1. Greentree Elementary 2017-2018
Welcome to 4th Grade
Greentree Elementary
Michelle Stroud Julia Arcuri
Susan Mitchell Meg Gandy
Julie Wimberly Melissa Ebarb

2. Lunch
Times: Mitchell/Gandy :15 Ebarb/Wimberly :17 Arcuri/Stroud :19 Eating with your child: We ask that if you visit during lunchtime, please sit with your child at the center guest table only. Students may not ask a friend to join them, as this is your special time with your child. If you have peanut products, please notify the teacher on duty. Cafeteria Prices: Breakfast - $1.45 Lunch - $2.25

3. STAAR Testing 2018 Testing dates: April 10–Writing May 14 – Math
May 15 – Reading
The building will be completely closed those days, so please do not plan on lunch with your child or schedule any appointments for them those days.

4. Daily Schedule 8:10-10:15 1st Block 10:15-11:10 Specials
11:15-11:45 Lunch
11:45-12:15 Recess
12:25-12:55 Sparkle Time
12:55-3:20 2nd Block

5. Word Study
Words Their Way: All students will be learning the same spelling skills required by the TEA for 4th grade. The program helps students learn spelling patterns, NOT simple memorization. Sorts and nightly homework will be a huge part of this.

6. Reader’s Workshop
Reader’s Workshop is the framework we use to teach reading. It includes a mini-lesson, independent reading time, and guided reading groups. We will focus on many comprehension skills, such as determining importance and summarizing. We will also use many wonderful read-alouds to foster a love of reading.

7. Writer’s Workshop
Writer’s Workshop is the framework we use to teach writing. It includes a mini-lesson, writing time, and time to share. They will learn writing across several genres. STAAR testing is focused on the genres of personal narrative and expository. Camp Write Along, a fun review in a camp-like setting, will be in March prior to the STAAR test. Writing is an ENORMOUS part of fourth grade!

8. Specials
Specials rotate by classroom. Please make sure your child wears good athletic shoes on the days they go to P.E.
Students learn the recorder in the second semester of fourth grade. Students will need to be responsible to bring their materials to music.

9. PBIS & The Great 8
PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports) is practiced throughout Greentree. This means we reinforce positive behaviors as models for all students. Gator tickets are one way to reward students for “Great Gator Behavior”.
We also study character education using The Great 8 in our classrooms. Each quarter, the entire school will focus on a pillar of character, such as, Optimistic Thinking or Self-Awareness, and students will be expected to exhibit each pillar through their behavior.
Weekly conduct will be recorded and communicated to parents through the Monday folder.

10. Conduct - Goal Cards
The concept is to positively influence and reward students for good behavior at the end of each week. If there is a problem with behavior, a student will get a mark or hole-punch on the card. No one is perfect, so they are allowed up to 2 marks each week – 2 or less is success!
If they meet that goal, they get to participate in a class reward at the end of the week.
If they do not meet the goal, the student will not be able to participate in the reward, and it will be reflected in their weekly conduct grade.

11. Tutoring
Tutoring needs will be assessed on an as needed basis. Official tutoring will be determined after the first round of DBA’s (district benchmark assessments). Tutoring groups are kept small to meet the needs of each student effectively.
Sparkle Time is a daily 30 minute block where interventions take place based on a student’s individual needs or plan.

12. Planners & Purple Folders
Planners are filled out each day indicating all homework assignments and important notes. These should be checked and signed by parents each and every day.
Purple folders will come home each Monday or Tuesday and will include graded papers, conduct, and other communications from the previous week. These must be signed by a parent and returned to school the following day.

13. Supplies
All students will need to purchase a 1 inch 3-ring binder for the school year. Please do not purchase the zipper ones.
These were not included in EPI packets or on supply lists.
Binders will stay at school and not come home daily.

14. Power Walk - Every Friday afternoon
Power Walk - Every Friday afternoon. Please make sure your student wears appropriate shoes that day. Fruit Break - Please pack a nutritious snack for your student each day. Healthy foods only . We encourage students not to bring peanut products to the classroom due to food allergies. Water bottles - Be sure to send a non-spill water bottle with your child daily and remind them to bring it home often for washing. Please do not send any beverage other than water.

15. Support your school – Annual Fund
Please help support our school through the Greentree Annual Fund. Unlike fundraisers, 100% of your tax deductible donation goes to help our school.
Our goal is to raise $60,000 for things such as technology, training, and equipment.
You can donate today or go online to

16. Balanced Math
The hands-on curriculum is designed to give students a grasp on manipulation of numbers & number sense, not just rote equations. Have your student share these strategies with you so you can better understand what they are learning. In this balanced math approach we use district-created plans, Investigations, and enVision. Our team is always here to answer any question you may have.
In fourth grade, multiplication and division are huge. Please help your student practice their 1 – 12 multiplication facts nightly.

17. Science and Social Studies
The science curriculum is focused on hands-on labs.
The social studies curriculum is focused on Texas history.

18. We look forward to a GATOR GREAT new school year!