1. Open House Mr. Donovan Grade 4 Alden Elementary School 2014-2015

2. Welcome! Meet our Class!

3. School Day Schedule: Typical Day: Math Special Snack/Read Aloud ELA Recess Lunch Finish ELA D.E.A.R. Science and Social Studies *Refer to agenda for special schedule

4. School Day Schedule: Library: Tuesday mornings 11:00-11:30 (Wigmore) 11:30-12:00 (Donovan) *Passport Club will be checked once a month during library time Technology: Computer lab Friday mornings Macbook Air Cart: 2x’s per week iPad Cart to be used this year

5. Classroom Expectations: Card System, credit points- When we earn our credit points, we will have a game on a Friday afternoon. The team building game/activity will be fun, structured, and relaxed. Binder/agenda/Keeping organized (need AR book everyday in and out of school)

6. Homework Policy: Alden policy is that 4 th grader students will have approximately 45 minutes of homework per night. Typically this includes math, spelling, and reading AR. If they finish quickly, options include: additional AR, Study Island, Type to Learn, Everyday Math Online, practicing math facts, etc. Extra Credits/Challenge Work Parent role with homework, increase independence. Think of yourself as a quality control officer! Homework helps drive future instruction. What is the homework book? Parent notes/make up work

7. Math: How is the Everyday Math program helping students? Spiraling Curriculum Various computation strategies Students use writing to explain thinking more often Math Boxes- due each week Excellent SRB books for reference and test review/Online account- show process…

8. Spelling: How do students get to know their list each week? (act out words, thesaurus, dictionary, Spelling City) What are clue words and how are they used in class? What assignments will the students usually have for spelling? Monday- Clue Words Tuesday-Two Times Each Wednesday- Assigned page(s) from spelling book Thursday- 8 Sentences (all star sentences) Friday- No Homework

9. Literacy: What are our reading themes? Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4 Unit 5 Unit 6 This Land is Your Land Work and Play Patterns in Nature Puzzles and Mysteries Adventures by Land, Sea, and Water Reaching for Goals

10. Literacy: Students work in small groups each week using mini-books. Assigned reading work is completed in school and is typically due by the end of the week. Structured writing activities are included in each unit. (including, but not limited to, personal narratives, how-to- reports, persuasive essays, letters and postcards, Look Back and Write Essays, feature articles, and research reports)

11. Accelerated Reader: We will use AR throughout the year. This daily reading assignment is intended to improve each students’ reading comprehension. Students are expected to read at least 3 AR books per term with an 80% or above score. “At least” is the operative phrase, we encourage students to complete as many as possible. Tests are multiple choice and are taken online AR extra credit opportunities

12. Appreciating Poetry We will read and discuss poems by famous authors as part of our literacy time. We will create a variety of poems, such as haiku and cinquain. Watch for a special project coming this fall!

13. Assessments: 3 Benchmark Tests in literacy and math 3 school wide assessments including fluency checks, comprehension checks, some selection tests as well. Scores and grade level norms will be shared with you at October conferences.

14. Science: taught by Mr. D Vertebrates Geology Electricity Simple Machines

15. Social Studies: taught by Mrs. W. Map Skills/ Geography/Landforms Regions of USA Canada Mexico (covered in Spanish class) Current events – Time for Kids Magazine

16. Miscellaneous: Volunteers- There are volunteer sheets located on side table for reading, copying, and library. We will be in touch with you once a schedule is made. We appreciate your help! Birthday Treats - New food guidelines will be fully implemented beginning in the 2014-2015 school year at Alden. Given the Health and Wellness Mandates, the growing number of allergies and safety concerns for our students, and the consistency between Chandler and Alden, it has been decided that we will celebrate birthdays and holidays food-free.