Welcome to 4th Grade Teacher: Mrs. Susan Pernett (4A), Mrs. Jessica Zoeller(4B) Saint John Neumann Regional Catholic School

The Fourth Grade Team Mrs. Susan Pernett: Mrs. Jessica Zoeller: 4A homeroom teacher Language Arts, Reading, Spelling/Vocabulary, and Social Studies Mrs. Jessica Zoeller: 4B homeroom teacher Math, Science, and Religion

Mrs. Susan Pernett 4A Experience- This is my 15th year teaching at SJN. Education- Masters Early Childhood Education with a specialty in reading Family- I am happily married to Patrick Pernett and have a son, Colin, and a daughter, Monica.

Mrs. Zoeller 4B Experience- This is my 4th year in fourth grade, my 16th at SJN. Education- Bachelors from Georgia State and Masters from Central Michigan. Family- I am happily married to Chris Zoeller and have a daughter, Fiona, attending UGA and a 10th grade son Ethan, at St. Pius.

Goals of the 4th Grade Team To create a learning environment in which all students are empowered to succeed. To incorporate research based strategies for instruction. This includes a variety of multi-sensory teaching methods which capitalize on the diverse learning styles of all students. To respect and love each student as a masterpiece designed by God.

Subject Overviews Science- To provide an overview of the life and earth sciences. To explore the physical sciences in depth through the use of scientific method, experiments and demonstrations.

Subject Overview Social Studies- to provide students with an overview of the regions of the United States in particular the state of Georgia. To explore the history, geography, economics, government, culture and industries of each region. To teach students to be productive citizens.

Subject Overviews Reading- To advance reading comprehension and oral fluency through a variety of strategies in large and small group settings. To engage in literary analysis through discussion of story elements and character analysis. To encourage reading for entertainment!

Subject Overviews Grammar and Writing- To learn the fundamentals of English grammar and apply the knowledge in writing activities. To develop narrative, expository, and descriptive writing techniques.

Subject Overviews Spelling- To identify and practice the spelling of grade appropriate words by spelling pattern, root word, prefix, and suffix. Vocabulary- to expand student knowledge of vocabulary terms with special emphasis on synonyms and antonyms.

Subject Overview Math- Concepts are approached with hands-on materials and visual strategies in order to help children understand mathematical relationships and interconnections to our daily lives. Evaluation of math will be subdivided. Children will be tested on computation skills and concepts.

Subject Overview Religion- Instruction will focus on the uniqueness of our Catholic faith. Students will continue to learn the traditions of Catholicism. Emphasis will be on developing a relationship with the Lord through prayer, the sacraments and service. Our faculty and staff will assist the students with developing an understanding of community, the interconnection of the human race and God’s unique plan for each of them.

Student Assessment Students will be assessed based on homework, quizzes, tests, and projects. Students begin with 100% as a homework grade. To maintain full credit students must complete all assignments. The answers do not have to be correct to receive full credit unless otherwise specified. Fifteen points will be deducted from an assignment for each day it is late unless otherwise specified.

Student Assessment Tests- Spelling tests will be given weekly on Friday and vocabulary tests will be bi-weekly unless otherwise indicated. Weekly math computation quizzes will be given. All other subjects will be assessed at the end of chapters, units, or at an appropriate time during concept development. Some assessments will be projects rather than tests. *There will be no surprise tests.

Subject Averages Math concepts, science, social studies, reading, and language arts grades will be calculated using the following percentages. Classwork 35% Tests/Projects 25% Quizzes 20% Homework 10% Participation 10%

Subject Averages Math computation, religion. and spelling/vocabulary grades will be calculated using the following percentages. Classwork 50% Tests 50%

Classroom Management Students are expected to follow all classroom and school rules. Rewards- Students will be rewarded through verbal praise, coupons, and grade level activities . Consequences- Verbal warning, behavior notices, and detention.

Schoolnotes/Weebly Homework- Should be recorded in student planners (by the student). You may double check assignments on the web sites of each content area teacher. Tests- Tests will be posted a minimum of four days prior to the assessment. Specials teachers also maintain a school notes site.

Parent/ Teacher Communication E-mail- We will check our e-mail on a daily basis and respond to messages within 24 hours. -spernett@sjnrcs.org, -jzoeller@sjnrcs.org Notes- Please send written communication with your student in an envelope addressed to the appropriate teacher. It is the student’s responsibility to deliver the note to the homeroom teacher. Conferences- we are always available for a personal conference scheduled in advance.

Field Trips Approved Volunteer- To serve as a chaperone on any trip you must be on the approved volunteer list. Paper work is available online. Field trips will be determined at a later date.