2. Mrs. Susan Dennison Bachelor of Arts in History 1994
George Mason University
Master of Education (K-8) 1995
Marymount University
iWonder Smithsonian Graduate 2009
Gifted Education Post-Graduate Work
Educator since 1995 and LIFELONG LEARNER

3. Philosophy Positive Classroom Environment Differentiated Instruction
Flexible Grouping
High Expectations For ALL
Project (Problem)-Based Learning
Road to Independent Thinking

4. RULES (P.B.I.S.) Class Rules School Rules Playground Rules
Cafeteria Rules
Hallway Rules

6. Reading & Language Arts
Fourth Grade Curriculum
Reading & Language Arts
Reading Pathways: Reading Workshop
Writing Pathways: Writing Workshop
Word Study, Grammar & Cursive Handwriting
6-Traits and the Writing Process
Oral Presentations, Book Talks, Published Books

7. Mathematics Problem Solving Hands-On Equations Science Integration
Fourth Grade Curriculum
Mathematics
Problem Solving
Hands-On Equations
Science Integration
Vocabulary Enrichment
Small Group Instruction as Needed
Interactive Notebook/Writing in Math

8. Science Investigations and STEM Labs Watersheds and Natural Resources
Fourth Grade Curriculum
Science
Investigations and STEM Labs
Watersheds and Natural Resources
Astronomy
Magnetism and Electricity
Weather
Force, Motion & Energy
Living Processes and Systems (Plants/Animals)

9. Social Studies Virginia Geography Virginia’s Native People
Fourth Grade Curriculum
Social Studies
Virginia Geography
Virginia’s Native People
English Colonization
Conflicts: Fr.&In., American Revolution, Civil War
Founding a New Nation and Documents
Important Issues: Slavery to Civil Rights
Changes in Virginia to Present Day

10. Technology Computer Immersion School Code to the Future --Scratch
Fourth Grade Curriculum
Technology
Computer Immersion School
Code to the Future --Scratch
Dreambox and Reflex
Publishing and Presentations
SpellingCity, Plickers
Online Textbooks

11. Homework Homework is independent practice of what is taught in class.
H.O.T. (Homework On Time) Card Incentive
Independent Reading (Prepare for Book Talks)
Paperless Homework Options for Math
Word Study (Spelling City app) or Grammar

12. Fourth Grade Extras P.E., Library, Art, Music 1-to-1 Laptops
Team PBL Activities
Clubs and Assemblies
Family Life Education (F.L.E.)
Field Trips and Visitations
3 Parties

13. SEARCH & FUTURA
SEARCH instruction will be given bimonthly, by Mrs. Dina Leonard, and will serve as enrichment for all students.
On FUTURA days (Tuesdays), remaining classroom students will enjoy smaller group instruction, time in the Maker Space, STEM challenges, and additional academic enrichment.
Students currently enrolled in the FUTURA program will leave every Tuesday at 9 am and return by 1:45 pm to receive gifted and talented enrichment at Creighton’s Corner. Missed work will never be punitive, but must be completed by Friday. No quizzes or tests will be given on Tuesdays.

14. 2: Progressing Toward the Standard 1: Below the Standard
Learning Progression
Aiming for the Learning Target!
FORMATIVE
4: Exceeds the Standard
SUMMATIVE
3: Meets the Standard
2: Progressing Toward the Standard
1: Below the Standard

15. Higher-Level Reasoning
Assessment Practices
How might the Siege of Yorktown turned out for the Continentals
if the French not been involved? }
Higher-Level Reasoning
and Problem-Solving }
Basic Comprehension
and
Recall
Where was the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War fought?

16. Food in School
Please remember that in order to create a healthier and safer environment for all students, Loudoun County Public Schools guidelines prohibit sharing or trading food in the school. While we appreciate that birthdays and other special occasions are often celebrated with food, but please support the LCPS  guidelines by finding other ways to recognize these special days or saving your celebration for after school. Your child should only eat what you pack at home or the school cafeteria sells.

17. Communication Weekly Newsletters: 4th Grade Happenings Webpage
Telephone:
Notes in the agenda
LCPS App and Parent VUE (PHOENIX)
Behavior and Academic Alerts from ClassDOJO

18. Papers From School
The “Boomerang” binder should be viewed nightly, along with the Agenda and MSES folder inside. Please initial or sign the agenda nightly.
Graded papers and school notices will be included in your child’s binder.

19. First Quarter Conferences
Sign-Ups will be available soon. I will
you and post a SignUp Genius link!

20. Please take everything
that you found on TOP of your child’s desk. Get a head start on filling out the forms and return ASAP.
Thank You for Coming!