Welcome to our 4 th grade class!

1. Welcome to our 4th grade class! Mr. Matt Brooks

2. Reading Series 6 Themes – At the end of each theme there is a theme test that covers skills learned. The first theme that we are currently in is entitled “Journeys”. www.eduplace.com

3. Reading (con’t.)‏ AR Component – After each story we read in the Reading Anthology, students can take an AR test. Students Reading grade will include their highest AR test taken during each grading period. The book must be in their reading level. We will have a time for AR reading/tests every day.

4. Reading (con’t.)‏ New AR username and passwords. These will be used for most programs at school, as well as the students individual network folders. Username: 18mbrooks (18 followed by first initial and last name) Password: MB18353 (first and last initial capitalized followed by student ID #)

5. Each Thursday I will hand out a weekly Reading log. Students need to read for at least 15 minutes a night for five nights. Obviously they may read more. This does not have to be an AR book. Reading (con’t.)‏

6. Language The Language grade will consist of grammar, spelling, punctuation, dictionary skills, and writing. Spelling – The list will be introduced with a pre-test. Students that spell all 25 words correctly will be exempt from taking the final test. There will be a few weeks throughout the year with no spelling tests.

7. Language (con’t.)‏ Spelling (Con’t.) - There will be 25 words on most spelling lists. This includes the 5 challenge words. Correct letter formation counts on spelling tests, including dotting i’s and crossing t’s.

8. Language (con’t.)‏ Writing – There are 3 main types of writing that we will be working with: Persuasive, Narrative, and Expository. We will also prepare for ISAT extended response writing. There will be at least 4 published pieces throughout the school year.

9. Science Students will be using an inquiry based approach in science. Units of study are: Magnetism and Electricity, Earth Materials, and Structures of Life We will read the material in class. Reading content and vocabulary is harder. Students are welcome to take books home to review. Tests will be based on what we do in class and in the readings, and vocabulary.

10. Social Studies This year we are again using the Social Studies Alive series. The units we will be studying are: Social Sciences Regions of the U.S.A. Students need a 3 ring binder!

11. Social Studies Daily Geography will be assigned on Monday and due on Friday. We will do daily geography every other week. This practices map, atlas, and globe skills. Any other resource you may think of may be used as well.

12. Math Practice 0-10 multiplication and division facts at home with flashcards. We will again be using the “Fast Math” program at school to learn math facts. Topics of Study: Geometry, Multiplication & Division, Decimals, Estimation, Angle Measurement, Fractions, Perimeter & Area, Percents, Weight/Volume/Capacity, & Symmetry, Time...

13. Math (Con’t.)‏ There is a math reference book that students have if they need help. They may take it home. Again, the reference book is online! Each student has an Everyday Math account. This is a great place to get extra help and play math games.

14. Handwriting Assignments may be written in print or cursive. Assignments that I can not read will not be accepted.

15. Classroom Info

16. Homework Students will be given a grade based on completed homework assignments, in class work, tests/quizzes, reading record... If they do not turn in their work, or it is incomplete, an incomplete work slip will be sent home. It needs to be signed and brought back the next day. During the incomplete work session, your child will complete the assignment. Once it is complete, their grade may be raised to no higher than an 80%.

17. Homework (cont.)‏ Each student will receive one homework “SLIDE” per grading period. This can be used if an assignment is left at home, incomplete, lost, eaten by the dog.......... Only one slide will be given each grading period. “Slides” are only valid for the current grading period.

18. Homework (cont.)‏ If your child needs extra help with anything we are doing in school they can always stay after school for an extra help session. These run from 2:30-3:00. In order for them to stay they need to fill out an extra help slip and have it signed by you before they will be allowed to stay. This way there is an official copy in the office.

19. Grading Grades: 50% Tests/Quizzes/Published Writing 30% Classwork 20% Homework This year we are using “Power School” for calculating grades. You can go online and check grades anytime. Progress reports will not be sent home. Please view them online.

20. Grading (cont.) Most assignments will be sent home in the students take home folder. Please check it daily. Also, send any papers back to school in this folder.

21. Assignment Notebook Students should be writing all assignments in their assignment notebook. Everyday I will allow class time to write assignments down as I write them on the board. Please check that they are writing their assignments in their notebook everyday. The assignment notebook is a great way to send me a quick note if the need arises.

22. Moby Max Students have a Moby Max account. Moby Max is a website students can go to and practice math and English/language arts skills. Mobymax.com Username: 18mbrooks (18followed by first initial and last name) Password: MB186541 (initials capitalized followed by student ID) This username and password will be used for most programs from now on at school.

23. District Website Our school district website is www.whsd1.org I will be putting the homework assignments on the website daily. Check the site often for updates and important information.

24. Book Orders I will hand out a Scholastic book order every month. Occasionally we will do a computer software order. Checks – Make payable to the Scholastic Book Club. Cash- Please send exact amount.

25. Contact Info. You may contact me via school phone at 847/872-5438. You can also email me at: mbrooks@whsd1.org. IF I DON'T REPLY TO YOUR EMAIL WITHIN A DAY, PLEASE CALL ME!!!!! It probably got blocked or is in the trash. If there is a serious problem please call or come in rather than email me.

26. Conferences Wednesday November 13th from 12:00-8:00 Thursday February 6th from 1:00-6:00

27. Snacks We will have a snack time each day around 9:30. Please make the snacks HEALTHY!! Our district’s wellness policy states that food students bring in needs to be healthy and includes classroom holiday parties.We are also asking that treats and drinks do not come in this year for birthdays. We will still celebrate the celebrate, just not with food.

28. Helpers/Party Sign-up Please sign-up to bring (Healthy) treats for a party if you can. I will be in touch with you to confirm. Thank you!  Each child needs to bring in $5.00 to help cover the cost of our parties, crafts, and classroom supplies.

29. Where to now? When we are finished you can go to the gym to buy Cyclone Spirit Wear. PTO sign up Spirit Wear sales Market Day samples

30. THANK YOU !!!