WELCOME! As you are waiting… Please write down the best way to contact you throughout the week (e-mail or phone). Please feel free to look around the room or through the packet. Then just get comfortable!

Welcome to Mr. Bremer’s Class

A little bit about myself… Grew up in a small town in Indiana. Graduated from Purdue Currently working on masters Taught two years in Indianapolis Fourth year here Married in 2014

Curriculum Reading Language Math Science Social Studies

Grade Breakdown Tests/Quizzes/Projects – 50% Classwork – 30% Homework – 20% (please have child complete their OWN homework) Total – 100% Four report cards a year – progress reports halfway through each grading period. This year grades are reported on a program called TeacherEase.

Achieve Nonfiction high interest reading. Based on student’s reading ability. Able to track growth. Web-based program. Used at school, but students have the option to use at home (reading record).

Reading Students Reading grade will include their AR test average for the grading period as an in-class grade. Each Thursday I will hand out a weekly Reading log. Students should try to read for at least 20 minutes a night for four nights. Obviously they may read more. This does not have to be an AR book. Reading logs are due Thursday.

Language The Language grade will consist of grammar, spelling, punctuation, reference skills, and writing. Writing – There will be a heavy focus on responding to text. We will also be writing informational reports, persuasive essays, etc. Correct letter formation counts on spelling tests, including dotting i’s and crossing t’s.

Spelling Words Their Way-Students will get spelling words on Monday. There were also be a final test on the words on the following Friday. Spelling contracts will be handed out on the second Monday and due on Friday. Students will have different words, based upon the initial spelling assessment we completed at the beginning of the year. Every other week your child will be given a new spelling list.

Math 3rd graders will be going to Mrs. Rivera’s class for math. 4th graders will be staying with me for math. 4th grade has heavy emphasis on multiplication, fractions, and problem solving skills. Each student will have an Everyday Math account. This is a great place to get extra help, print off resources if lost, and play games. As soon as I have their account, I will show them how to access it.

Science Units of Study: Sound and solar system Foss Science is a hands-on curriculum in which students are actively involved in their learning. We will read and do work with the material in class. Tests will be based off of what we do in class, the readings, and the vocabulary.

Social Studies This year we are using the Social Studies Alive series. The units we will be studying are: Map skills Communities from around the world People traveling around the world Daily geography will be used to help build map skills.

Handwriting I am not picky when it comes to handwriting, but I MUST BE ABLE TO READ IT! All work is done in PENCIL! No assignments should be done in colored pencil, crayons, pens, etc.

Homework Students will be given a grade based on completed homework assignments. IF you see a check mark on the paper, that means it was me formatively checking how they are doing. It is not for a grade. Homework is 20% of final grade. One “slide” per quarter.

Missing Homework 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%. Missing work sessions – 2:37-3:00.

Communication of Assignments Students should be writing all assignments in their assignment notebook. Everyday I will provide 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. 19

What will 4th Grade Homework Be? Reading Log – Due every Thursday Spelling Contracts- Every other week Daily Geography Any work not finished in school (Math, Language, Reading)

Student Needs Extra Help If your child needs extra help with anything we are doing in school they can always stay after school for an extra help session. 2:37-3:00 In order for them to stay, please email me so we can prearrange the work session.

Website I have a website on the district page: http://www.whsd1.org Click for parents then WF staff directory. Then, click on my name.

Take Home Folders Please do not empty the take home folder without your child. Let your child empty their own folders. They should be using the take home/return to school sides correctly. Your child is responsible for the folder and keeping it organized. I will not do it for them.

Binder System Used to keep track of weekly behavior. 1st signature = warning 2nd signature = stand for 5 minutes for recess 3rd signature = stand for whole recess 4th signature = stand for recess/ phone call home 5th signature = detention

Weekly Notes and Papers Students will be given their graded papers back on Monday. They will also have a weekly note that shows how many times they signed the binder for behavior and any D’s or F’s. I will not fill in A’s, B’s, and C’s. Feel free to fill in with your student.

Mini-Economy Mr. Bremer’s Store Variety school items that students can purchase with classroom money. Each student has a job that they get a weekly amount if they do. Each student has to pay rent (option to buy their desk) Students will learn how to save or invest. They will also learn to stay organized in order not to lose money.

Book Orders Checks make payable to Scholastic Book Clubs Once a month Book orders that come home can be sent back with order & payment Checks make payable to Scholastic Book Clubs Cash? Send exact amount Online class code: M9QNQ

Party Would love any help with the parties. Also, please make sure if any food is brought in that it fits into our wellness policy. Party money = $5

Where to now? Please take a moment on your way out or to your next classroom to stop by the gym and sign your family up for the Winthrop Harbor PTO (Parent Teacher Organization). See handout. Student Council will be selling all remaining spirit wear and techno trot tees for $5 each at curriculum night in the gym.

Feel free to look around the room. Thanks for your Time!