1. Welcome to Back to School Night 2012-2013 4 th Grade Mrs. Gorges

2. Dear Fourth Grade Parents, We welcome you and your child to the fourth grade at Countryside School. This presentation will provide an overview of the upcoming year and answer questions you may have. Although it is just one grade higher, fourth grade is a giant step from third grade in terms of curriculum, academic requirements, and expectations. As the fourth grade curriculum is broad, there is more content for teachers to present and for students to learn. In order to maximize the potential of every fourth grade student, we feel that there are specific goals all of us can work to achieve.

3. Teacher Goals 1.Establish an atmosphere of trust 2.Focus on developing self-esteem in each child 3.Focus on the positive 4.Develop lesson plans that creatively facilitate district curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking whenever possible 5.Encourage a sense of student responsibility and pride in his/her work 6.Be a positive role model

4. Student Goals 1.Believe in oneself 2.Be committed and determined to learn 3.Be responsible for your work and behavior 4.Take pride in the quality of your work 5.Be positive to other students and adults 6.Become actively involved in helping Countryside run as a true community

5. Wildcat Rules BE RESPONSIBLE Be READY to LEARN BE RESPECTFUL BE SAFE

6. PBIS Positive Behavior Intervention System By following school and classroom rules and going above and beyond what is expected, students can earn PAWS. PAWS can be given by any member of the school staff. Each month students can cash in their PAWS to participate in a PAWS celebration “booster”. Students can use their PAWS in the classroom to cash in for different rewards.

7. 4 th Grade Testing Reading Levels (Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Reading Assessment) CogAts (Fall-end of September) MAPS (math and reading- Fall, Winter, and Spring) ISATs (Spring)

8. RtI Response to Intervention Students who do not meet grade level benchmarks in reading or math for fall, winter, and spring will be receiving additional support through means of reading/math interventions. Parents will be notified. Interventions will be given by our classroom assistants, classroom teachers, speech pathologists, reading resource, diagnostician, extended resource teacher, etc. Interventions will take place during your child’s science and social studies block.

9. Progress Monitoring Students receiving interventions will be progress monitored weekly if not bi-weekly to ensure they are making progress and that the intervention is working.

10. Individual Goal Setting The goal setting process will take place 3 times per year in both reading and math. Goals will be based on reading and math MAP scores & reading benchmark assessments- focusing on areas of weakness or below grade level. Each student will participate in the goal setting process and as a team (teacher, parents and student) we will work together to help the student achieve his or her goals.

11. Organization Homework and Note trays Subject Trays for completed work Labeled Folders: Friday Folder, Daily Take-Home Folder; Unfinished Work Folder; Portfolio Reading and Writing Binder Box for misc. supplies Predictable Routine Schedules and routines are posted around the room and located in student folders Assignment notebooks will be filled out daily

12. Homework All homework is due the following day unless specified. 40-60 minutes per night including self-selected reading and studying math facts. –Reading minutes will need to be signed weekly –Math facts will need to be signed nightly Late/No homework tickets issued for late or missing homework and due the next day. All homework assignments will be recorded in daily assignment notebook.

13. How can I help my child with homework/school organization? Encourage and support Independence Routine, routine, routine Provide minimal assistance with homework Encourage your child to reread assignments or directions before beginning homework Have your child read directions aloud Encourage your child to ask specific questions Use textbooks and given resources when needed Use notes when provided Encourage your child to ask teacher for help Encourage your child to check over their work when completed

14. Communication Daily Take-Home Folders (notes and daily homework assignments) Friday Folders (parent signature needed- graded work and notes) Email/Phone Weekly Newsletter (Fridays) Assignment notebooks (teacher and parent initial each night) Teacher webpage (updated daily or weekly)

15. Ideas to support Reading at Home Model a love for reading and share your thinking as you read Compliment your child on his or her reading Have conversations about the books and various texts your child is reading Books on CD Read together as a family Read to younger siblings Read aloud to your children Have your child read aloud to you Ask questions

16. Spelling We believe in creating everyday spellers not “Friday” spellers. Lists will be individualized based on a spelling assessment. Lists will include but not limited to grade level words, words specific to each student’s individual spelling stage, content-area vocabulary words, grade level high frequency words, student chosen words, vocabulary words, and words from your child’s writing.

17. Ideas to support Writing at Home Model a love for writing Compliment your child’s work Encourage your child to journal or write stories Provide support or assistance only when needed or asked Show interest in your child’s writings and provide positive feedback Celebrate good writing

18. Math Facts!!!! Please make sure your child is working towards mastering their MULTIPLICATION and DIVISION facts!

19. Computers Ultrakey-keyboarding Additional computer times will vary depending on activities and projects Compass Odyssey (MAP goals) –students can access Compass Learning at home. Compass Club Classroom Blog

20. Grading A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = 50-59% On some assignments students may receive an assignment grade as well as a spelling grade. Quarter averages are composed of test, quiz, homework, and participation grades. All tests and quiz grades are final.

21. ISAT ISAT testing will take place during the month February. Students will be tested on the following: –Reading –Math –Science Parent power point presentation available on my webpage.

22. T.E.A.M. Together Everyone Achieves More

23. Thank you so much for coming!!! ngorges@barrington220.org 847-756-2874