Before we get started: Have a seat at your child’s desk Leave your child a special note on his or her desk with the provided paper. Feel free to use your child’s supplies in the top part of desk!

Welcome to Room 113. Mrs. Fogel & Mrs. Stephanadis Welcome to Room 113 ! Mrs. Fogel & Mrs. Stephanadis Information, Policies, & Procedures

Welcome Let us be the first to welcome you to Room 113 at K.I.S. Our names are Becky Stephanadis and Chris Fogel and we will be your child’s fourth grade teachers this year. Teaching your child is both a privilege and a great responsibility. We are looking forward to the school year, and are confident that you will find this year to be a successful one for your child. We have assembled the following information to give you a “snapshot” of what happens in our classroom. The packet includes: Contact Information Classroom Expectations Student Progress & Friday Folders Curriculum Review Classroom Website & Homework Birthday Policy Class Schedule

A Little About Ourselves…… Chris- This is my 9th year teaching for the Kenston School District and 6th year as a 4th grade teacher. B.A. in Elementary Education from KSU Masters in Reading Specialization from KSU Reading Endorsement for Pre-K thru Grade 12 Becky- This is my 20th year teaching for the Kenston School District and 18th year as a 4th grade teacher. B.A. in Elementary Education from Glenville State College B.A. in Special Education from Glenville State Masters in Learning Disabilities from Notre Dame College Endorsements in MH SLD & SED Contact Information Please do not hesitate to contact us for any reason. We believe in open communication with parents. Here are the contact methods: Email: chris.fogel@kenstonlocal.org & rebecca.stephanadis@kenstonlocal.org

Classroom Expectations Appropriate classroom behavior is expected. Teamwork, cooperation and respect are stressed and modeled. 4th Grade models and promotes student independence for their own achievement. We model organization, problem solving thinking skills and foster an environment for each child to grow. Communication is key between student, parent and teacher. Daily Planners are utilized!

Our Expectations Always try your best Make good choices Ask if you do not understand Have all materials ready Let us teach so you can learn!

Student Progress Students will receive both a progress report as well as a report card each grading period. There are Fall and Spring Conferences Grading Scale: 90%-100% A 80%-89% B 70%-79% C 60%-69% D Below 59% F We will contact you in the event there are concerns regarding your child’s progress. We also welcome you to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.

Friday Folders Each Friday (usually), students will bring home a FRIDAY FOLDER containing important communication and papers from school. Please expect the folder each Friday and review the contents. Sign the tracking paper on back and return to school on Monday.

Fourth Grade Curriculum Language Arts: Reading, Writing, English, Word Study using Common Core standards Reading instruction using book excerpt, short story or textbook to model. Guided and independent practice and assessment with group/class novel or independent book. Whole Group, Small Group lessons, & Individual lessons Daily Opportunity to write in Readers’ Notebook Writing processes focus through out year Word Study with emphasis on vocabulary to learn spelling patterns Reading intervention if needed

Reading Requirements Accelerated Reading Books is not part of the Reading Program. We believe in teaching children how to pick out “Just Right” books by interest, ability & purpose. We will be Reading lots of books in groups, independently or as whole class There will be an entry in Readers’ Notebook due each week about book reading in class and/or at home.

Fourth Grade Curriculum Social Studies The focus in 4th grade will be on how the State of Ohio relates to the our larger world. We will study many concepts including: History of Ohio in relation to USA Map skills & Regions of USA Economics Government How people have formed and changed our Nation

Classroom Website Go to our K.I.S. website and click on the 4th grade teachers tab on left Click on Mrs. Fogel’s & Mrs. Stephanadis’ Class page. Daily Blog (our version of Newsletter) Monthly calendar of events Upcoming projects and Field Trips Daily Homework postings (calendar) Helpful website links

Homework Homework should be expected Mon-Thur. Homework will be a short exercise to allow students to practice skills learned at school. Expect 40 minutes of homework each night which includes independent reading. Unprepared Stamps for missed homework. After the 2nd one in an area, a sheet will need to be signed by parent. After the 3rd, the student will need to make up assignments on own time.

Assignment Notebook Assignment Notebooks/ Student Planners go home every night whether there is homework or not. Please sign the bottom every night. That lets us know that you know what the homework is and have seen it completed. If there is a question, write us a note underneath your signature.

Birthday Celebrations! Birthdays are always recognized here at KIS! Child is recognized on announcements, receive a sticker and a pencil. “Happy Birthday” is sung in class With our Wellness Policy, 4th grade celebrates with out food. If a child would still like to do something, a book donated to our class library or a recess game would be a great idea.

Specials Science Lab- Mrs. Fagerholm Computer- Mrs. Kovach Music- Mrs. Malone Library- Mrs. Buettner Gym- Mr. Hall Art- Mrs. Allamang

Dismissal Process Pick up Notes are available at the office or on line. Pick up your child in the cafeteria at 3:10 Please do not park in the bus lanes or by the entrance to the bus garage- gets really crowded. Bus passes are also available at the office or online.

Let’s stay GREEN ! K.I.S. is making huge strides to become as green as possible. Our Student Council implemented paper recycling 5 years ago and all rooms have recycling blue tubs for paper. We are asking that all water bottles be reusable - e.g. sports bottles. Class, KIS and PTO Newsletters will be available online so that less paper is consumed. If you are not able to receive your newsletter online, please contact the office and a hard copy can be arranged.

We’re looking forward to a GREAT year We’re looking forward to a GREAT year . If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always willing to talk or meet with you about your child. Thank you for your support and cooperation.