Welcome Back to School!!! Information and expectations for the 2017-2018 school year Parent Meeting for 4th Grade Classes

Agenda 1. Big Focus For 4th Grade 2. Class Jobs 3. Class Expectations 4. Rewards (whole class) 5. Rewards (individual) 6. Consequences 7. PowerSchool 8. Grading 9. Absences/Tardies 10. Communication 11. Homework 12. Spelling 13. 4th Grade Monthly Fun Friday 14. Classroom Website 15. Electronic Devices 16. Birthdays 17. Snacks 18. Water bottles 19. Restroom Expectations 20. Book Orders 21. Announcements 22. Volunteers 23. Contacting Teachers

Big Focus for 4th grade Respect And Responsibility

Class Jobs… …help teach responsibility and teamwork. Our classroom works best when everyone does their part.

Class Expectations Each class has their own classroom rules. See your child’s classroom handbook for the specific rules.

Rewards (whole class) The class as a group will have the opportunity to receive points as a reward for: following directions appropriate voice levels getting ready promptly “GREAT” behavior in specials using manners When each class reaches their goal, the class will choose a way to celebrate their hard work and accomplishment.

Rewards (Individual) For exceptional graded assignments, setting good examples, being responsible, choosing exceptional behavior, and having their work completed on time within the classroom, students may receive Champ Tickets. The tickets are placed into a treasure chest for a drawing every Friday. At the end of the month, they are entered into the monthly school drawing.

Consequences: Infraction of Class Expectations Refer to your child’s teacher handbook for specific behavior consequences.

PowerSchool PowerSchool is live and current. Check often to see your child’s performance. The end-of-term grades will be delivered through PowerSchool. You will not be receiving a hard copy report card.

Grading Grades will be given as a Advanced, Proficient, Strategic, and Basic. If you are continually working on 5th grade or above material and mastering it, then your performance score could be Advanced. If you learned what was taught and can use what was taught without help, then you have proved you are a Grade Level Expert. Grade Level Experts get the performance score of Proficient. If you are still learning but getting close, then your performance score would be a Strategic. If you are struggling with the learning we are on now but are working on other learning, then your performance score would be a Basic.

Absences/Tardies Attendance line phone # 855-4046 We do lots of in class activities, discussions, and hands-on lessons throughout the day. This part of school cannot be made up. Advanced notice of absences is appreciated.

Communication Planners (excluding Mrs. Smith’s class) Comes home each day Provides information about our day and any unfinished work that is homework Provides announcements about upcoming events Parent/ Guardian’s signature required each day. Other Avenues of Communication Class website Weekly Folder (student work/important papers) return the following school day Weekly Letter (website or paper copy) Communication through email

Homework Reading Log 150 minute weekly expectation with parent signature DUE at the end of the week. Study spelling words (Tests on Fridays) Practice multiplication facts thru 12 Unfinished work from that school day will be brought home that night and needs to be finished and returned to school the next day. It should be written in your child’s planner.

Spelling Tests are on Fridays (or last day of the school week) At home students can practice throughout the week on website www.spellingcity.com. Students will type their spelling test each week. 20 regular words; 5 challenge words Missing challenge words does not affect grade but can help – challenge words spelled correctly take the place of any regular words missed.

4th Grade Monthly Fun Friday Typically 3rd Friday of the month Activities will vary but will include fun hands-on science experiments, art, games, etc. Students will earn Fun Friday for that month if they have: All classroom work turned in for the month 150 minutes or more each week on reading log for the month Planner signed at least 4 of 5 times each week for the month Students who have not earned Fun Friday will be in Homework Room. This will give them time to finish work they may need to or to read and catch up on their reading log.

Classroom Website May contain: To access teacher’s websites go to www.westada.org. At the top of the screen click on the “Select School” drop down menu and find Ponderosa Elementary. From there click on “Teachers and Staff” and find your child’s teacher’s name. May contain: Weekly Letter with events, reminders, and spelling words Volunteer calendar Class event calendar Web resources

Electronic Devices Digital Device Fridays Students may bring in their own devices on Fridays if they have a signed permission slip. On Fridays, their own devices may be used during free time if all of their class work is turned in for that week. Label device School appropriate material on devices We may have other projects throughout the year when your child will be able to bring their devices. Indoor recess – devices are allowed.

Birthdays new policy We will be acknowledging each child’s birthday within the classroom. There will be a short class celebration on the day or week of their birthday, if it falls on a weekend. This celebration will be without treats or food in accordance with the district’s wellness policy. If you still wish to send in something for the class, please send in nonedible items such as pencils, stickers, erasers, stamps, etc. Students with summer birthdays will be celebrated during another month throughout the year.

Snack Students may bring in a small, nutritious snack each day to be eaten during snack time. Healthy Not distracting Only snacks for themselves; no sharing. Mrs. Serafine, Mrs. Smith, and Mrs. Woolston’s classes do have students with all types of nut allergies. No snacks with nuts and/or have been processed in a factory that processes nuts. If your child does not bring a snack, your child will not have a snack that day.

Water Bottles Highly encouraged – WATER ONLY Keep at desk unless it becomes a distraction Water bottles need to have tight fitting lids

Restroom Expectations Students are encouraged to use the bathroom before school, at recesses, during lunch, and after school. If needed during class: First time is a “freebie” Second time is 5 minutes of recess If your child has a health issue or feeling sick that day, a heads up is appreciated and we can be flexible on the bathroom expectations.

Book Orders Book orders will be sent home Please order online. (wwww.scholastic.com) Each class has a code. The code will be sent home in a letter and may be on the class website. If you want to order books as a surprise, email your child’s teacher to let them know. They will be set aside for you to pick up at the front office when you are able.

Walk-A-Thon Friday, October 13th 5:00-7:00 Theme: Color in Motion 4th grade basket theme “Anything Idaho” In partnership with the PTA, we are looking for donations for our basket if you are able.

National Walk-to-School Day Wednesday, October 11th Double Pacers for students participating Volunteers welcome for walking school buses

Volunteers Parents welcome! Volunteer form/calendar are available on your child's classroom table. Schedule will be sent home or posted on website depending on the teacher. Start around end of September or beginning of October.

Contacting Teachers: A great way to contact us is through e-mail. We check this email as often as possible throughout the day. In many cases we are unable to respond until recesses, lunch breaks, or possibly until after school. *If it is an emergency that has to be taken care of that day we may not be able to check emails so a phone call into the school may be better. We can also be called at the school 855-4040. Most days we do not have an opportunity to listen to and follow up on calls until lunch or at the end of the day. A note on a piece of paper is another way to get a message to us.

Thank you for coming this morning. Questions?