1. 4th Grade Kerby Elementary 2013-2014 Ms. Kristin Zens WELCOME TO BACK-TO-SCHOOL-NIGHT

2. Departmentalizing Ms. Walsh: Science Ms. Zens: Social Studies/Spelling Mr. Pfeuffer: Math Switching begins tomorrow!

3. Ms. Zens Michigan State University –Bachelors in Elementary Education –Masters in Elementary Education with a Literacy Concentration –Teaching Endorsements: Elementary K-6, Social Studies (RX) 6-8 grades -Kerby Elementary School -2013-14 School Year, 4 th Grade -4 th year teaching within GP Public Schools! - 4 th Grade Homework Club teacher

4. Ms. Zens Kerby Elementary School –4 th Grade Teacher (2012-2013) –All Day Kindergarten teacher (2011-2012) Grosse Pointe North/South –Varsity Gymnastics (Assistant Coach) Defer Elementary School –All Day Kindergarten teacher (2010-2011)

5. TEACHER CONTACT INFO Located on Kerby website: Kristin Zens kristin.zens@gpschools.orgkristin.zens@gpschools.org Voicemail: 432-5681 Jennafer Walsh jennafer.walsh@gpschools.orgjennafer.walsh@gpschools.org Voicemail: 432-5479 Bill Pfeuffer william.pfeuffer@gpschools.orgwilliam.pfeuffer@gpschools.org Voicemail: 432-5250

6. Social Studies Switching begins tomorrow morning! Social Studies Alive! By TCI and Scholastic News Aligned to meet the State Grade Level Content Expectations.

7. Social Studies 4th year using this textbook Social Studies Alive! By TCI –Standards based –Supports Multiple intelligences –Textbook, readability level, graphics ONLINE!!!! Look for your student’s code, coming home on Thursday! –Projects designed for the students to apply what they have learned

8. Teaching Approaches Reading Whole Group/ Small Group Role Playing Creative Simulations Group Projects Writing Activities

9. Topics: Many Hats! We will be wearing many hats in Social Studies this year… –Geographer –Historian –Economist –Political Scientist

10. Main Units We’ll Cover Geography (Map Skills) Government/Politics Regions of the United States (5 Regions) Economics

11. Tips for Success Discuss Social Studies and current events with your child, and listen to what your child has to say. Ask to see your student’s folder on a regular basis so you can see what they are learning and ask them about it. Provide a quiet study place.

12. 4 th Grade Spelling What to expect each week… –Lists given Monday during Social Studies (check assignment book) Strategies, patterns, and spelling lessons will be taught during the Social Studies block on Monday morning. Tests will be given in homeroom on Friday and checked by homeroom teacher. –Test will NOT be in sentence format Weekly spelling sentences will be assigned and checked by homeroom teachers, more information to come later!

13. MAKING THE GRADE ESExceeds Standards: Consistently performs above grade level standards. Demonstrating mastery of the academic content at grade level and beyond. MSMeets Standards: Consistently and accurately demonstrates skills. Independently applies the knowledge, skills, and standards appropriate to their grade level. Shows evidence of mastery on multiple and varied assessments over time. ASApproaching Standards: Demonstrated skills inconsistently. Show progress, but is not at grade level standard yet. CAConcerns in the area: Needs considerable assistance and is performing significantly below standards. Struggles in this area; shows little or no progress. + area of strength @ meets expectations x needs improvement

14. Questions? It was so nice meeting you all. I am look forward to another wonderful year here at Kerby!