Welcome to Mrs. Blythe's Fantastic 4th Grade Class! 2017-2018 School year

Goals for this school year To give your child the academic and social skills he/she needs to progress to fifth grade. To provide a supportive and fun classroom environment. To be a self sufficient learner who actively participates in his/her own education.  Fourth grade is a big year in learning new concepts…students need to be aware that hard work is required. This year, I plan on going digital in as many assignments as possible.  Don’t be surprised if students talk about “Google Classroom”!

Our PYP School We want to develop life long learners through IB PYP (International Bachelorette Primary Years Program https://vimeo.com/64309936

Class Schedule Electives Morning routine Math Recess Language Arts Lunch Reading Science/Social Studies Enrichment

Electives Schedule Monday –PE Tuesday - Music Wednesday - Art Thursday – Spanish Friday - Technology This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Our Classroom Community Our classroom is a community. In our community, we have rules to help us get along with each other.  Our class rules are: Follow all rules in the SJVA handbook Respect people, equipment and furnishings Listen and follow directions the first time Stay in your seat Raise your hand to ask questions instead of shouting out.

Personal Smart Devices & Toys Personal tablets, phones, and smart watches are prohibited at school Students are encouraged to leave these devices at home. Students who continuously break this rule will receive a detention. New Fads such as fidget spinners are prohibited. If caught using any of these devices in class, the device will be taken and parents must come and get the device. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Dress Code Solid Color Polo with gray, black, tan, or blue pants No funky hair cuts or hair color Solid color socks in white, black, brown, tan, navy, maroon or gray No printed sock or tights Sweatshirts and Jackets must be plain in maroon, white, black, navy, tan, brown or gray with no name brands or logos Heavy coats do not need to be solid in color,  but may not be worn inside the class.

Jeans Day/Casual Dress Day Jeans may now be worn on Thursdays if the student is wearing a SJVA shirt or college shirt!  Jeans cannot have holes in them Casual Dress days means students do not need to wear a uniform, but must still adhere to dress code ( no short shorts, spaghetti straps, flip flops, etc.)

Class Rewards Praise Class Dojo points (coupons) Positive Remind message Table points Class compliments

4th Grade Homework 4th Grade homework will be given during enrichment time everyday.  Students will be expected to complete homework during this time! All homework has been taught in class.  Please, check to make sure all homework is complete. Students can practice spelling or multiplication facts at home. All work – due the next day

Tardiness/ School Timeline School starts at 7:30 A.M.  If students aren’t in the classroom by this time, please check in at the school office before coming to class. It is very important to be on time for school every day! Students who are late, miss morning routines, and are often flustered and rushed in the morning. Students who are habitually tardy, will be put on an attendance contract Pick up @ 2:40 or 12:45 minimum days

Absences Our goal is to maintain over 98% attendance. Please try to be to school every day, but if your child is ill, keep them home and get independent study! Students with no absences or have independent study in place of absences may be eligible for a special reward at the end of each trimester.

Independent Study If your child is absent, please call the office to obtain an independent study packet. You can also email the office to get a digital copy Independent study contracts can only be signed before or on the day of the absence by 3pm. Independent study contracts can be found on the SJVA website under parent resources if you want to print it at home and take it into the school. In some cases, work can be sent through email.

Independent Study continued! Independent study is a resource for parents to use to replace an absence. Once you download the packet or pick it up in the office, you and your child have to sign it The office staff will either email or hand you the work packet once all signatures are obtained. Students complete the work the day they are out and return it the next school day. Packets are then graded by the teacher and the student is given credit for their work, and their absence is switched to IS giving them credit as if they were in school. Doctors notes are great, but it is still an absence, so please do independent study!!! Talk to me about any further questions about how independent study works. It is incredibly important for us to maintain a 98% or higher average throughout the school year.

Communication I can be reached via email @ dblythe@sjacademy.org Remind 101 Text the message: @fg2bh to the phone number 81010 I use this tool often to keep parents updated on class and school events. Texting through remind will get the quickest responses Please feel free to ask questions!

Let’s Have a Great Year!