1. Welcome Parents! Room 42 Fourth Grade Mrs. McLucas

2. Contact Info I can be best reached via e-mail at: kmclucas@wcsd.k12.ca.us kmclucas@wcsd.k12.ca.us I’ll get back to you within 24 hours Contact the Walnut Heights office for immediate needs at (925) 944-6834 during the school day (forgotten lunch or instrument, change of pick-up time or change of pick- up person). 944-6834 extension 7142

3. Class Subjects 4 th Grade Subject Areas: –Reading, Vocabulary, Writing, Language & Spelling –Math –Science –Social Studies – California History –Grades will include percentages, Standard based (MS+, MS, AS, NS), letter grades, and comments. –Classwork/Tests will be sent home every 2-3 weeks in Wed envelope. Please look over with your child.

4. Common Core State Standards Emphasizes 21 st Century Skills of: Problem solving Critical thinking Collaborative skills Balance between fiction & non-fiction text Depth and rigor in content areas Fewer worksheets/ More real world problem solving

5. Common Core Implementation Implementation is an ongoing process. Changes have been made in all content areas. District emphasis this year will be on Math Continued focus: Informational Text, Text Dependent Questions, and Text Complexity. Changes in Math: Transition units to cover CCSS learning goals, using Envision text with other materials Next Generation Science Standards – not implemented until 2017

6. Reading Core Literature –Island of the Blue Dolphins –Patty Reed’s Doll –By the Great Horn Spoon Literature Circles Readers Workshop using CAFÉ strategies and conferencing AR (accelerated reader) Reading/Vocabulary journal & reading logs

7. Language Arts Vocabulary –Journal including Greek and Latin Roots –Academic, Content, & Procedural Words Grammar and Language Practice Spelling – accountable for Word Wall Words (assessed in student writing) Cursive Practice

8. Writing Writer’s Workshop Model Writing Genres (Common Core Standards) Narrative Opinion Informational Writing

9. Math Common Core Transition Units and Envision Program Fractions Long Multiplication and Long Division Problem Solving –Problem of the Month and MARS tasks –Number talks Geometry Problem Solving Pre-Algebra

10. Social Studies California Geography & Regions California Native Americans Ranchos & Missions Gold Rush Statehood Railroad Plus several fun projects

11. Science Earth Science –Changing Earth –Rocks and Minerals Physical Science –Electricity –Magnetism Life Science –Relationships of Living things –Ecosystems

12. Homework Assigned Mon-Thurs (written in planner) Typically consists of: 1 Math Sheet 1 Language Sheet or National Geographic work 20 or more minutes of reading Should take about 1 hour (please make a note if hmwk took longer or was difficult) Due the next day, unless a different due date is noted in planner. A homework folder has been provided to transport any paper assignments to and from home. Unfinished homework is done at recess.

14. Typing 4 th graders are expected to develop their word processing skills. Typing skills are crucial with the new Smarter Balanced Assessments. Assessment is on computers. 4 th graders are expected to write short answers to prompts, and paragraphs about passages. 5 th graders (on up) are expected to write essays. Mr. Liu recommends the following free sites: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing (best for beginners)http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing http://www.typeonline.co.uk/ Students are expected to practice 10 min./day 3 times/week for homework.

15. STAR of the WEEK One student each week. Complete poster One share day – bring an item to share (if an adult from home is required, then previous arrangements with the teacher must be made (ie pet) Special Privileges – teacher’s helper, choose activity, special seating etc. Optional – may bring a treat to share one day during the week.

16. Field Trips 2015-2016 October 23 (Fri) Indian Day January TBDOakland Museum February 10 (Wed)Walk Through California March TBDRancho Day April 15-16 (Fri-Sat)Columbia May 6 (Fri)Sacramento June 9 (Thurs)Pool Party

17. Columbia Field Trip Friday April 15 th through mid-day Saturday April 16 th. Families attend with their 4 th grader. Some parents bring siblings, and some come for a special time with just their 4 th grader. Either is fine. Families are responsible for their own transportation, motel accommodations, and meals. Activities include Gold mining demonstration, panning for gold, 1860’s School House presentation, blacksmith demo, leather crafts, tour of the historic town, stagecoach ride, and storyteller.

18. What About Band? Elective with parent permission Held Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons (during specials) for 30 min. Students NOT attending band will get extra time to work on class assignments/projects, reading, writing, or reader’s theater. No core content will be taught during the Band time.

19. Classroom Helpers Art Lab - Thursday afternoon 45 min. Science Lab – Wednesdays 10:25-11:55 (10:25-11:10 & 11:10-11:55) Library – Mondays 1:00-1:30 and 1:30-2:00 Field Trips – Lots of help needed throughout the year!! Field Trip Coordinator – contact drivers, check on paperwork, help with arranging forms and carpools Room Parents (parties etc.) Cougar Capers Rep. Carnival Rep. Math Help 10:40-11:35 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri Occasional projects (at school and at home)

20. Supporting the 4 th Grader to Success Teamwork & Communication! Lots of sleep (10-11 hours/day) Providing healthy snacks & meals Balance & structure –Physical play & activity –A quiet place to do homework –A sacred reading time/place every day (not just bedtime) Extra support and TLC (tough time, stress, friend issues, homework)…please keep me in the loop about any special needs your child may have.

21. Thank you for your support! I look forward to getting to know you and your child this year!