Welcome 4th Grade Superheroes!!

Curriculum Night Riggs Elementary Ms. Freed and Mrs. Johnson Fourth Grade 2015/2016 School Year

Ms. Freed I was born in Oklahoma City and moved to Arizona at a very young age. I attended Arizona State University where I received my B.A. in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood endorsement. This is my eighth year teaching and fifth year as a part of the Riggs family. I am looking forward to building a community within our classroom, where each student’s passion for learning can blossom. Outside of school and teaching I enjoy reading, crafting, piano, traveling, family, and spending time with my extremely energetic dog, Jaxon! I am living my childhood dream of becoming a teacher and am looking forward to working with you and your child in a year full of fun and learning.

Mrs. Johnson I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up on a wheat farm in Kansas. I was lucky that my grandparents and great-grandparents both had houses on the same farm. I received my teaching degree from Kansas State University in I have a masters in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. I started my teaching career in the Kyrene School District teaching 2nd grade. I have also taught 3rd grade at Conley Elementary and 5th grade at Hull Elementary before coming to Riggs. This will be my 21st year of teaching and I am so excited to be here! I love spending time with my husband, David and our two sons; Tanner is 16 and Ethan is 7.I also enjoy traveling, going to the movies, dancing and being with friends and family.

Our Classroom Community Family School and TeachersStudents “It takes a village to raise a child.” ~ African Proverb

Our Class Mission All children in our class work together to create an environment where every student is comfortable and willing to take risks. Our classroom community works together, with great enthusiasm, to achieve lessons and curriculum that is interesting and attainable to ALL students. All students develop a love of learning!

Our Classroom Family The students will have an opportunity to be instructed by two experienced teachers in all subject areas. Parents and students will have the advantage of being able to communicate and receive assistance from each of the teachers. Classroom rules and expectations are the same for each teacher, which will provide consistency and support of individual students and their learning. Various types of instructional groupings will allow for closer monitoring of student progress and more individual attention to their needs. Although we will be sharing a room, students will have opportunities to experience lessons/activities with their individual class. What are the benefits of co-teaching?

Parent Communication Daily Agenda Home Folder Weekly Newsletters ( ed home) Our Class Websites Riggs School Website Voic – (480) *Contact us if you are not receiving weekly s, newsletters, and/or replies. Please call the office for “same day” messages.

Grading Daily Work/Quizzes/Tests Observation/Participation Average of Scores Rubrics used for Writing and Projects A = % B = % C = % D = % F = Below 59%  District expectations are that parents are checking Infinite Campus to monitor student progress! You may view and print progress reports and report cards through the Parent Portal as hard copies will not be sent home this year.

Curriculum Please refer to our Hero Headquarter brochure for detailed information regarding our 4 th grade curriculum. Make sure to check our newsletter, which is ed every Friday, for weekly concepts being taught. Home Support Needed: Multiplication & Division Facts (0-12’s)

Weekly ( ed every Friday and due the following Friday) Homework Accelerated Reader (AR) & AR Book Reports

Classroom Management Positive Reinforcement Earn and Return Cards Class Rewards Individual “Zap” Sticks Preferred Activity Time (PAT) - Fridays Misconduct Ticket / Office Caught in the Act

Closed Campus Riggs is a closed campus to ensure safety for students. ALL visitors check in and out at the front office. Only students and staff are allowed on the playground/fields. Parents may walk students to their classroom line the first day of school ONLY.

Miscellaneous Field Trips – 4 th grade ECA fees of $30 must be paid online (no cash will be accepted this year) Supplies – check green folder for supplies specific to our classroom Daily Snacks - Healthy - *Allergy Awareness Water Bottles Birthdays - treats must be store bought and ready to serve with napkins provided Volunteers

THANK YOU FOR COMING! We are looking forward to a wonderful year with you and your child!