Mrs. Susan Dennison Bachelor of Arts in History 1994 George Mason University Master of Education (K-8) 1995 Marymount University iWonder Smithsonian Graduate 2009 Gifted Education Post-Graduate Work Educator since 1995 and LIFELONG LEARNER

Philosophy Positive Classroom Environment Differentiated Instruction Flexible Grouping High Expectations For ALL Project (Problem)-Based Learning Road to Independent Thinking

RULES (P.B.I.S.) Class Rules School Rules Playground Rules Cafeteria Rules Hallway Rules

https://www.classdojo.com/#LearnMore

Reading & Language Arts Fourth Grade Curriculum Reading & Language Arts Reading Pathways: Reading Workshop Writing Pathways: Writing Workshop Word Study, Grammar & Cursive Handwriting 6-Traits and the Writing Process Oral Presentations, Book Talks, Published Books

Mathematics Problem Solving Hands-On Equations Science Integration Fourth Grade Curriculum Mathematics Problem Solving Hands-On Equations Science Integration Vocabulary Enrichment Small Group Instruction as Needed Interactive Notebook/Writing in Math

Science Investigations and STEM Labs Watersheds and Natural Resources Fourth Grade Curriculum Science Investigations and STEM Labs Watersheds and Natural Resources Astronomy Magnetism and Electricity Weather Force, Motion & Energy Living Processes and Systems (Plants/Animals)

Social Studies Virginia Geography Virginia’s Native People Fourth Grade Curriculum Social Studies Virginia Geography Virginia’s Native People English Colonization Conflicts: Fr.&In., American Revolution, Civil War Founding a New Nation and Documents Important Issues: Slavery to Civil Rights Changes in Virginia to Present Day

Technology Computer Immersion School Code to the Future --Scratch Fourth Grade Curriculum Technology Computer Immersion School Code to the Future --Scratch Dreambox and Reflex Publishing and Presentations SpellingCity, Plickers Online Textbooks

Homework Homework is independent practice of what is taught in class. H.O.T. (Homework On Time) Card Incentive Independent Reading (Prepare for Book Talks) Paperless Homework Options for Math Word Study (Spelling City app) or Grammar

Fourth Grade Extras P.E., Library, Art, Music 1-to-1 Laptops Team PBL Activities Clubs and Assemblies Family Life Education (F.L.E.) Field Trips and Visitations 3 Parties

SEARCH & FUTURA SEARCH instruction will be given bimonthly, by Mrs. Dina Leonard, and will serve as enrichment for all students. On FUTURA days (Tuesdays), remaining classroom students will enjoy smaller group instruction, time in the Maker Space, STEM challenges, and additional academic enrichment. Students currently enrolled in the FUTURA program will leave every Tuesday at 9 am and return by 1:45 pm to receive gifted and talented enrichment at Creighton’s Corner. Missed work will never be punitive, but must be completed by Friday. No quizzes or tests will be given on Tuesdays.

2: Progressing Toward the Standard 1: Below the Standard Learning Progression Aiming for the Learning Target! FORMATIVE 4: Exceeds the Standard SUMMATIVE 3: Meets the Standard 2: Progressing Toward the Standard 1: Below the Standard

Higher-Level Reasoning Assessment Practices How might the Siege of Yorktown turned out for the Continentals if the French not been involved? } Higher-Level Reasoning and Problem-Solving } Basic Comprehension and Recall Where was the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War fought?

Food in School Please remember that in order to create a healthier and safer environment for all students, Loudoun County Public Schools guidelines prohibit sharing or trading food in the school. While we appreciate that birthdays and other special occasions are often celebrated with food, but please support the LCPS  guidelines by finding other ways to recognize these special days or saving your celebration for after school. Your child should only eat what you pack at home or the school cafeteria sells.

Communication Weekly Newsletters: 4th Grade Happenings Webpage Email: susan.dennison@lcps.org Telephone: 571-252-2380 Notes in the agenda LCPS App and Parent VUE (PHOENIX) Behavior and Academic Alerts from ClassDOJO

Papers From School The “Boomerang” binder should be viewed nightly, along with the Agenda and MSES folder inside. Please initial or sign the agenda nightly. Graded papers and school notices will be included in your child’s binder.

First Quarter Conferences Sign-Ups will be available soon. I will email you and post a SignUp Genius link!

Please take everything that you found on TOP of your child’s desk. Get a head start on filling out the forms and return ASAP. Thank You for Coming!