 Please use the provided index card to write your name, contact ( or phone), along with questions or comments. Thank you!

*Grew up in Sonoma County *Inspired by first grade teacher *Sonoma State Graduate *Began teaching in 1997 *Came to PV in 2008 *National Board Certification *Mom *Teaching and learning must be enjoyable…FUN!

  Phone:  Note  Our class website:  Students are welcomed to me too!  Dispel rumors

 Please check often!

 If your child has a need, please bring your child to our meeting.  Vital for your child to see his/her role as important and helps with ownership  Communication Binder, Reflections

 Pearson Reading Street  Common Core standards based program that integrates reading, writing, and listening  Six Traits are used to directly teach writing and grammar  Reading Street Spelling program –SpellingCity  Daily Five, Morning Work, grammar

 Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell  Patty Reed’s Doll by Rachel Laurgaard  By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman  Please enforce the reading rule at home: 30 minutes daily. Students will take A.R. quizzes on books read at home and during free reading time.  Students will keep track of the number of words they read each trimester based on the books they take an AR quiz.

 Emphasis on details, specific nouns, vibrant verbs, and figurative language  Personal Narrative, Summary, Response to Literature, and Expository Report Writing  Focus on mastery of the 6 traits: ideas, organization, sentence fluency, word choice, voice, and conventions  Encourage your child to add details and information to make a picture for the reader  Help your child by asking questions about his/her story  Paragraphs!!!

 Houghton-Mifflin Mathematics  Number Sense, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics & Probability, Graphing Equations, Negative Numbers, Mathematical Reasoning  Pre-tests, reteaching and review, and challenge work; differentiation for all  If your child has not completely mastered his/her addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts. Please make this a priority over the next few weeks.  Xtra Math

 FOSS Science  The Environment, Rocks and Minerals, and Electricity and Magnetism  Inquiry-based learning  Encourage your child to visit FOSSweb to support their learning:

California Geography and History Geographical regions Native Americans Explorers Missions and Ranchos Westward movement The Gold Rush Transcontinental Railroad

Physical Education Wednesdays (45 minutes), Thursdays (45 minutes) Music Tuesdays – 60 min Music Exploration Recorder Period Music from California History Cursive Technology Internet research PowerPoint presentations Word processing and typing Independent Learning

 Extended Learning is for students to explore a subject of choice.  For ALL levels of learners.  One project expected per student; Advanced learners will be expected to present three projects, one per trimester.  Projects can be worked on at home.

March, Writing & Spring, STAR Bill being proposed to take a year off from STAR. Use MAPS for measurement of academic progress.

 What is the purpose of homework? to reinforce and extend skills taught in class to promote personal responsibility and good work habits in preparation for middle school and beyond  Nightly and monthly assignments 1. Math and Language Arts 2. Spelling City 3. Xtra Math 4. Math fact Review  Due the next day… rewards  minutes…  minutes of reading = at least two hours a week. Text complexity must increase.

 100 – 94 = 4 Exceeds Grade Level Expectations  = 3 Meeting Grade Level Expectations  72 – 60 = 2 Working Towards Grade Level Expectations  59 – 0 = 1 Not Meeting Grade Level Expectations

 Please sign-up this evening!  20 minute meeting to discuss your child’s goals and progress in fourth grade.

 Thank you in advance to anyone who is able to volunteer to help in the classroom. Volunteering requires TB clearance!  Opportunities to work in small groups, with individuals, help with assisting the teacher, and/or home projects.  Not about working with just your child.  Must be committed and arrive in a timely manner.  Please be private and be able to work in confidence.

 Writing  Friday Folder Assistant  Room Parent(s)  Art Docent  Library Helper  Auction Project Coordinator  Mission Field Trip December 5th

 An ongoing memory for the students. Class set of T-Shirts needed for wearing on field trips, special events at school, or off campus. Can you help?

 Questionnaire – please return by Friday, September 13th  Permission form for Donor’s Choose: Where class wishes come true!  Your child’s Response Journal…

 Please kindly respond to your child’s letter in the Response Journal placed at your child’s desk.

   Let’s Make It A GREAT Year!!