also, remember to send in an absent note.
K
Keep up to date with happenings at Stateside and the classroom by visiting our website at http://stateside.nc.oce.schoolinsites.com
L
Lunch: Menus are posted online. You can prepay and monitor lunch accounts online at www.prepay.com
M
Monday Morning Meetings: One of the driving forces at Stateside is Monday Morning Meeting. Each Monday the entire school meets in the multipurpose room. This is an opportunity for students and staff to celebrate successes, learn about our nine week theme and practice leadership skills. Students are highly encouraged to present at Monday Morning Meeting. Students that are interested may pick up a request form from Mrs. Helt. They complete the form and return to Mrs. Helt.
N
NEHS: Students will receive a Candidate Form after the end of the first semester if they have maintained an overall average of 93% or better for the first semester as well as demonstrated appropriate behavior. The Candidate Form needs to be completed by both the student and parent. This form needs to be as specific and detailed as possible. The deadline that is listed on the form must be adhered to. The NEHS committee will use a rubric to determine a student’s eligibility for being inducting in this year’s chapter of NEHS after the Candidate Form is returned complete.
Notices: Please remember to check agendas nightly for notices. Please check teacher websites for up-to date notices. Please check your emails for up to date happenings.
O
Please arrive on time for school. Students are allowed to come into the classrooms at 8:00. The tardy bell rings at 8:30. It is important to be on time because work begins first thing in the morning.
P
Patriot Pay: Stateside utilizes a school-wide token economy system. Displaying good character traits and following rules and procedures is rewarded with Patriot Pay. Students can spend this money at the school store.
POD: Student will be allowed to bring their technology from home on certain days. A POD (personally owned device) form needs to be completed and signed by both the parent and student and filed with the homeroom teacher. This will also allow students to bring technology on certain field trips.
Popcorn Fridays: Students can purchase popcorn Monday – Thursday from their homeroom teacher for 50 cents. No money for popcorn will be accepted on Fridays. The popcorn will be delivered on Friday afternoon.
Q
Questions: Please ask if you have a question.
R
Recess: A 10x10x10 model is utilized for student recess time. Our 10x10x10 time is 2:30 - 3:00.
Responsibility Reflection: If your child behaves wonderfully for the day by following all of the classroom rules, then nothing will be sent home. If your child had a hard time behaving positively according to the classroom expectations, then you will see a Responsibility Reflection and a leveled form stapled to their agenda. The Responsibility Reflection sheet that is stapled to their agenda was completed by the student about their behavior. The leveled behavior form was completed by the teacher about their behavior. These need to be signed by a parent and returned the following day.
S
Stateside Handbook: Please make sure you have read and are familiar with all of the rules and procedures that are in the school handbook. It contains many items not mentioned in this letter. A copy of the school handbook is in the front of your child’s agenda or you can request one from the teacher.
Snack: We allow time for two snacks during the day; one in the morning and one during their 10x10x10 time in the afternoon. If your child is going to participate, we ask that snacks be healthy choices. Students are not permitted to share their snacks due to certain food allergies. Please be mindful that students may have a peanut or nut allergy.
Subject Areas
Math – Math grades will be a combination of tests, quizzes, projects, and class assignments. Not all math assignments will be given a grade because they will serve as practice opportunities for your child. All assignments will be given feedback however.
Writing/Grammar – This grade is a combination of grammar exercises, tests, and writing assignments. Not all writing assignments will be given a grade because they will serve as practice opportunities for your child. All assignments will be given feedback however.
Reading – Reading grades will be a combination of activities, projects, and other assessments. Other subjects will be integrated with reading also. Reading comprehension and skills will be taught through these subjects; therefore, some activities may count as a reading grade and a science, social studies, or writing grade. Not all reading assignments will be given a grade because they will serve as practice opportunities for your child. All assignments will be given feedback however.
Word Study – Your child’s word study grade will combine spelling words correctly and applying phonics skills. The students will be taught a phonics skill or word pattern and will be given words that reflect this skill. When studying and practicing words, make sure your child can explain the skill. Some skill examples include: open syllable, closed syllable, long vowel patterns, inflectional endings, etc. Word study homework will be graded for completion. Vocabulary will also be included within our word study time. Vocabulary assessments will be graded and used within the word study report card grade.
Science/Social Studies – The fourth grade social studies curriculum focuses on North Carolina history, which will be taught all year. Your child’s Social Studies and Science grades will be a combination of activities, projects, and tests. The science units of study are; Forces of Motion, Properties and Change, Conservation and Transfer, Earth and Universe, Earth History, Ecosystems, Molecular Biology. Not all science and social studies assignments will be given a grade because they will serve as practice opportunities for your child. All assignments will be given feedback however.
T
Transportation Changes: You must provide your child's teacher with a written, signed, and dated note for any bus/pick-up changes. If someone else is to pick up your child other than yourself/spouse, you must provide a note including his/her full name. They must also show proof of identification in the office and know the password that is on file for your child. All phoned in transportation changes need to be made prior to 2:30.
Take Home Folders: You may expect any important papers and your child’s completed work to come home in a separate folder periodically. The purpose of this folder is to communicate your child’s progress to you. When this folder is brought home, please go through all the contents with your child and then sign or initial the work in the “Sign and Return” side of the folder and return it the next school day. It is very important that this work is returned to school, so please help your child remember to bring it all back.
U
The use of internet may be required for completion of certain tasks both in school and at home. Please alert your child’s teacher if this is unavailable to your child at home.
V
Volunteering: Classroom volunteers are always welcome. If you think you would like to volunteer in your child’s classroom or on a field trip this year, you must fill out the appropriate paperwork from the county, which is available in the front office. If you plan on volunteering in the classroom, please notify the teacher ahead of time.
W
Water bottles are allowed in the classroom. Please make sure that the water is labeled with student’s name.
X
Xtra resources can be found in your child’s binder or on my teacher website. Periodically the teacher may send home resources to utilize for extra help.
Y
YOU are important to your child’s education!
Z
Zzzz’s- It is important for your child to get plenty of rest each night.
Classroom Expectations
Mrs. Huygens 4th Grade
Class Expectations
I am very excited to start our journey together in your child’s education. Understanding and following these expectations will lead to a successful school year for each of us. If you ever have a question please do not hesitate to contact me, I believe that communication is a large part in smooth school year.
Behavior
It is important for 4th graders to be aware of their choices they make and how they affect others. We will maintain a positive environment and encourage the golden rule… “Treat others as you would have them treat you.” I am choosing a color system for behavior not procedures. The colors red, white and blue will be used. Red=ready to learn, White= warning given, Blue= responsibility reflection given for no change in behavior, attached to the responsibility reflection that the student will fill out is a leveled behavior form from Stateside, both of these are expected to be signed and returned the next day.
Homework
Homework is intended for practice and teaching responsibility. I encourage you to work with your child to help build a support team at home. However, I understand if “life” prevents this from happening at times. Your child is ultimately responsible for their homework. Homework is checked for completeness. We will review homework in class together for accuracy and understanding. If your child is having a difficult time or taking excessive time completing their assignments, please let me know. Homework is not intended to stress your child.
Homework will occur Monday – Thursday unless additional study is needed for a project or test.
· Reading: Each night your child should read for 20 minutes. He/she will be encouraged to read their selected library book; however, they may choose a book or article from home to read nightly. Occasionally a reading article will be sent home with parent/child participation.
· Math: Your child will have complimentary assignment from that day’s lesson (when noted in agenda).
In addition to completing the nightly assignment; each night your child will need to study math facts for 10 minutes. Math facts consist of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Flash cards are a good way to practice these facts.
Textbook: Math textbooks will not go home unless you feel it necessary. Students will be provided with a login and password to access their math materials online at: www.pearsonsuccessnet.com.
Word Study: Word Study lists will be differentiated each wave cycle to meet your child’s needs. Activities will be listed in the front of their Word Study notebook and assigned for practice. Word Study will begin on “5” Day and tested on “K” Day. Nightly Word Study homework will not come home until an established routine is developed within the classroom for each activity.
Agendas
Agendas will need to be signed daily. I expect the child to take responsibility for their own learning by recording daily homework, events, and projects. More importantly, agendas are a good source of communication between teacher/parent. If you would like to discuss privately, you may reach my by:
Email: a[email protected]