Curriculum Night

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

2. Switching Classes and Schedule 7:35- 1st Bell 7:45- Tardy Bell 7:45-7:50- Morning Procedures/ Announcements 7:50-8:50- Period 1 8:50-9:50- Period 2 9:50-10:40- Specials 10:40-11:40- Period 3 11:40-12:10- Recess 12:15-12:45- Lunch 12:45- 1:45- Language Arts 1:45-2:40- Social Studies/RtI 2:40-2:45- Pack up Dismiss

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

4. 4th Grade Science Curriculum 1st 9 Weeks2nd 9 Weeks Lab Safety/Introduction Weather Physical Properties of Matter Patterns & Changes Mixtures & Solutions Properties of Soil Water Cycle Weathering & Erosion 3rd 9 Weeks4th 9 Weeks Renewable & Nonrenewable Energy Transfer of Organisms Resources Adaptations & Behaviors Conductors & Insulators Plant & Animal Life Cycles Electricity Force on Objects

5. Science Expectations 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 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.)

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. • Fourth graders read every day. A wide variety of genres and levels of complexity. • 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: • FAST • KGES • Safety Patrol • Student Council • Choir • Bank

11. STAAR • Test Dates - Writing, March 27th and 28th - Math, April 24th - 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. • 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 will be sent home in a “While you are out folder”.

13. Classroom Management • Clipboard • Fun Friday Lunch • Starbucks

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 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

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. • 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. • 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.

18. Further Important Information • Birthdays • Visitor Sign-in • Volunteering- Background checks are a must.