1. Welcome As you are waiting…
Please write down the best way to contact you throughout the week ( or phone).
Please feel free to look around the room or through the packet.
Look at your student’s poster. DO NOT TAKE HOME!!
Then just get comfortable!

2. Welcome to our 4th Grade Class!
Mr. Matt Brooks

3. A little bit about myself…
Teaching in the district for 19 years.
Married with 3 children, all girls, ages 15, 13, and 11.
Graduated from NIU.
Avid mountain biker and coach.
Outdoor Enthusiast

4. Achieve Nonfiction high interest reading.
Based on student’s reading ability.
Able to track growth.
Web-based program.
Used at school, but student has option to use at home (reading record).

5. Reading‏
Students’ Reading grade will include their AR test average for the grading period as a test grade.
Reading log each Thursday. Students read for at least 20 minutes a night for four nights. Does not have to be an AR book.
Able to opt out of Reading log if both Reading goals met!

6. Language
The Language grade will consist of grammar, spelling, punctuation, dictionary skills, and writing.
Writing – We will be writing personal narratives, informational reports, persuasive essays, etc.
Correct letter formation counts on spelling tests, including dotting i’s and crossing t’s.

7. Language Words Their Way-
Every other week your child will be given a new spelling list with 20 words.
We practice the list in class the first week.
Spelling contracts will be handed out on the second Monday and due that Friday.
Test on second Friday.
Students will be grouped based upon the initial spelling assessment we completed at the beginning of the year.

8. Science
This year we are using “Mystery Science”, a web based science curriculum.
Units of study include: The Birth of Rocks, Energizing Everything, Human Machine, Waves of Sound.
Science and Social Studies units will alternate.

9. Social Studies
This year we are again using the Social Studies Alive series. The units we will be studying are:
Social Sciences
Regions of the U.S.A.

10. Social Studies
Daily Geography will be assigned on Monday and due on Friday.
We will do daily geography every other week (alternating with spelling contracts).
This practices map, atlas, and globe skills.

11. Math
Practice 0-10 multiplication and division facts at home with flashcards.
We will again be using the “Fast Math” program at school to learn math facts.
Topics of Study: Geometry, Multiplication & Division, Decimals, Estimation, Angle Measurement, Fractions, Perimeter & Area, Percents, Weight/Volume/Capacity, & Symmetry, Time...

12. Math
Each student has an Everyday Math account. This is a great places to get extra help and play math games.
There is an online math reference book that students have access to if they need help.

13. Classroom Info

14. Homework
Students will be given a grade based on completed homework assignments, in class work, tests/quizzes, reading record due Thursday...
If they do not turn in their work, or it is incomplete, an incomplete work slip will be sent home. It needs to be signed and brought back the next day.
During the incomplete work session, your child will complete the assignment. Once it is complete, their grade may be raised to no higher than an 80%.

15. Homework ‏
Each student will receive one homework “SLIDE” per grading period. This can be used if an assignment is left at home, incomplete, lost, eaten by the dog Only one slide will be given each grading period.
“Slides” are only valid for the current grading period.

16. Homework
If your child needs extra help with anything we are doing in school they can always stay after school for an extra help session. These run from 2:30-3:00. In order for them to stay they need to fill out an extra help slip and have it signed by you before they will be allowed to stay. This way there is an official copy in the office.

17. Homework Reading Log – Due every Thursday Spelling Contracts
Daily Geography
Math on most nights
Any work not finished in school (Math, Language, Reading)

18. Grading Grades: 50% Tests/Quizzes/Projects/Essays 30% Classwork
20% Homework
We are using “Teacher Ease” for calculating grades. You can go online and check grades anytime.
Progress reports will not be sent home Please view them online.

19. Grading (cont.)
Most assignments will be sent home in the students take home folder. Please check it often.
Also, send any papers back to school in this folder.

20. Assignment Notebook
Students should be writing all assignments in their assignment notebook.
Everyday I will allow class time to write assignments down as I write them on the board.
Please check that they are writing their assignments in their notebook everyday.
The assignment notebook is a great way to send me a quick note if the need arises.

21. District Website Our school district website is www.whsd1.org
I have a page on the district website. I post homework daily, and have links to useful websites and materials.
Check out the calendar and educational resources on the website.

22. Binder System Used to keep track of weekly behavior.
1st signature = warning
2nd signature = 5 minutes of recess
3rd signature = entire recess
4th signature = entire recess/ phone call home
5th signature = detention

23. Book Orders
I will hand out a Scholastic book order most months. Occasionally we will have multiple orders. (Order online and order from any catalogue) Online Code: DQDFK
Checks – Make payable to the Scholastic Book Club.
Cash- Please send exact amount.

24. Contact Info.
You may contact me via school phone at 847/ You can also me at:
If there is a serious problem please call.
REMIND: Please sign up to use “remind”. I will send out texts for important reminders.
Text: and in the message to sign up.

25. Conferences
Thursday November 9th from 12:00-8:00

26. Snacks We will have a snack time each day around 9:30.
Please make the snacks HEALTHY!!
Our district’s wellness policy states that food students bring in needs to be healthy and includes classroom holiday parties. We are also asking that treats and drinks do not come in for birthdays.

27. Helpers/Party Sign-up
Please sign-up to bring (Healthy) treats for a party if you can. I will be in touch with you to confirm. Thank you! 
Each child needs to bring in $10.00 to help cover the cost of our parties, crafts, and classroom supplies.

28. Helpers/Party Sign-up
Every parent that helps in the classroom needs to fill out a volunteer information form and waiver of liability BEFORE they can be in the classroom.

29. THANK YOU !!!