1. Ms. Betts Comp/Grammar, Reading, Word Study, Social Studies Mrs. Embrey Math & Science

2. Our Daily Schedule 4 7:50-8:00Unpack 4 8:05-9:05Block 1 4 9:05-10:00 Specials 4 11:35-11:55Block 1 4 11:55-12:45Lunch/Recess 4 12:45-3:15Block 2 4 3:15-3:20Stack/Pack/ Dismiss

3. 2 inch binder for Organization 4 Departmentalization has made us aware that we can best be organized when we have a binder for each child to use. Please provide one for your child. A simple plastic binder will do, as storage space is limited.

4. 4th Grade Special Events 4 Manners Luncheon – January 4 Literacy Day 4 Math Night 4 Science Night These will be communicated later through website and email.

5. C.A.T.C.H. Break 4 The students are allowed to bring a snack for CATCH break, but it must be HEALTHY and READY TO EAT. 4 Birthday frozen dessert treats may be purchased from the cafeteria or you may provide treats which will be eaten in the classroom 4 Frozen treats are $.50 but must be purchased two weeks in advance

6. Recess and Lunch 4 Recess begins at 11:20 4 Lunch at 11:40 4 When you come to eat with your child, it is an Elm Grove policy that only you and your child sit at the Reserved table. This way you can enjoy this special time alone with your child. You must check in at the front office and wear your Visitor’s tag. 4 No carbonated beverages 4 Be sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather to play outside at recess.

7. Reading 4 **The more your child reads, the better reader he/she will become! Reading impacts writing and other subjects.

8. Writing 4 Writing occurs in all subject areas. 4 Writing Workshop— –write to develop effective communication, conferencing, revising, and editing skills –learn components of writing process –focus on narrative, expository, and poetry units of study

9. English 4 The correct use of punctuation, capitalization, and parts of speech will be taught and reinforced through writing. 4 Grammar will also be taught through reading and writing. 4 Word study will be integrated with the reading/writing process.

10. Science/Social Studies 4 Science will be related to the TEKS and Social Studies will be based on Texas history. 4 The 4 th grade teachers are requesting a $10.00 cash lab/activity fee to supplement materials.

11. Mathematics 4 Concepts we will work on: –Multiplication/division –Problem solving and critical thinking –Measurement –Probability and statistics –Geometry –Logic –Patterns –Financial Literacy

12. Homework 4 Students are expected to complete homework each evening and to bring it back the next day. If homework has not been completed they will have an opportunity to catch up with their work in the mornings. 4 OWNERSHIP of learning will be encouraged throughout the school year to foster student independence.

13. Tutoring 4 Tutoring: When tutoring will benefit your child, a note will be sent home with attendance dates and times.

14. Progress Reports and Report Cards 4 Progress Reports –Each child will receive a Progress Report 4 to 5 weeks into the grading period 4 Report Cards –sent home every 9 weeks

15. STAAR 4 Writing- March 28 th and 29 th 4 Math- May 9 th 4 Reading-May 10 th

16. ATTENDANCE 4 Attendance at school is vital to ensure readiness for 5 th grade and the STAAR test. 4 Absences are unexcused until a parent note is received in the office. 4 Absence notes must be turned in within 2 days of the absence for it to be an excused absence. 4 Three unexcused absences may result in a visit by the truancy officer.

17. Homework 4 This should come home nightly in their binder and will contain math, reading and any other assignments that need to be completed. 4 Math homework and facts are Monday- Thursday. 4 Word Study – Tuesday and Thursday

18. Take Home Folder—EGE 4 The yellow folder is sent home each Monday and will contain graded assignments, and any other paper needing to be seen by you. Graded papers should be kept at home unless a signature was requested and then returned to school. Community Contract cards are also kept within this folder to be signed and returned on Mondays.

19. Conduct 4 Elm Grove Expectations: –We are safe. –We are respectful. –We are responsible. Weekly conduct marks will be based on these expectations. They are communicated to you on the Community Contract card. Areas needing work will be specified with the accompanying number.

20. Parent-Student Handbook 4 A Parent/Student handbook may be found on the school website.

21. Arrival and Dismissal 4 Arrival- –School doors open at 7:30 a.m. –Students will stay with their reading teacher until 7:50. 4 Dismissal- –Students will be released to dismissal rooms at 3:15. –Car riders are released at 3:20. –Walkers and bike riders are dismissed at 3:25.

22. Classroom Parties 4 Three school-wide MFV days are allowed. 4 Be sure to check with the Room Parent before sending any type of treat to the party.

23. Medications 4 A note and the medication must be brought to the school nurse by the parent/guardian of the student. She must have the medication in the original bottle or she cannot distribute it to your child. 4 Medication includes cough drops.

24. Dress Code 4 Straps on shirts must be 3 fingers wide (no spaghetti straps). 4 Arm holes on boys’ shirts cannot hang down low. 4 No cut-up jeans. 4 No colored hair (crazy colors after carnivals). 4 Tennis shoes with backs must be worn for PE. 4 Students showing up with inappropriate clothing will be sent to the nurse to change. Please refer to the district dress code policy.

25. 4 We look forward to working with you and your child together this year. Learning is enhanced when the child, the teacher, and the parent all cooperate in the learning experience.