Fourth Grade Team Ms. Blakeney and Mrs. Ellis Welcome to Back to School Night! Tayac Academy August 18, 2016

This school year students will . . . Interact with each other in a respectful manner. Acquire the academic tools they need to progress to 5th grade and the PARCC. Practice becoming proficient readers and enhance their comprehension skills. Develop personal responsibility and independence. Take quarterly assessments to determine their academic level.

Attendance Students must be on time daily. The school doors open at 7:30. Instruction begins promptly at 7:45 a.m. Students should be in their seats and read to start the instructional day at that time. Please ensure that the students are on time and prepared.

Transportation Students must have a note if there is a change in their daily transportation. Students will be directed to take their normal route home unless they have a note from a parent.

Fourth Grade Class Schedule 7:30-7:45 Homeroom / Announcements/ Breakfast 7:45-8:15 Social Studies 8:15-10:00 Reading/ Language Arts 10:00-10:30 Lunch 10:30-11:00 Recess 11:00-12:25 Math 12:25-12:50 Specials 12:50-1:45: Math 1:45-1:55 Dismissal

Fourth Grade Curriculum Following is a brief overview of essential skills, themes, and lessons and that we will study this year in: Reading English/Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies Health Art

Visitation Open door policy Classroom visitors must be fingerprinted by Prince George’s County Public Schools

Reading We will alternate between reading fiction and non-fiction using reading strategies. By the end of 4th grade your child should be reading at an SRI level of 606 .

Language Arts/ Writing Students will write everyday. We will receive spelling words and concept vocabulary. We will practice handwriting and typing skills.

Reading and Math Placement Based upon child’s current academic level Assessments like the MAP-R test, MI and Unit test grades will be used to determine where the student goes for reading and math. Students will switch classes for math, science with Mrs. Ellis and social studies and reading with Ms. Blakeney. Students will meet in their Homeroom class Health and Specials.

Reading Assessment Measures of Academic Progress-Reading (MAP-R) Students will take it 3 times a year Computerized assessment Assesses knowledge of literature, informational text, and vocabulary Will send home a letter explaining more

Math Students will be using problem solving methods to solve equations. Students will expand their knowledge of Basic Facts (multiplication, division, subtraction, and addition) Algebraic expressions Fractions Decimals Daily homework based on skill level

Science Students will be studying four themes: Earth science Life science Physical science Space and technology.

Social Studies Students will be learning about Maryland.

Common Core Standards Common Core are educational standards adopted by Maryland. They define what all students are expected to know and be able to do. There are standards for reading, writing and math.

Textbooks There are new consumable textbooks for Science, Math, and Social Studies If textbooks are required for homework, they must be returned the following day.

Tayac Behavior Policy Our students participate in PBIS system (Positive Behavior Intervention System) Students will practice: Safety Organization Academics Respect

Grading Policy 90 – 100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C 60-69 D 59 and below E

Grades are based on: Assessments = 50% Class work = 35% Homework = 15% Students will be required to complete projects such as book reports, science projects, and other long term assignments each quarter. Notice will be sent home well in advance about projects Check SchoolMax Family Portal for your child’s grades

Homework Homework is due daily. Assigned Mon.-Friday 15% of student’s grade Late work will partial credit without a parent note. Reading logs and Math logs are a daily homework assignment Homework website for Tayac Agenda books are required daily to write down homework Projects will be assigned throughout the school y year School Science Fair will be in January

Work Habits & Social Skills Students are responsible for bringing all materials, supplies,books, etc. each day. Students are expected to work cooperatively and independently when appropriate Use class time wisely. Participate! Students will be GRADED on their work habits, social skills, and participation.

Staying in Contact Agenda book Homework website Phone call Email Remind Contact Information: shelise.blakeney@pgcps.org yvonne.bolton@pgcps.org

Questions & Answers

Working together We will have a great year!!!!! Thank you for Coming!