Trenton Catholic Academy “Many gifts one TCA nation”

Ms. Nneka Utah Grade 4th nutah@trentoncatholic.org phone: 586-5888, extension 242 I am a graduate of Rider University and I’ve been with the TCA family since its doors opened 12 years ago. I worked as an In-Class support teacher with Catapult Learning where I worked with students in grades 1-8th, but this year I am honored to take the position as the 4th grade teacher. My goal is to make learning a pleasant experience for you and your child, through forming positive attitudes, self-motivation and building life long-learners.

Classroom Rules Pay attention Follow Directions Work Neatly Respect self, others and properties Be Prepared

4th Grade Curriculum

Religion We will learn about God in our lives and how we can be disciples of Jesus. Areas covered will be the Beatitudes, sin, Reconciliation and the Liturgical year. The main focus of the 4th grade Religion curriculum will be the study of the Ten Commandments and how they help us to love God and to love others.

Mathematics Place Value and Time Data, Graphs & Facts Review Addition & Subtraction of Whole Numbers and Money Multiplication & Division Concepts and Facts Multiplying by 1-Digit & 2-Digit Factors Dividing by 1-Digit & 2-Digit Divisors Geometry Fractions & Decimals Measurement, Probability and Problem Solving

Science Life, Earth and Physical Science with an emphasis on scientific inquiry with hands-on investigations. Use of technology to reinforce science concepts. www.harcourtschool.com for resources and interactive learning games

Social Studies The 4th grade Social Studies curriculum will focus on the study of New Jersey and on map skills. New Jersey facts, history, government and culture will be covered.

Integrated Language Arts Various literature genres will be used such as expository fiction & non-fiction, poetry, folktales, myths, narrative fiction & non-fiction. Literature will be used to develop vocabulary, reading fluency and comprehension skills. Writing skills will be developed. We will be using the Writing Roadmap computer program. Grammar will include proper usage of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs and adjectives.

Homework Homework will be given nightly for Math and Spelling. Homework in other subjects, including preparation for tests, will be assigned as necessary. Please supervise your child when he/she is completing homework. Establish a homework routine. Please encourage neatness. Homework assignments should be copied in the assignment pad daily. They will also be listed on our class web-page.

Assessment Progress reports and report cards will be accessible via our parents portal only You will be made aware if your child is having difficulty with any skill(s). Suggestions will be given to aid you in helping your child with extra practice. Assessment will be both formal (tests) and informal (class work, papers, projects, homework, etc.). Tutoring will be available on full day Wednesday afternoons from 2:20-3:30.

Assessment Math tests will be given as each new skill is mastered. Social Studies and Science tests will be given at the end of each chapter. Classwork and lab skills will also be graded. Religion grade will be based on class participation and completion of class materials. Reading grade will be based on oral reading, spelling and vocabulary tests, book reports and comprehension tests based on weekly stories. Language Arts grade will include listening, writing, grammar and speaking skills.

Grading Scale A (93%-100%)- Outstanding B (85%-92%)- Good C (76%-84%)- Satisfactory D (70%-75%)- Needs Improvement E (Below 69%)- Not Meeting Curriculum Expectations

Supplies for the Classroom Bookbag Soft Pencil Case 2 Glue Sticks Pencils, Pens Highlighters 6 Marble Composition Tablets Homework Assignment Tablet Crayons, Markers, Colored Pencils Ruler 8 Folders Scissors 2 Packages Looseleaf Paper 1 Package of Index Cards 2 Large Boxes of Tissues 1 Roll of Paper Towels

Fun in learning Art Box Folder Watercolor Pallet Scissors Crayons Tacky Glue Markers Ruler

Special Activities Monday: Spanish Tuesday: Technology Wednesday: Music and Library Thursday: Art Friday: Gym

Web-Sites www.harcourtschool.com www.harcourtschool.com/ss1 www.webelieve.web.com www.harcourtschool.com www.harcourtschool.com/ss1 www.si.edu/harcourt/science www.progressinmathematics.com www.trentoncatholic.org

I am committed to working together I am committed to working together with each and every one of you to ensure that your child has an enjoyable and successful year!

Science Fun

Here’s to a wonderful school year!!!