Learning Differently On the prairie Learning Differently On the prairie

Welcome 4th Grade Parents! Curriculum Night

MUSIC-Mrs. Nassiff ART-Mr. Brown P.E.-Coach Gage Curriculum Overview and Grading Policy Specials

All 4 th and 5 th grade students will be learning to play the recorder. Each student will need 2 recorders-1 for school and 1 for home practice. Recorders may be purchased from Mrs. Nassiff –Send $5.50 CASH for 1 and $11 for 2 in an envelope with your child’s name and homeroom teacher’s name. –For more information contact Mrs. Nassiff. Recorders

P.E. News Please make sure your child wears or brings tennis shoes that tie or have velcro to school everyday. For safety reasons, your child will have an alternate P.E. assignment if they do not wear tennis shoes that tie or velcro. Some music activities require tennis shoes as well. The Specials schedule may change unexpectedly at the last minute and therefore students need to be prepared for physical activity everyday.

Medical Problems/Excuses for Physical Education Some students have chronic or long term problems with limited participation. For the safety of the child and the teacher’s protection, records will be kept in the school nurses office. Notes or phone calls from parents are accepted for excuses on a short term basis. Non-participation for 5 or more consecutive days requires a physician’s written excuse. Parents will be contacted when students are habitually excused.

Choir Available for all 4 th and 5 th grade students. REGISTRATION DEADLINE-SEPT. 27th For more information and to register ONLINE go to See Mrs. Nassiff if you have problems with registration.

PRAIRIE VIEW MISSION The mission of Prairie View Elementary is to prepare students for success by teaching the intended curriculum with rigor, assessing student progress and adjusting instruction accordingly, providing appropriate safety nets, and measuring student achievement in preparation for a successful Middle School experience.

PRAIRIE VIEW VISION With the collective effort of staff, parents and community, Prairie View Elementary will prepare students to be successful in Middle School by achieving at or above grade level standards which will lead them on a path of college and career readiness.

I wonder what my child’s day is like in 4th grade?

How is the Reader’s Workshop set up? Opening Lesson: Strategy is introduced. The teacher gives the students a tool to help them become more successful readers. (5-10 mins.) Working Period: The students utilize the “tool” the teacher has taught them to become more successful readers. (35-45 mins.) Closing Period: The teacher gathers everyone and summarizes the lesson. (5-10 mins.) PURPOSE: The reading workshop establishes a routine and provides the students opportunities to become more successful. Reader’s Workshop

PURPOSE: The Writer’s Workshop establishes a routine and provides the students opportunities to become more successful. How is the Writer’s Workshop set up? Opening Lesson: Strategy is introduced. The teacher gives the students a tool to help them become more successful writers. (5-10 mins.) Working Period: The students utilize the “tool” the teacher has taught them to become more successful writers. (40-45 mins.) Closing Period/Author’s Chair: The teacher gathers everyone and summarizes the lesson. Several students are chosen to share their work. (5-10 mins.) WRITING WORKSHOP

Math Investigations Purpose: To engage students in making sense of problems. How is Math Investigations set up? Students conduct many math investigations. They learn they are capable of having mathematical ideas, applying what they know to new situations, and reasoning through difficult and unfamiliar problems. This lasts 90 minutes every day.

Your child has the opportunity to conduct inquiry investigations. In inquiry-based science, your child learns based around questions your child generates about the topic. Kids are required to work together to solve problems. The district’s inquiry showcase is next spring. Your child will work together with a team to produce an inquiry project for possible display. SCIENCE

SOCIAL STUDIES Your child has the opportunity to learn about the regions of Texas, early settlers of Texas, explorers of Texas, cattle drives, the discovery of oil, and many other fun facts about Texas History. Your child will have the opportunity to inquire and create some superb social studies projects to further their learning!

Standards Based Bulletin Boards: Purpose: Showcase student work that has met the standard set for that particular assignment.

EXPECTATIONS Always treat others the way you want to be treated. Be fair Be respectful of yourself, others and this place (it is special) Be responsible Learn as much as you can, and have fun!

Writing STAAR…………………………….April 1, 2014 (Day 1) Two-part test (composition and mechanics) Writing STAAR…………………………….April 2, 2014 (Day 2) Two-part test (composition and mechanics) Math STAAR……………………………….April 22, 2014 Reading STAAR…………………………..April 23, 2014 TEA Website:

Grading Policy Please refer to the district website for the district grading policy. (There is other very useful info located here also) Go to the district home page On the left side named shortcuts, click on “parents” Then choose “grading guidelines-elementary” There is other very useful info located here also!

REMINDERS Please check the team website for: - Weekly newsletter - Updated school calendar - Useful websites Please check your teacher websites for: - Useful websites - Teacher contact information - Subject specific information COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE!

Electronic Reports n Look at Electronic Report cards and Progress Report directions.

What does it mean to be a Title 1 school? Being a Title I school means receiving federal funding (Title I dollars) to supplement the school’s existing programs. These dollars are used for…  Identifying students experiencing academic difficulties and providing timely assistance to help these students meet the State’s challenging content standards.  Purchasing supplemental staff/programs/materials/supplies  Conducting parental Involvement meetings/trainings/activities  Recruiting/Hiring/Retaining Highly Qualified Teachers

What is the school-parent compact ?  The compact is a commitment from the school, the parent, and the student to share in the responsibility for improved academic achievement.  You, as Title I Parents, have the right to be involved in the development of the School-Parent Compact.

Parent/Teacher Conferences October 8 th – 10 th Please sign up before you leave tonight!

QUESTIONS If you have any additional questions, please feel free to talk to your child’s teachers. Thank you for being such awesome parents! We couldn’t do it without you! Mrs. Arvay Mrs. Ward Ms. Commander Mrs. Davidson