1. 10/16/20151 Welcome to Ms. Rolen’s Fourth Grade Information Night!

2. 10/16/2015 2 Fourth Grade Curriculum If you would like to view the skills your child is expected to master by the end of this year for each subject, please visit: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/ These are the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) set by the Texas Education Agency.

3. 10/16/2015 3 Expectations Respect and responsibility are very important concept stressed in fourth grade. Our expectations are that all students will show respect for themselves and others, their school work, their time, and the property of others, as we encourage them to assume a larger role of responsibility in their own learning.

4. 10/16/2015 4 Rewards/Consequences REWARDS praise and recognition In-class rewards extra recess CONSEQUENCES warnings conduct marks loss of recess contact with parents loss of classroom privileges

5. 10/16/2015 5 Math Please practice the multiplication table through the twelves with your child at home. Students will be given timed tests on these throughout the year to help with memorization and speed. Students also need to keep up with basic addition and subtraction facts; they should be able to produce the answers without any hesitations. Drill and practice at home will be very beneficial to their performance in class.

6. 10/16/2015 6 Science In the fourth grade, your child will be studying science units which include: Matter and Energy The Natural World Living Systems

7. 10/16/2015 7 Texas History Students will explore the rich history of the Lone Star State. Texas – Past Present Future

8. 10/16/2015 8 Language Arts Language arts consists of reading, writing, and spelling. Students should read at least 20 minutes each night. Students will keep Reading Response Journal in class and be assigned a monthly book report based on the books they are reading. Our primary writing focus is on the writing process, not handwriting. Please practice handwriting with your child at home, as we are unable to spend a significant amount of time practicing in class. Eventually, all spelling homework will be required to be completed in cursive.

9. 10/16/2015 9 STAAR Tests In fourth grade, students will take 3 STAAR tests: WritingMar 27-28 Math April 24 ReadingApril 25

10. 10/16/2015 10 Spelling/Vocabulary Test Language Arts spelling (vocabulary) tests will be given on Fridays. Other content area spelling/vocabulary tests will be given periodically. These are words that your child will use in class and be expected to know how to spell and use correctly.

11. 10/16/2015 11 Important Times PE/Music and Library 9:00-9:45 Lunch 12:09-12:39 Computer Lab is on Friday Art Lab is on Monday Our specials time is on a six day rotation, therefore we will have library on “purple” day.

12. 10/16/2015 12 Math, Science and Social Studies Homework Math packets are given on Monday and is due on Friday, unless told otherwise. Please practice multiplication facts nightly. Science and Social Studies homework will vary.

13. 10/16/2015 13 Reading and Language Arts Homework Spelling homework is assigned on Monday and due on Friday. Beginning in October, book reports are assigned on the first of each month and due at the end of the month. Research papers will be assigned in December and due in January.

14. 10/16/2015 14 Tardies/Absences/Other notes When your child returns to school after an absence, you have three days to send in an excuse note before the absence is marked as unexcused. Please send a note if your child will be going home a different way than normal. Due to safety issues, permission will not be granted otherwise.

15. 10/16/2015 15 Fourth Grade Grading Policy All students are expected to complete and turn in all assignments on time. Daily grades that earn below a 70 may be corrected at school and resubmitted for a new grade, not higher than a 70. This is the student’s responsibility, and regrading is at the teacher’s discretion. Students may come in before school if they are struggling or need assistance.

16. 10/16/2015 16 Discipline Each student starts off the week with a 100 in Conduct and Work Habits. When a school rule is broken, students will be given a conduct or work habit mark. As infractions occur, points will be deducted, and this will be recorded in the Tuesday folder.

17. 10/16/2015 17 Open Communication The Tuesday Take-home Folders will be sent home every Tuesday with your child’s conduct and work habits grades and any graded papers or notes requiring your signature. Keep all the papers, but please sign and return the folder by Thursday. Your child will also record any homework assignments in their school planners. These items will enhance the home/school connection.

18. 10/16/2015 18 Snacks Please provide simple, HEALTHY snacks for your child, such as: Fruits/vegetables Gold fish crackers Granola bars Nuts Please pick convenient snacks that are NOT messy. Students will consume snacks in about 10 to 15 minutes while continuing with their assignments.

19. 10/16/2015 19 Water / Restroom Breaks Students may bring water bottles as long as it does not create a problem in class. Students are given a class bathroom/water break 3 times a day (after specials, before lunch and after recess). Only in emergency cases will students be allowed to leave the classroom. Time is very limited, and students may easily miss important announcements or instruction by leaving the class. If your child has a medical condition which requires him or her to use the bathroom more frequently, please send in a note.

20. 10/16/2015 20 Parties There will be 3 party days this year: Winter (classroom) Valentine’s Day (classroom) End of the Year (sponsored by PTA)

21. 10/16/2015 21 Thank you for coming, and we look forward to having an exciting and successful year with your child! If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask!

22. 10/16/2015 22 Contact Information Throughout the year, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at: Ms. Rolen rolens@pearlandisd.org Challenger Elementary (281) 485 - 7912