Kristen Smith Room 310

About Your Teacher This is my 11 th year teaching. I’ve taught 3 rd, 4 th, 5 th, and 10 th grade Special Education. I have two children. My stepson is 10, and my daughter is 2. I’m originally from Michigan. I can’t wait to work with you and your child this year!

AVERYESAVERYES ccept responsibility for your own actions oices remain quiet & movement is orderly in the halls nter school on time, prepared, and ready to learn espect self, others, and school property ou control your own behaviors- be polite! xcellence in education is of utmost importance afety rules are followed for everyone’s benefit

Math 4 th grade Units Number and Operations Measurement Geometry Algebra Data Analysis and Probability Processing Skills To ensure differentiation, math class will consist of math centers. If your child needs help with ANY math concept, please encourage him or her to see me in the morning. You can also check our class website for additional links to practice skills.

Language Arts Grammar, Writing, and Vocabulary Typing essays in Word 2010 Your child will need a jump drive to save their projects Log in to Parent Portal and find Microsoft Office Student software Learning the 8 parts of speech and how to locate them in sentences & apply them in their writing. Writer’s Workshop-Students will be writing daily in their classroom journals. Sustained writing, Grammar, and adding details are some of the focus for this year.

Reading Reading will include some stories out of the Reading Street textbook, class and group novels, poetry, and articles etc. Genres include fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. A.R.-Students will help be in charge of their individual AR goal. We will sit down together at the beginning of each month and work out a point goal based on the previous points earned.

Spelling/Vocabulary Spelling and Vocabulary will be part of students language arts grade. We will concentrate on Latin and Greek root words along with prefixes and suffixes. We will begin the year with spelling and end with vocabulary focus. Our tests will always be on Thursdays.

Science 4 th Grade Units Earth Science Solar System/Stars and Star Patterns Weather Physical Science Light and Sound Force, Mass, and Motion (simple machines) Life Science Ecosystems/ Food web/Food chain Adaptation-survival/extinction

Social Studies 4 th Grade Units Native American Cultures European Exploration of America American Revolution Westward Expansion of America Physical Features of the United States Government/Civil Understandings of the US Economic Understandings

Homework Spelling/Vocabulary lists are assigned on Fridays. Homework should not exceed 40 minutes a night. Homework will consist of weekly vocabulary, studying for tests/quizzes, and math homework.

Grades We try to take weekly grades in each subject. Grades will be recorded and updated about every 2 weeks. Please use Parent Access to keep up with your child’s grades and averages. Progress reports and Report cards should never be a shock

Parent Communication Make sure you update me of any new addresses throughout the year Website: See Avery school link Phone call after school ( ) Parent conferences (Fall & Spring upon request) Parent Portal ( Access to student grades )

Daily Schedule 7:20-7:50 Morning Work 7:50-8:45 Language Arts 8:45-9:30 Reading 9:30-10:40 Math 10:40-11:00 Finish Reading/Silent Read 11:09-11:39 Lunch 11:45-12:05 Recess 12:10-1:10 Social Studies/Science 1:15-2:00 Specials 2:00-2:15 DEAR Reading Time/Read Aloud & Pack-up

Fourth Grade Important Dates A visit from Captain Sadler’s History Camp (November 20 th ) Students will learn about various colonial trades, games and life. Planetarium at the Tellus Museum ( Spring ) CoGat Testing ( August ) GA Milestones (April)

Absences and Tardiness School starts at 7:45 A.M. If you arrive after 7:45, you will need to park and come into the office to sign in your child! If your child misses school, you will need to send a written excuse stating why your child was absent. Absence forms can be found on the school website.

Transportation Changes You MUST complete the AVERY Change of Transportation form when... – Your child is riding home with a friend – Staying after school for a club/activity – ANY OTHER CHANGES including bus, ASP or car rider. Please see Avery website for form.

How Can You Help at Home? Help your child become independent and responsible by allowing them to do things for themselves. Please review and sign your child’s agenda on a daily basis. Practice Multiplication facts with your child. Help your child study for upcoming quizzes and tests. Remind your child to complete the weekly homework assignments and turn them in on time. Check the website for updated materials.

Our End of Year Goals… Successfully complete all Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Become independent and responsible students Learn critical thinking strategies Be prepared for 5 th grade

PTA PTA flyers will be sent home on Fridays in student’s Friday folders. To join PTA, please fill out the form and send in. I’ll be happy to get it to them.

T hank you for coming out tonight. I know that together we will help make this a great year for your fourth grade student.