1. Back To School Night Mr. Clarke’s Class 2016-2017 Welcome!
While you are waiting for the presentation to begin:
Make sure you fill out any of the forms located on the front table.
Take a tour around the room and find your child’s desk.
Have a seat and relax!

2. Standards of Learning
Virginia Standards of Learning are the framework for our curriculum.
We do not teach to the tests.
We teach them all the required information in a Fun and Interactive way.
Fourth Grade SOL tests include:
Reading
Math
Virginia Studies

3. Reading Comprehension and Fluency are our goals!
Focus on different strategies, and helping them understand how and why we read.
From Learning to Read  Reading to Learn
Good Readers can access and learn anything they want.
Reading should always be fun!
Teaching them to pick “Just Right” books.

4. Writing
Students will work on practice prompts, free writing, poetry, persuasive writing, book reports, and many other forms throughout the year.
We will continue to build on research skills learned last year in third grade.
Students will learn many ways to plan and organize their writing.
Students will learn how to edit their work independently.
Students will learn how to navigate Microsoft Word to complete some of their final drafts.

5. Math Students are pre-tested prior to each chapter/unit.
Lessons are designed around the areas of strengths and weaknesses.
There are no levels!
Parents are encouraged to practice math facts (multiplication/division/addition/subtraction) with their children each night.

6. Science Main focus will be the scientific method
Students will use the scientific method to explore all of the content they need to cover
Topics include:
Force, Motion, and Energy
Life Processes
Living Systems
Earth/Space Systems
Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Change

7. Virginia Studies
Students will learn about Virginia geography and history from present.
Their binder will be their primary source for information. All of their notes and charts will be inside. Please make sure they have it each day.

8. School Preparation
Our job will be to build the foundation for the skills they need to succeed in the upper grade levels:
Independence
Self Advocacy
Organization

9. Types of Assessments Diagnostic Formative Summative Before instruction
Not graded
Not reflected on the report card
Formative
During instruction
Reflected in progress indicators on the report card (numbers only)
Summative
After instruction
Reflected in progress indicators and grades on the report card (number and letter grades)

10. Grading Not all assignments are graded
Assignments will be marked with a number grade
Scores:
1 – Below the Standard
2 – Progressing towards the Standard
3 – Meeting the Standard
4 – Exceeding the Standard
Scores are based on this criteria, not on the number correct out of a total number.

11. Grading Continued Other Types of Scores:
1.5 – Student is showing some progression. They are still struggling, but they are not below the standard.
2.5 – Student has almost mastered the standard, but is still having difficulty with one small area.
3.5 – Student has met the standard, but is unable to expand beyond it.

12. ParentVUE Portal
A secure login for parents to view their child’s grades and upcoming assignments
Requires you to sign up to access your child’s grades.
For more information go to the ParentVUE tab on the Moorefield website.

13. Homework Reading Read a total of 80 minutes/week (20 minutes a night)
Complete reading log each night
Word Study
Spelling lessons twice a week
Words are used for two weeks
New words given on Monday
Tests are given every other Friday
Weekly assignments will be completed in class during Reading/L.A. time. (Unfinished work will be sent home to complete for HW.)
Math
HW will be assigned each night (5-10 problems a night)

14. Classroom Management Focus on Positive Reinforcement
In this class we enter and leave with RESPECT
Safety is the number one priority throughout the day
Focus on Positive Interactions between students
Focus on natural/appropriate consequences
PBIS –
Shark Teeth
Shark Bites

15. Fuel up to Play 60
An in-school nutrition and physical activity program used to help encourage today’s youth to lead healthier lives
Students will create log-ins, participate in challenges, and collect points
New challenges are added regularly and will be done at school and at home
Student will need to link to Moorefield Sharks after completing a challenge or play
Go see Mr. Jones and Mrs. Leonard in the computer lab to create your Play 60 log-in!

16. Contacting Mr. Clarke Email is the best Matthew.clarke@lcps.org
Check my website
Will be updated regularly
Important dates will be listed on the calendar
Call the school
Will call back during planning time or after school
May take until the next morning to return calls.
Please remember to contact the school at the beginning of the day with any transportation changes. Do not me during the school day to change how your child is getting home. I am not always available to check my .
Remember that for success to occur, we have to work together as a team this year!

17. Questions

18. Thank you for taking the time to attend Back To School Night