Welcome to Fourth Grade! Room 26 Mrs. Quinn Phone: (480) 224-3200 Email: Quinn.sara@cusd80.com

Reading 4th Grade Common Core The standards establish a “staircase” of increasing complexity in what students must be able to read so that all students are ready for the next grade level and eventual demands of college. This will be the 4th year with our new textbook Journeys. There are many differentiation components for small group and whole group. Students have a Reader’s Notebook that will have all spelling, grammar and vocabulary assignments. You will see this book coming home throughout the week. The students will also participate in literature studies that will have assignments and projects to be completed.

Fourth Grade Common Core Writing The ability to write logical arguments based on supportive details, sound reasoning, and text-based evidence. Research—both short, focused projects, and longer term in depth written assignments. Samples of student writing (mentor text) will accompany many assignments to help establish adequate performance levels in writing arguments, informational/explanatory texts, and narratives.

4th Grade Common Core Speaking and Listening The standards require that students gain, evaluate, and present increasingly complex information, ideas, and evidence through listening and speaking as well as through media. An important focus of the speaking and listening standards is academic discussion in one-on-one, small-group, and whole-class settings. Major projects this year include: Civilization Project, Wax Museum, Weather Reports, and Literature Projects.

4th Grade Common Core Math This year will be our second year utilizing the My Math textbooks. There are many online components that you will have access to at home. The following are the standards that will be taught using the new books. Operations and Algebraic Thinking Number and Operations in Base Ten Number and Operations – Fractions Measurement and Data Geometry

Pair Teaching This year we will be pair teaching for Science and Social Studies. Each teacher will be entering grades specific to the subject(s) they teach. Questions related to a subject should be directed to the teacher responsible for the content. Mrs. Quinn will be teaching Social Studies and Mrs. Reynolds will be teaching Science.

Fourth Grade Curriculum Social Studies The students will be studying the history of Arizona. We will be taking a few field trips that enhance this study. We will also have a Wax Museum that showcases people from our state, which will include a research project and will require some extra help at home from parents. Social Studies involves a lot of reading and comprehension strategies, we will be integrating Reading and Social Studies as often as possible. In our classroom, we will also be using Primary Source documents and other supplemental materials when available for more in-depth learning about the topics of focus.

4th Grade Curriculum Science Classifying Living Things Populations and Ecosystems Animals and Adaptations Energy and Magnetism Water Cycle. We will be exploring these topics through the scientific method along with STEM based activities to provide hands-on learning for students. There will be science fair projects completed at school in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

Classroom Procedures Agenda Please check your child’s agenda daily, for assignments, due dates, homework, missing assignments, upcoming quizzes/tests. Homework Policy There will be a weekly choice board that will be given to students. Math homework is given Monday through Thursday and due back the next day. All due dates will be recorded in your child’s planner. Any work not completed in class will be expected to be completed for homework. Binder We use a binder to keep things organized. Students should have one binder that will hold both their agenda and a folder.

Accelerated Reader Students take the STAR test and then based on their reading range, individual student goals are set for the quarter. Students read a book of their choice for 20 min at home and for at least 20 minutes at school, each day. Students are responsible for taking tests when they have completed the book. Points are earned based on how well students score on each AR quiz. Those points accumulate towards the goal.

Field Trips We are will be going on four field trips this year. Basha Art Museum, The State Capitol Museum, ChildsPlay @ Tempe Center for the Arts, Arizona Museum of Natural History. I will ask for volunteers once we have the dates set. If we have too many then I will have drawing. ECA Fees this year MUST be paid through Infinite Campus.

Food/Celebrations Students may bring in a healthy snack each day. (Quick and simple) If your child is celebrating a birthday during the school year, please feel free to send in a non-food treat to share with the class. Please send them with your child on the day chosen to celebrate.

Communication Our goal…to do what’s best for your child… So we’ll work together to make it happen! Agendas Classroom website Scheduled Appointments Infinite Campus Phone – (480) 224-3200 Email – Quinn.sara@cusd80.com

Infinite Campus Chandler Unified School District utilizes the Infinite Campus online system for student attendance tracking, grade tracking, and messaging. It is very important as a parent of a CUSD enrolled student that you have access to this online system. This will allow you to access your child(ren)’s grades, attendance, report cards, and fees as well as receive important messages from your child(ren)’s school. If you have previously set up a parent portal account with our District and you are able to access that parent portal, you should be able to view all of your child(ren) under one account. If you previously set up an account but cannot remember your username or password, please call the school office at 480-224-3200 for assistance in resetting your password. If you have never set up an Infinite Campus account, please contact the school office at 480-224-3200 and we will send an invitation to your email address with directions on setting up and accessing your parent portal.

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