2. Welcome to 4 th Grade! Welcome to 4th Grade! 2014-2015 Parent Orientation

3. Welcome to 4 th Grade! We would like to welcome you and give a brief presentation and introduction. We will be happy to meet with any of you afterwards.

4. 4 th Grade Partnership The Harvard Family Research Project study on parental involvement indicates the following: Parent/guardian involvement is associated with higher student achievement outcomes.

5. How to help? Many of you do this already, but this is what research indicates. Reading and communicating with one's child, and the more subtle aspects of parental involvement, such as parental style and expectations, had a greater impact on student educational outcomes than some of the more demonstrative aspects of parental involvement, such as having household rules, and parental attendance and participation at school functions. www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our- publications/parental-involvement-and-student- achievement-a-meta-analysis

6. Expectations We have high expectations. They are challenging but reasonable. 4 th grade is a significant academic jump from 3 rd grade. Your child may struggle at times this year, and that is normal. Communication between parent and teacher is critically important.

7. Safe Environment We appreciate the fact that you know your child better than anyone. With that in mind, if you or your child have any concerns, please let us know as soon as possible.

8. Communicating with parents: How will we involve parents? Parent Orientation Websites (updated weekly) Agendas (daily) Notes, e-mails, phone calls Room parent Volunteer opportunities

9. School Rules & Expectations BE RESPECTFUL BE RESPONSIBLE BE SAFE

10. BE RESPECTFUL TO OTHERS AND THEIR PROPERTY –Keep hands, feet, objects, and negative words to yourself. TO ALL ADULTS: FACULTY, STAFF, & ADMINISTRATION –Teachers, Cafeteria Workers, Office Workers, Principals, Custodians, Educational Assistants TO SCHOOL PROPERTY –Anything belonging to the county/school

11. BE RESPONSIBLE Have all materials ready for class each day. Complete homework and have it ready for class when it’s due. Get agenda signed daily. Give notes and papers to parents when they are sent home. Bring back notes/papers when they are to be returned. Keep desk, floor, & cubby area clean and organized.

12. BE SAFE In the classroom In the hallway In the bathroom In the cafeteria On the playground

13. Behavior Marks OT = off-task behaviors; inattention; school/classroom rule broken T = loud, inappropriate or disruptive talking DP = disrespectful to other people or oneself DT = disrespect to things; school or personal property R = responsibility for class supplies; books; AGENDA H = homework or class work not completed AND brought to class G = gum L = late to class, unexcused

14. Rewards/Consequences Teachers may choose from the following: Roar Celebration Extra Privileges Treats Extra Computer Time Individual Teacher Choice Marks Loss of Roar Party Loss of privileges Removed to another teacher’s classroom Conference 6 marks – referral to office Extreme behavior – straight to office

15. Agendas Please Check & Sign Agendas Daily! Students should always have their agendas filled out. Students are responsible for: –ROAR Chart –Materials (books, papers, etc.) –Agenda (getting signatures & recording their assignments) –Delivering anything sent home to parents –Giving notes to teachers from parents –Completing/Turning in their assigned and missed work

16. Absences Need a parent or doctor note to excuse absences. After 10, only a doctor’s note is accepted to receive an excused absence. Have 5 school days to make up work. Any medicine must be brought to the office by a parent and signed in.

17. Lunch/Snacks Money will be turned in at the cafeteria by students in a sealed and marked envelope Healthy lunches from home. No sodas, tea, etc. are allowed. Snacks must be healthy: no candy. Only water to drink in a spill proof bottle allowed in classroom.

18. Related Arts RA is on a 6 day rotating schedule. Students will know what they have at least by the day before. Wear sneakers on PE days.

19. Homework Homework is an essential part of learning. It helps to reinforce concepts. As such, late homework will have a negative effect on grades.

20. Visiting School & Picking up Child All parents must enter the at the front office and sign with picture I.D. before entering any other part of the school or playground. No child may be checked out after 2:15. Pick them up in car rider line. Send a note for any alternate way home. Schedule meetings at least 2 days in advance.

21. Lunch with your Child In order for students to establish a routine, we do not open up the cafeteria to guests until after Labor Day. Only the child of the parent visiting may eat lunch with the parent. Seating is limited due to the amount of students eating and one table is reserved for students with peanut allergies.

22. Questions ?