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Welcome
4th grade

2. Meet Mrs. Vest
I graduated from the University of Memphis with my Bachelor’s Degree in 1999.
I graduated from Cumberland University with my Master’s Degree in
I completed my Reading Specialist in 2004.
This is my 16th year to teach.
This is my 2nd year in 4th grade.
I am married and have a 6 children and 10 grandchildren.

3. Meet Mrs. Tucker
I graduated from the University of Memphis with my Bachelor’s Degree in 2004.
I graduated from the University of Tennessee with my Master’s Degree in 2007.
I have one year left in my doctoral program.
This is my 12th year in 4th grade.
I am married and have a 5 year old named Knox.

4. Dates to remember
Refer to newsletter

5. Newsletter: Sent home each Monday in the binder. It includes:
Announcements/Reminders
Additions or changes to the
calendar
Weekly topics and phonics words
for the week
Homework and test dates

6. D.O.T. Binder: Contents Return to School-front pocket
Calendar- this will be initialed each night- contains weekly AR information; related arts rotation, and daily events
Newsletter
Attendance Log/ Common Assessment Graph
Skills Checklist
Password Page- online websites, usernames, and passwords for textbooks or other technology resources
Mountain Math/Language Reference page
Communication Log- this will be used for me to correspond on behavior or other things.
Priority Pocket- this is a place to keep money, signed forms, etc. that need to be returned to me.
Keep at home-back pocket
Back Cover- Important Information/Resources

7. Graded Papers:
Papers will go home daily after we have graded and reviewed them. The papers will be located in your child’s binder and are yours to keep. Please use these papers to work with your child at home. We feel that sending papers home daily vs. weekly allows students ample time for review before testing. If you are not receiving graded papers in the binder please discuss this with your child.
Tests will be sent home as the unit is assessed. You will receive a Remind 101 text/ when tests are sent home. Please always review the tests with your child.

8. Discipline/Policies and Procedures
Clips
S, S-, N, U
Calendar -sign each night~ no conduct equals S for the day. Remember, if there is a star on the calendar, please flip to the communication log
T.R.A.C.K. points
Refer to Policy and Procedure packet

9. T.R.A.C.K.-Tremendous, Respectful, And Courteous Kids
T.R.A.C.K. programs will be each 9 weeks.
Each student begins the 9 weeks with 0 points.
Points are added for not following classroom rules.
Students losing more than 10 points will not be able to attend the T.R.A.C.K. program.
0-10 points = S in conduct
11-20 points = N in conduct
21+ points = U in conduct

10. AR (Accelerated Reader)
Books will be chosen based on previous year’s TCAP for the first grading period.
Students will choose books within this level. Not above or below-this range will be appropriate for independent reading and growth.
Students will test on books and can check out new ones when necessary.
Goals will be set and explained in the next few days for points students need to earn.
At the end of the nine weeks, students will earn a grade by averaging their test score average and their percentage of meeting their goal.
Students will be able to attend the AR celebration at the end of each 9 weeks if they’ve met their goal and have an ending quiz average of 80%.

11. INTRODUCING: Spelling/Phonics practice
“Word Study”

12. Spelling…the Atoka way!
Students will be introduced to new spelling patterns each week, take part in literacy activities in which they gain more exposure to the patterns, and practice making and sorting words throughout the week.
They will take a phonics quiz each week on words that use that week’s spelling patterns as well as any previously taught phonics patterns.
Half of the words on the phonics quiz will be assigned at the beginning of the week; the remaining half of the words will be new pattern words and will allow the teacher to measure mastery of the phonics skill.

13. What does the research say?
Parents have been very used to the weekly spelling tests that our school favored, but research shows students often memorize words for a test and then promptly forget them.
Assigned spelling lists often required students to study isolated words rather than the phonics, the sounds that letters make within the words
We will be using a system that does not completely abandon weekly lists, but emphasizes opportunities for students to investigate and understand the patterns in words and build word knowledge that can be applied to both reading and spelling.
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14. Word Study vs. Traditional Spelling tests
Word study provides students with opportunities to investigate and understand the patterns in words. Knowledge of these patterns means that students needn't learn to spell one word at a time.
Word study is also designed to build word knowledge that can be applied to both reading and spelling (Henderson, 1992; Zutell, 1998). Because it is closely tied to reading instruction, it also develops students' abilities in phonics, word recognition, and vocabulary (Baker, 2000).

15. Lunch Regular lunch: 1 entrée, 2 vegetables, fruit, milk ($2.00)
Extra entrée: $1.75
Extra side: $.50

16. Homework Will be written on the newsletter that is sent home Monday.
Occasionally, additional HW will be given throughout the week for extra skills practice.
To be completed by student and turned in the next school day. If not turned in and no note provided, it will be finished during recess.

17. Achievement Gap Graph

18. What can I do to help my child?
Go over the graded papers as they are sent home.
Utilize resources at the end of the powerpoint.
Check/sign calendar each night conduct and AR progress.
Utilize the communication log to stay in touch with me if you have any questions or concerns.
Have them read each night, having a designated time/space for this to take place!
Check their agenda “learning log” as a way to jump start your conversation with your student. This will be an excellent place where your student has written their learning for each subject on a daily basis.

19. MULTIPLICATION
We will begin TIMED fluency assessments in the 2nd nine weeks!
These will be on the basic four functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
More information will be given later.
Check my website for help to study.
Practice, Practice, Practice!!!

20. Technology sign up Reminders
Remind texts/ s
Skyward online gradebook- pick up a packet in the front office if you need an account
AR s- look for a note to be sent home soon with information on how to receive s each time your student tests

21. Our Schedule School begins at 7:45
Snack (during work time) around 9:30ish
Recess 10:20-10:40
Related Arts 10:45-11:30
Lunch 12:15-12:40
Dismissal
Car Riders 2:30
1st Load Bus Riders 2:35
2nd Load Bus Riders when 1st Load Returns

22. Resources Family Learning Center - (901)475-5967 @ Crestview Middle
Neighborhood Tutor- (901)

23. Important Reminders
Absent-send note (on a piece of paper) and make up work
Graded papers and tests will be sent home once they have been graded and reviewed in class. I will send a Remind text to let you know when tests come home.
Check the calendar in the binder EVERY night
Homework, if any, is due next day
School transportation changes-need note…can’t call the office due to inability to verify voice of caller over the phone

24. Contact Us Note on Communication Log or in priority pocket
Call and leave me a message
Remind 101: This is a free app on our phone that allows us to send group messages to you. It does not show your number and you will not be able to reply back to the message. We would use this in case of inclement weather early dismissal or reminders. To participate, text with the or text with the