1. Please find your child’s seat. While you are waiting, please complete the inclement weather form and the computer lab half sheet. Please leave these at your child’s seat when you leave. There is a small green sheet of paper on each desk if you would like to leave your child a note.

2. Here is a little information about myself. This is my 10 th year teaching at Mt. Bethel. I graduated from Georgia Southern University. I am originally from California, but spent most of my “school years” right here in East Cobb. (I attended Walton High School…Go Raiders!!!) I am very active and enjoy the outdoors. Some of the activities I enjoy are running, soccer, hiking, camping, and canoeing. If your child hasn’t already shared the news…I am pregnant with our first child. We will get to meet Baby O’Neill in January!

3. Daily Schedule 7:45 – 8:05Morning Work 8:05 – 9:05Math Compacting 9:05-9:40Snack & SS/Science 9:40-10:25Specials 10:25-11:00SS/Science 11:00-12:00ELA & Reading 12:00-12:22Recess 12:22-12:52Lunch 12:52-2:00ELA & Reading 2:05Dismissal Begins  Guidance with Ms. Rees every other Wednesday from 10:30-11:00

4. There are many different behavior management tools that are used in our classroom. Each of these tools is used to reinforce positive behavior and redirect poor behavior. Here are a few tools that we use: *Marble Jar *Lottery Tickets *Making Better Choices Report *Punch Cards *Weekly Behavior Reports *Homework sticks for the yoga ball

5. Parent / Teacher /Student Communication ~In order to have the most successful year possible, we will need to have open communication. Here are a few of the ways we can communicate: BLOG: http://cobblearning.net/jkerzie/ http://cobblearning.net/jkerzie/ Newsletter – Each Monday parents AND students need to look over the newsletter that is posted on the BLOG. Part of Monday’s homework will be to record the “secret code” that is included each week. You and your child should look over the newsletter together and record the code at the bottom of the agenda. Student agenda – Monday (or the first day of the week) is the only day that I require a parent signature in the agenda but it is very important that you keep up with your child’s progress each day. Weekly Reports – Attached to each week’s graded papers will be a weekly report that will reflect your child’s behavior. This should be signed and returned each week. E-mail : jessica.kerzie@cobbk12.org jessica.kerzie@cobbk12.org MBES Telephone: (770)578-7248

6. Parent signature and “secret code” go on the bottom of the agenda every Monday. Please look over your child’s agenda EVERY DAY and review their daily homework assignments!

7. Homework Homework assignments are an extension of classroom instruction and should be challenging and meaningful. Homework will be assigned on a daily basis. Children are asked to write their homework in their agendas. We walk through this as a class daily. Your child will bring this agenda home every day to be reviewed by an adult. Agendas are a great way to maintain communication and help students stay accountable for their work. Please review the homework with your child each night. In addition to the assigned homework recorded in the agenda, students are required to record reading on a reading log. The reading log is due at the beginning of each new month. Homework completion is recorded and is reflected on the report card in Work/Study Skills. Children may not call home if they have forgotten a homework assignment. This is a school policy.

8. Graded Papers Graded papers go home on Thursday with a weekly evaluation attached. Sign and send the ENTIRE packet back to school the next day. Grading Scale:  A = 100-90  B = 89-80  C = 79-74  D = 73-70  F = 69 -0

9. Synergy – The Online Gradebook Cobb County has adopted an online gradebook that I will update on a regular basis. This will give you access to your child’s assignment grades as well as current subject averages.

10. Reading and English Language Arts Block Vocabulary Workbook Sitton Spelling Program Reader’s Workshop (Lucy Calkins) Writer’s workshop & 6 + 1 Writing Traits Accelerated Reader Program (15 point minimum / quarter) Social studies and science topics will be integrated.

11. Fourth Grade Math Participating in Math Compacting – grouping based on pretest data. Will switch math teachers beginning Monday, August 15 th. Lower class sizes in math because of scheduling ! We are looking forward to it! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE help your child master their math facts through 12 x 12!!!! This is extremely important for their success!

12. Social Studies Map & Globe Skills Economics Government Native Cultures Early Exploration Colonization Revolutionary War Constitution Westward Expansion

13. Science Water / Weather Force and Motion / Simple Machines Light Sound Space Ecosystems Protective Adaptations

14. Life Skills 4th grade is a big year with big goals. In addition to the academic rigor of our standards, many life skills will be practiced throughout the year. –Organization –Responsibility –Self-discipline –Taking Ownership –And so much more…

15. Georgia Milestones The administration has placed detailed score reports in the envelopes for the spring 2016 tests. They contain great information about how your child performed.

16. Transportatio n and Doctor’s Notes If there is a change in your child’s transportation it must be stated in a note signed by the office. If it is a bus change the Cobb County form has to be used. ***The school policy is that ALL transportation changes must be made via a hand written note (teacher are not allowed to accept emails…sorry). If your child is absent due to a doctor visit or illness, please send him/her with a note. Tardy because of a doctor’s appointment? Please have the doctor write a note for the office.

17. Final Notes Water bottles -No juice please! Snack – Healthy! Birthdays-Let me know if you want to send in a treat. Treats are welcomed! (Please pre-cut the treat and please send napkins!!!) School Policy – Deliveries will not be made to the classroom unless it is a lunch, glasses, or a birthday treat. These need to be delivered by 10am. Homework will not be delivered.

18. Essential Instructors: Gloria Frey (Computer Lab Instructor) Carolyn Cooper (Technology Coordinator) Annie Howland (STEAM Assistant) Updated Technology: Software Subscriptions for all Classrooms (Type to Learn, AR, Reading A-Z, Raz- Kids) Supplies: Otter Boxes, Printers, Laptops, iPads, Laminators YOUR FOUNDATION- SUPPORTING EXCELLENCE ENRICH.EMPOWER.EXCEL The steward of parent and community donations that enhance educational experiences for Mt. Bethel students beyond what Cobb County funding provides: Professional Development: Lucy Calkins Reader’s Workshop Orton Gillingham (Happening Now) Gifted Endorsement (Happening Now) STEM Science Lab: Innovative Hands-on Learning in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Lab Curriculum & Lab Supplies

19. I am so happy that all of you could come tonight! I look forward to staying in contact with you throughout the year and I especially look forward to teaching your children! ??????????? Are there any questions ???????????