WELCOME Parents

Communication Classroom Blog: https://dianasanchezblog.wordpress.com/ Email: Diana.Sanchez@cvesd.org Text: 619-813-8560 School 619-591-5500 School Blog: Camarenaelementary.com

Daily Schedule 8:15…Opening: Quick Write/Problem of the Day 8:30…Math 10:00...Recess 10:15…Literacy Block: Shared/Guided/Lit. Circles (Social Studies, Science embedded) 11:25…Lunch 12:10…Literacy Block: Read Aloud, Shared/Guided/Lit. Circles, Writing, Grammar, (12:15 Library on Thursdays every other week). 2:00…45 mins. of P.E. 2x a week, Science, Social Studies, Art 2x a week, 2:45…Dismissal 1:15 on Friday

Math Also known as Engage New York, or Eureka Conceptual understanding first Build, Draw, Explain … before algorithm Daily practice, note taking and homework (Go Math materials and on-line support) Charts, notes in journals, lessons

Writing Students will use both a digital and a handwritten format Grammar and editing are taught using the Looking at Student Work approach. Students are taught three genres of writing: Narrative Opinion Informational/Expository Students are using KidBlog and Google Docs to publish their work digitally. They can also access this from home. This will enable them to build their portfolio as well as share their writing with an audience.

Reading Students are required to read for 30 minutes in class in addition to the 30 minutes required for homework. Students participate in literature circles and meet for small group instruction to work towards increasing fluency, building vocabulary, and strengthening reading comprehension. 4th graders are expected to read 120 WPM with 98% accuracy and score at least a 8/8 for comprehension to be considered a proficient reader. Students participate in discussions during our read aloud Both fiction and non-fiction text will be utilized throughout the school year Book Club will begin at the middle of this quarter. Students will be required to read daily and take notes on what they are reading. More information to follow..

Technology Students will learn how to utilize: The Classroom Blog Their personal KidBlog Google Docs/ Google classroom All of these can be accessed from home. They will also be learning how to use a variety of presentation Apps that we have on our IPad Mini devices. Each 4th grade classroom is equipped with 9 Ipads, 12 New IMB books and 5 MacBooks. If you would like your child to bring their own device to use in class, please be sure to turn in release of liability form if you haven’t already.

Students are learning about California’s history. Social Studies Students are learning about California’s history.

Science This will be the third year we are using the Next Generation Science standards. These standards are designed to give students a deeper understanding in each of the core areas since they build on the year prior’s learning. They also provide opportunities for students to explore and experiment in order to better understand this valuable content.

Physical Education Our weekly schedule includes 100 minutes of physical education, most of which is done outdoors, however some of the activity takes place inside the classroom. Keep this in mind when your child puts on their shoes in the morning. P.E. is a requirement and therefore students are expected to participate. If your child has a condition that limits their participation, be sure to let us know so that we can make the necessary accommodations.

Program Support Over the course of the school year, there are specific days scheduled for grade level teaching teams to collaborate for the purpose of looking at student work and testing data as well as to design appropriate instruction for your children. During those times we will have 6 VAPA collaboration teachers working with your children in the following areas: Music Dance Photography Art Theater Digital Media

Wellness Policy Please remember, as per the district Wellness Policy, that food (including healthy items) can not be brought in to celebrate birthdays. We are limited to two class parties (with food) per year. We will have one party just before the Christmas Break and the other at the end of the school year. Students may have a water bottle in class. Please pack a healthy snack for the nutrition break.

Behavior Management In room 412, we use a money system for individual behavior management. Each student can earn money for being on task, discussion participation, and for taking on a classroom responsibility. They can earn one to five dollars daily. Students will have the opportunity to spend their money twice a quarter at our class auction. Table groups can earn additional money by earing the most points each week. I always give money to students who participate in school spirit activities and functions.

Homework Homework is sent home nightly Monday – Thursday. Homework is due the following day Students are will be given a log to record their the books they are reading. If it takes your child more than an hour to complete their homework, please send in a note. Students are required to read 30 minutes nightly or to work on their summary and book recommendation once they have finished a book.

How You Can HELP Your child’s success in school is dependent upon all of us doing our part and that requires communication Follow the classroom blog so that you are notified by email each time new information is added Follow the Camarena school blog so that you are aware of calendared items and special events. If you have some free time and would like to volunteer, be sure to let me know!

Fieldtrips We are currently looking into some fieldtrips that correlate with the fourth grade Common Core Standards. Transportation is costly, therefore we are limited to the amount of field trips we can take and will ask for bus fee donations to help support the outing. We are currently looking into the following trips: Cuyamaca Water Conservation Garden and Museum Star of India (end of Jan) or Indian Hills

Assessments Fourth Grade Students are assessed in Reading, Writing and Math. There are 7 modules in our math program. Each of those modules include a pre, mid and post assessment. We use pre-assessments to gauge your child’s current level at the beginning of each module in order to help guide our instruction throughout the school year. Students are given a pre and post writing assessment each quarter. Students are given the QRI reading assessment to check for reading progress. Students are given district and state assessments at the end of the year in all three of these areas.

Conferences Conferences will be the last week before fall break. Never hesitate to ask questions. My door is always open to you after school. Feel free to bring a list of questions when attending your child’s parent-teacher conference so that we may cover all areas of concern.

QUESTIONS????