1. Meet the Fantastic Fourth Ms. Heather Ingle Ms. Angela Simecek Mrs. Lynn Colquhoun Mrs. Brittney Michaud Mr. Thad Shumaker Mr. Chris Valdez

2. School Supplies Each subject is using a classroom folder and journal Each teacher will keep a classroom set of: Scissors Pencils Note Book Paper Highlighters Thank you to all who brought in school supplies.

3. HAPPY BIRTHDAY We would love to celebrate with you on your child’s birthday. You may bring store bought cookies or cupcakes for students to enjoy after lunch at 3:00. Please do not bring any food items with peanuts or tomatoes.

4. Social Studies  Students will study Texas History using a variety of resources.  Reading, writing, and research skills will be reinforced.  The first grading period will include three units  Texas Geography: Regions and Skills  Celebrate Freedom Week  American Indians Before European Exploration

5. Math  We follow the 4 th Grade CSCOPE Curriculum Alignment Document.  Vocabulary words will be given at the beginning of each unit.  Notes/study guides will be given a week prior to the unit test.  PLEASE study multiplication facts at home with your child.

6. Reading and Language Arts  The majority of the assignments will be graded with a rubric.  Each category is given a number from 1-4. The four numbers are then averaged to get a final grade for the assignment.  1- 65%  2- 75%  3-85%  4- 95%  The students will read self selected books in class. They will also be writing daily.  How can you help your child be successful at school in Reading/ Language Arts?  To help at home, please have your child read a book at home each night to yourself or to a sibling.  You can also help your child by having him/her journal about the day’s events.

7. Science  This will be an exciting year in Science.  Science Fair  A day in Science  Our focus will be on:  Physical Science: physical properties, mixtures and solutions, and forms of energy  Earth Science: Slow changes of the Earth, Rocks and soil  Life Science: Adaptations, life cycles and food webs

8. HOMEWORK Monday: Social Studies Tuesday: Science Wednesday: Math Thursday: Reading Students will have a homework assignment from a different subject Monday-Thursday.

9. HOMEWORK Six completed homework assignments = 100% Five completed homework assignments = 83% Four completed homework assignments = 67% Three completed homework assignments = 50% Two completed homework assignments = 33% One completed homework assignments = 17% Zero completed homework assignments = 0%

10. HOMEWORK Online programs to help: Bookit.com Studyladder.com Education City Cool Math Academic Skill Builder Fun Brain Math Dictionary

11. Graded Work  Will be sent home on Wednesday in a manila envelope  Please review assignments with your son or daughter  Then return envelope back to school

12. For Misbehavior Actions Taken Ready to learn 1 st check: Warning 2 nd check: -5 minutes of recess, reteach 3 rd check: -10 minutes of recess 4 th Check: Think time in buddy room with a reflection sheet 5 th Check: Parent phone call 6 th Check: Loss of privilege, sit away from the group 7 th Check: Counselor Referral 8 th Check: Office Referral

13. Science Fair  Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade students are required to participate in the House Creek Elementary Science Fair. Students will be creating a Scientific Method Portfolio and display board over their chosen Scientific Investigation.  Each week their Science Teacher will present a new step in the Scientific Method and students will demonstrate their understanding by completing each step based on their Scientific Investigation at home. Students will receive grades on each step of the Scientific Method.

14. Science Fair  For safety reasons, please be available to assist your child with research and any portions of the experiment that may pose a safety risk.  Please follow the Science Fair Project Timeline to ensure your student is completing the parts of the Project.  Projects will be due November 1, 2013

15. Scholastic Reading Club  Receive order form  Choose books you’d like to order  Put in your teacher’s activation code  Your teacher will receive points to add more books to their classroom

16. Want to be involved?  Help out with the Science Fair  Teacher Helper  Lend a hand with Investigations in Science  Become a mystery reader  Every Friday from 11:00- 12:00

17. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! EMAIL PHONE TAKE HOME FOLDER PARENT CONFERENCE Face Book

18. We’re a Team  Neither of us can succeed without the other.  We are a TEAM.  This will be one amazing year working together!