1. Curriculum Night 2011-2012 Welcome to 4 th Grade

2. Switching Classes and Schedule 7:35- 1 st Bell 7:45- Tardy Bell 7:45-7:50- Morning Procedures/ Announcements 7:50-8:50- Period 1A 8:50-9:50- Period 1B 9:50-10:40- Specials 10:40-11:40- Period 2A 11:40-12:10- Recess 12:15-12:45- Lunch 12:45- 1:45- Period 2B 1:45-2:40- Language Arts 2:40-2:45- Pack up Dismiss

3. Math Emphasis on the four main operations including adding and subtracting both whole numbers and decimals.Emphasis on the four main operations including adding and subtracting both whole numbers and decimals. Fractions and ProbabilityFractions and Probability GeometryGeometry GraphingGraphing An undercurrent of problem solving and critical thinking will accompany all units. THIS IS HUGE!!An undercurrent of problem solving and critical thinking will accompany all units. THIS IS HUGE!!

4. 4 th Grade Science Curriculum 1 st 9 Weeks2 nd 9 Weeks Lab Safety/Introduction Weather Lab Safety/Introduction Weather Physical Properties of Matter Patterns & Changes Physical Properties of Matter Patterns & Changes Mixtures & Solutions Properties of Soil Mixtures & Solutions Properties of Soil Water Cycle Weathering & Erosion Water Cycle Weathering & Erosion 3 rd 9 Weeks4 th 9 Weeks Renewable & Nonrenewable Energy Transfer of Organisms Renewable & Nonrenewable Energy Transfer of Organisms Resources Adaptations & Behaviors Resources Adaptations & Behaviors Conductors & Insulators Plant & Animal Life Cycles Conductors & Insulators Plant & Animal Life Cycles Electricity Electricity Force on Objects Force on Objects

5. Arrive on time with materials Turn work in on time Activity participate in large & small group discussions and inquiries Use respectful conversation and listening skills Follow Science Safety Rules Classwork/Homework Expectation Classwork/Homework Expectation Assigned Homework is usually once every 2 weeks Special Projects - usually 3 a year – part of which may require the student to complete a portion outside of the classroom Classwork often consist of small team inquiries Each Student is responsible for his assigned job (There will be an individual and a group grade for Team Activity.) Science Expectations

6. Social Studies- Texas History ---We will examine the history of Texas from the early beginnings to the present within the context of influences of the Western Hemisphere. ---We will discuss the geographical impact on the people, economics, and government of Texas. ---We will include the importance of the many cultures that have had and continue to shape Texas. ---Students will be involved in many self-guided, interest based projects to guide their learning.

7. Reading Reading and Language Arts go hand in hand. There are two overarching goals for students for the year. 1)Fourth graders read every day. A wide variety of genres and levels of complexity. 2)Fourth graders write every day. Students typically write better when they write about topics, issues, and experiences they know best. Reading builds background knowledge that makes writing easier.

8. Language Arts ---- We will focus on development of correct grammar and sentence production. ---- The students will write narrative compositions based on their personal experiences. ---The students will develop writing that focuses on factual information found in science, social studies, and math. ---This will all be done via the format of the writer’s workshop.

9. Homework Parents Role- Homework is a student responsibility. It is the parent’s role to make sure their students are doing their homework and if they need help, to discuss problem areas. Homework is given on an as needed basis in Math and Science. Reading- 100 minutes per week, homework sheet on a weekly basis Planners- Planners are filled out every day. It is important that you check your student’s planner on a regular basis. Take Home Folders- These go home whenever there is important information for your student to communicate with you about. This includes notes from the office, sign up forms, news, and graded papers. If you aren’t seeing graded papers come home, ask your student!

10. Extracurricular Activities There are plenty of ways to get involved:There are plenty of ways to get involved: FAST FAST KGES KGES Safety Patrol Safety Patrol Student Council Student Council Choir Choir Bank Bank

11. STAAR Test Dates - Writing, March 27 th and 28 th - Math, April 24 th - Reading, April 25th

12. Attendance/Make Up Work It is important to be at school every day. If possible try to schedule appointments outside of school hours.It is important to be at school every day. If possible try to schedule appointments outside of school hours. Please send a note or call the office in the event that your students cannot attend.Please send a note or call the office in the event that your students cannot attend. Make up Work- For every day absent, the student will receive an additional day to complete make up work.Make up Work- For every day absent, the student will receive an additional day to complete make up work. Make up work will be sent home in a “While you are out folder”.Make up work will be sent home in a “While you are out folder”.

13. Classroom Management ClipboardClipboard Fun Friday LunchFun Friday Lunch StarbucksStarbucks

14. Contact information Conference time 9:50-10:40. If you would like to meet with us, please email or call to schedule a time 24 hours prior. This helps us to be better prepared to answer any questions that you may have for us. Our fourth grade webpage can be found through the school website at Our fourth grade webpage can be found through the school website at http://www.gcisd- k12.org/schools/ges/Contact The best way to contact us is through email. Our email addresses are david.norvell@gcisd.net, karen.redman@gcisd.net or austyn.vietor@gcisd.net I david.norvell@gcisd.netkaren.redman@gcisd.netaustyn.vietor@gcisd.netdavid.norvell@gcisd.netkaren.redman@gcisd.netaustyn.vietor@gcisd.net

15. Grading Policy Grades online- Sign up in the front office -Encourage your students to look online with you. Progress Reports and Report Cards -Reports will be given out on the third week only if a student is failing or has had a significant drop in their grade in a subject area. -All students will receive a report on the sixth week. -All report cards go home on the ninth week. Responsibility Grade-A completion grade will be taken for each assignment given for completion at home. These grades will be averaged together and given as a single grade at the end of the nine weeks. There will be one responsibility grade per subject.

16. Further Important Information FAST News- Sign up for district updates at www.gcisd-k12.org.FAST News- Sign up for district updates at www.gcisd-k12.org. www.gcisd-k12.org Cell Phones- All cell phones must be turned off and out of sight if they are brought to school. If you need to contact your student, please leave a message through the front office. This goes for other electrical devices as well.Cell Phones- All cell phones must be turned off and out of sight if they are brought to school. If you need to contact your student, please leave a message through the front office. This goes for other electrical devices as well.

17. Further Important Information Snacks- Please prepare snacks that are considered healthy for your student throughout the year. Snacks such as cupcakes, cookies, chips are things that can be placed in lunches, but are not considered healthy snacks.Snacks- Please prepare snacks that are considered healthy for your student throughout the year. Snacks such as cupcakes, cookies, chips are things that can be placed in lunches, but are not considered healthy snacks. Lunch Visitation- This year a separate table will be available for parents visiting their students. Only your child can sit with you at the parent table.Lunch Visitation- This year a separate table will be available for parents visiting their students. Only your child can sit with you at the parent table. Lunch Order Limits- You can go online and list provisions to your students’ allowable lunch choices.Lunch Order Limits- You can go online and list provisions to your students’ allowable lunch choices.

18. Further Important Information BirthdaysBirthdays Visitor Sign-inVisitor Sign-in Volunteering- Background checks are a must.Volunteering- Background checks are a must.