Back-to-School Night Torrey Pines Elementary September 13, 2017 Jamie White

Weekly Schedule Monday Morning-Spanish Friday Morning- Science Lab Friday- Rotation (Art, Music/Theater/Dance, P.E.) (12:30- 3:00) Technology- TBA

There are two perspectives of our Fourth Grade year… Mine Theirs Critical Literacy Math: 4th and beyond Social Studies: California History Word Study: Greek and Latin Roots Science Writing Character Education Class Dojo Kinder Buddies Field Trips Class Poetry Books California Cake Read Alouds Brain Ticklers

Reading Seminars in Critical Literacy Building up to Theme (Fiction) Determining Central Ideas (Nonfiction) Traditional Literature: A Study of Purpose & Structure (Fiction) Poetry: Analysis and Critique Setting Emerges: Seeking Universal Truths in Context Specific Stories (Fiction)

Writing Five Genres: Interpretation of Literature/Literary Essay Narrative Summary Informational Writing Persuasive Writing *Writing strategies and conventions will be embedded throughout

Word Study Spelling Instruction Vocabulary Instruction Word patterns Prefixes and suffixes Greek and Latin roots Vocabulary Instruction Content Specific Vocabulary *Writing conventions will be embedded throughout

Math Exposure to 4th Grade Common Core Standards (Operations and algebraic thinking, Number and Operations in Base Ten, Fractions, Measurement and Data, Geometry, and Mathematical Practices) Differentiation (Acceleration, Algebraic Thinking and Problem Solving/Critical Thinking)

Social Studies California History Geography Native Californians Explorers Mission System Rancho Period Gold Rush Becoming a State Government

Science NGSS: Content will be taught through an inquiry-based approach Earth Science (Rocks and Minerals) Physical Science (Matter and Energy/Electricity and Magnetism) Life Science (Ecosystems) Investigation and Experimentation (Scientific Method)

STEAM Students will be engaged in highly motivating challenges and experiences Perseverance and Problem Solving Collaboration is key Engineering Design and Construction

Health Understanding/practicing healthy behaviors regarding: Physical Activity Conflict Resolution/Empathy Training (Second Step) Character Development (Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness)

Coach Sergio teaches… P.E. Movement Coordination Balance Strength Endurance Motor and cooperative skills *Please dress appropriately for P.E. on Friday

Homework Recorded in Success Calendar Signed Weekly Reports due Mondays Nightly Reading (30 minutes/night) Math Weekly Bonus Problem or Fourth Grade Review due Fridays Optional Daily Bonus Math Book Report Projects *Homework should not exceed 40 minutes a night, including Home Reading.

Communication Weekly Reports: (Sent home Friday, signed and returned on Monday) student work and other important papers attached Class website: http://elearning.sandi.net/course/view.php?id=717 Email: jwhite2@sandi.net If you have questions about your child’s success in any area, please email me and we will set a date and time to meet

Grading Common Core Standards-Based Report Cards First two grading periods reflect progress toward 4th grade standards Last grading period reflects actual achievement of 4th grade standards

Grading 4 (ADVANCED)- exceeds standards 3 (PROFICIENT)-consistently meets standards 2 (BASIC)-occasionally meets standards 1 (BELOW BASIC)-rarely meets standards

Maintaining a Positive Learning Environment… Behaviors/Choices that help us learn Class Dojo (rewards) Swag Tags Celebrating positive choices and attributes we see in the classroom every day Behaviors/Choices in need of support Verbal Warning/Redirect Weekly Report/Email Administrator Support/Detention Notice *Positive psychology: a focus on Character Strengths

Field Trips Reinforce 4th Grade Standards USS Midway: Electricity & Magnetism (Donation for admission) Cabrillo National Monument: Explorers (National Monument) Star of India--Gold Digger’s Express: Gold Rush (Donation for admission) Optional Sacramento Trip: Gold Rush & CA State Government (Saturday, June 9th, 2018), Register Online with World Strides by October 15, 2017 (Limit 55 participants)

Birthday Party Policy Due to food allergies in class, if you decide to bring in a “birthday treat,” we would prefer non-edible items such as fun pencils, erasers, stickers, etc.

Ways to Support our Class Driving on field trips Item donations or giftcards for class rewards (Target/Michael’s/Amazon) $5 donation for Spelling City and STEAM supplies

We’re looking forward to a wonderful year together!