Welcome to Mrs. Batson’s and Mrs. McCrief’s 4 th Grade Classrooms

Contact Information n Conference Time: 8:40 a.m. – 9:35 a.m. Mrs. Batson – Mrs. McCrief – Select A School – Roanoke

Core Beliefs n n We believe that kids come first. n n Continuous improvement is critical for success of the Northwest Independent School District. n n The success of each student is the shared responsibility of students, families, schools and communities. n n Environment influences learning.

Goals & Expectations n Goals and expectations are aligned with the state learning standards for 4 th grade n (TEKS – Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills - n QRI n Leveled readers and Guided Reading n Readers and Writers workshop (what is it?) n Math workshop (explanation of Investigations) n Appropriate shoes – PE everyday n Hall of Fame

Behavioral Expectations As a grade level, 4 th grade has 3 rules: 1. Take care of yourself 2. Take care of others 3. Take care of the environment

Behavior Consequences n First – warning and x on calendar n Second – x on calendar and completion of reflection sheet n Third – x on calendar, completion of reflection sheet, loss of 5 minutes of recess and note home n Fourth – x on calendar, completion of reflection sheet, loss of all privileges for the day and call home

Daily Schedule 7:15 – 7:45 a.m. – Skills Block 7:45 – 8:40 a.m. – A.M. Rotation 8:40 – 9:35 a.m. – Specials 9:35 – 11:15 a.m. – A.M. Rotation 11:15 – 11:40 a.m. – P.M. Rotation 11:40 – 12:40 p.m. – Lunch/Recess 12:40 – 2:45 p.m. – P.M. Rotation

4th Grade Press Pocket Our PRESS POCKET is our communication tool. Students will keep their calendar in the front pocket, their homework in the second pocket and any parent notes will be in the back pocket. Please make sure you and your child are checking the PRESS POCKET daily.

Friday Folders! n Sent home EVERY Friday n Check for important papers from school and PTA n Please return EVERY Monday n Take care of them – they need to last us all year! n Take care of them – they need to last us all year!

As a school we will… 1. Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables the participating children to meet the State’s student academic achievement standards. 2. Hold parent-teacher conferences during which we will discuss your child’s achievements and goals.

3. Provide parents with frequent reports on your child’s progress. 4. Provide parents with opportunities to meet with staff for consultation and conferences. 5. Provide parents opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s class, and to observe classroom and school activities.

As parents, you can support your child’s learning in the following ways: n Monitor attendance n Read every night for 20 minutes n Volunteer in your child’s classroom n Participate in decisions relating to your child’s education n Promote positive use of your child’s extracurricular time. n Stay informed about your child’s education and communicating with the school by reading all notices from the school or the school district. n Serve, to the extent possible, on policy advisory groups.

n Thinking Maps n Number Corner n Investigations n Reader’s & Writer’s Workshop n Math Workshop n Standards based bulletin boards Curriculum

Student Homework In 4 th grade, your student will have homework nightly. In the first semester, math homework will consist of ½ page of material which has previously been taught. Students are asked to read 20 minutes per night and complete spelling homework.

Please look over our grade level web pages for news and information about what is being done in class. Newsletters, websites, instructional tips and tools can be found on the campus web page as well as the team page. Web pages

Communication Communication between school and home is a valued part of your child’s success. n Phone number n n Press Pocket communication n Fall Family conferences

Volunteer opportunities n Sign up now! (Background checks available on the district web page) n Room Moms & Dads n Cafeteria Monitor (This is a new program to assist students in grades k-2) n Watch DOGS n Winter Holiday Party n Valentine’s Day Party n Field Trips n Work from home n Work from home

Lunch & Birthdays n There is a special “Parent Picnic” table located in our Dining room by the windows. We ask that you only eat with your child because of the many food allergies we have on campus. n Birthday treats can be shared at recess or at the end of the school day. n Snacks provided for the class must follow state guidelines.

Roanoke “Loud and Proud” Choir n The registration window for choir will be from Tuesday, September 11, 2012 through Friday, September 14, The choir registration is an online form. n To locate this form you will need to: n 1. Go to the “Roanoke Elementary” website n 2. Select the “Extra/Co– Curricular” tab at the top of the website. n 3. Select the “Choir Registration” link on the left sidebar. n 4. Fill in the registration form and select the “Submit” button of the form. n 5. No student will be registered for choir until the choir registration form has been completed and submitted. n n Please see Mrs. Gentry and Mrs. Pitts if you have any questions.

n n HOV- For families that car pool, we have an HOV lane. You need a yellow car tag for each child being picked up. Please make sure your kiddo and the teacher knows they are an HOV rider. n n Walkers and Bike riders- If you would like to pick your child up from the walker area, you may meet them with a yellow car tag at the Kindergarten hallway door. n n Unsupervised walkers and bike riders will be dismissed and escorted across the street by a staff member. A “Fast Pass” must be obtained in order for a student to be an unescorted walker/bike rider. Dismissal Procedures

If ride changes need to be made or you need to pick up your child early for an appointment we ask that you notify the office before 2:15. Ride changes can not be made after this time. Ride Changes

Bus Riders For the safety of all, it is important that students follow the expectations and procedures established by the bus drivers. Students who have more than three bus infractions will be removed from the bus and alternative transportation will need to be provided by the family.

Grades, Progress Reports and Report Cards n n Electronic distribution of grade reports. Let the office know if a printed copy is needed. n n E-school accounts are available for viewing students grades.

Attendance n Texas state law requires students be in attendance 90% of the entire school day. n If your child is absent, please send a note to school with your child. n 5 tardies are equivalent to 1 unexcused absence. A student who arrives after 7:45 is considered tardy and needs to be signed in at the front office area by an adult or guardian.