2.  Inspire  Excite  Challenge  Appreciate We Believe Our Job Is To…

3. Writing - Most of their work is in the journal. We will publish one writing piece each nine weeks so do not expect lots of graded pieces to go home each week. Journal - Our journals are “our playground for our pencils” in which we use to explore creative concepts. Cursive - We will focus on two letters a week. Practice worksheet will come home each week. WRITING

4. Weekly Skill Each week we will explore an instructional spelling skill that follows a pattern. The student will have opportunities to make new words and apply these words In their writing. Assessment We do not test the skill through traditional spelling tests that encourage memorization; instead through authentic writing. We will assess every three weeks. WORD WORK

5. READING  Reading in Class  Build stamina  Expand vocabulary  Increase fluency/speed  Improve comprehension  Develop love of reading  Reading at Home  Every night  Complete reading response journal  Skills  Using metacognition to think about their reading

6. MATH  Manipulatives/Hands-on learning  AISD 90 minute math model  Drill and Practice  Problem Solving- critical thinking  Content Instruction –modeling and guided practice  Learning Groups- assessments, work stations, reinforcement of skills  Math Journals- concepts, examples, strategies on solving problems What does it look like in our daily lives?

7. SCIENCE  Science Fair (optional, highly encouraged)  Observation Journals  Safety in the Lab  Scientific Tools  Matter  Ecosystems  Life cycles  Recycling  Sun, Earth, and Moon  Changes to the Earth  Force and Friction  Simple Systems

8. SOCIAL STUDIES  Local Communities  Maps  Local Government  Citizenship  Economics  Inventors  Regions  Cultural Celebrations  Recycle Sale in December

9. STAAR State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness  Benchmarks  Nov. 8 Math  Nov.9 Reading  Nov.15 Science  Simulation  Feb.7 Math  Feb. 8 Reading  STAAR Math******April 24  STAAR Reading******April 25  Math Lab  SSI – Student Support Initiative

10. CASTLE TIME  30 Minute block from 11:15-11:45  Time for Intervention and/or Enrichment  Access to 10 Teachers  Students can move from group to group as needed. CASTLE began on September 19. Mrs. Latimer Mrs.Cooper

11. HOMEWORK  Given most nights each week  Homework should take 30 minutes excluding reading time  Homework will be written daily in their agenda.  Read nightly, at least 20-30 minutes, and stay accountable through daily response logs. Bring to school daily.  Word Work skills will be practiced through a word hunt and writing each week.  Cursive- two letters each week  Projects/assignments will be given throughout the year

12. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT Positive Incentives vary by class Study Hall (Use time wisely) “Think Track” (ZAP PAD) Code of Conduct (in agenda)

13. -HELP WANTED-  Minimizing tardies and absences  Submit Volunteer Background Check  Send anti-bacterial wipes  Send a dry erase board eraser

14. Notes of Interest Parent/Teacher Conferences will be conducted the month of October. Sign-up sheets are available tonight. Scholastic Weekly Reader - Please contribute to this wonderful non-fiction weekly magazine that contains current events. $5.00/yearly subscription. Scholastic Book Order monthly – Great Deals! Communication: e-mail, notes, agenda, folder, newsletter, teacher websites- Feel free to call or e-mail anytime, you are a key component to your child’s education. Field Trips: Plays at Dallas Children’s Theatre, Meet the Mayor/Target (ACO families) $15 Can pay $20 for Scholastic News and field trips online or bring a check made out to Norton by October 18.

15. Thanks for Coming!