1. Welcome to Fourth Grade!
Mr. Ted Rydzewski
Fourth Grade Teacher

2. Neshaminy School District
MISSION STATEMENT
The Neshaminy community builds futures by empowering each child to become a productive citizen and a lifelong learner.
DISTRICT BELIEFS  
The Neshaminy community believes that . . .
Children are the future.
All people can learn.
People learn in different ways and at different rates.
Achievement is realized through challenge.
Trust promotes creative problem solving.
All people have worth.
Laughter, joy, and hope are essential for a quality life.
Success builds self-esteem.
Valuing diversity strengthens our society.
People have a responsibility to themselves and others.
Family is the cornerstone of society.
A quality education is a right. Excellence in education requires support, sacrifice, and involvement from the total community.
All people have the right to a safe and healthy learning environment. . 

3. Daily Greeting for Students

4. Our Daily Schedule 8:50—9:20 Homeroom Procedures 9:20—10:00 Specials
10:00—11:00 Mathematics
11:00—11:45 Social Studies/Science
11:45—12:45 English Language Arts
(Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar, Spelling)
12:45—1: Recess and Lunch
1:45—2: English Language Arts (continued)
2:30—3:30 Power Time (Interventions and Enrichment for Language Arts and Math)
(Day 5 Chorus)
3:30—3: Clean up and Dismissal

5. Day 1 Library Day 2 Computer Day 3 Music Day 4 Art Day 5 Gym
Specialist Schedule
Day 1 Library Day 2 Computer Day 3 Music Day 4 Art Day 5 Gym

6. Is Your Child Ready to Learn?
A good night’s sleep is necessary to be successful in fourth grade
Book bag with agenda book and take home folder enclosed
Bring lunch or have money in their accounts
Homework that has been completed, and then checked by an adult
Supply box containing sharpened pencils, crayons, scissors, erasable markers, and glue
Bring morning snack

7. Language Arts Curriculum
How can Families Help?
Start a file of reading/vocabulary/spelling words
Model reading by reading yourself
Make sure your child reads every day
Develop the library habit
Help your child organize a personal library
Read aloud to your child
Give books as gifts
Make reading a privilege: “You can stay up 15 minutes later if you read in bed.”
Language Arts
Jr. Great Books
Comprehension
Shared Inquiry
In-depth reading, critical thinking
Novel Study
Builds background & world exposure
Authentic vocabulary building
Communication & Dialogue skills
Development of social skills
Engagement & Excitement for
Learning
Writing Workshop
Writing Fundamentals
Conventions
Grammar
Conventions, usage, and mechanics of standard English
Vocabulary
Promoting language acquisition to assist students to understand text and communicate in writing
Spelling

8. Math Curriculum How can Families Help? Math in Focus Place Value
Estimation and Number Theory
Whole Number Multiplication and Division
Tables and Line Graphs
Data and Probability
Fractions and Mixed Numbers
Decimals
Geometry
In addition to our core math program, we are also using Every Day Counts: Calendar Math. This is used to reinforce the concepts we teach with Singapore Math.
How can Families Help?
“Math Box” of Manipulatives (counters, play money, dice, flash cards)
Various Math websites

9. Social Studies Alive / Pennsylvania: Our Home
Full Option Science System
Social Studies Alive / Pennsylvania: Our Home
Skills Focus:
Social Scientists
Map, Graph, and Chart Skills
Making Decisions
Current Events
Five themes of geography
Five Regions of the Unites States
Physical features of Pennsylvania
Resources of Pennsylvania
William Penn

10. How does the Standards-Based Progress Report compare to the traditional letter grade system?
Same student, different report.

11. Homework Usually given Monday – Thursday nights
Math and/or Language written homework
Practice math facts or use online Math program--IXL
Practice reading/spelling words (word file) for Friday test
Practice vocabulary words and grammar
Read a story on RAZ Kids, practice your fluency story, or read a book
* Reading 20 minutes is assigned for every day of the week*
Designed to provide your child with practice of the skills taught in class.
Please let me know if your child experiences difficulty with homework, and I will re-teach the skills.

12. Homework Folders
Please check your child’s folder/agenda book each evening for school communication and homework. Homework will also be listed on website.
Take a few moments to review the school papers with your child. It is a good opportunity to recognize his or her strengths and weaknesses at a particular time, as well as to see the types of things your child is learning in class. Don’t forget to make a fuss to remind them you appreciate all the hard work they are doing all day.
Sign and return tests and office papers, but empty out the rest.
Be on the look out for Fourth Grade Updates. I use these to inform or remind parents of important school or classroom happenings, such as upcoming tests, spirit days, or events. This will be listed on the website.

13. Birthdays
Birthdays are an important part of a youngster’s life, and we will celebrate birthdays in school.
Each child will get a birthday pencil and a certificate as a keepsake of his/her birthday. Please do not send any food items to distribute to classmates.
Birthday party invitations should be mailed from home.

14. SWPBS Classroom/ Assembly Stairwells Indoor Recess Outdoor Recess Bus
Hallways/
Stairwells
Restroom
Cafeteria
Indoor Recess
Outdoor Recess
Bus
Be Respectful
Use appropriate
voice level.
Use kind words & good manners.
Allow others to learn.
Walk silently.
Keep your hands to
yourself and away
from walls and
artwork.
Use Level 1 voices.
Respect the privacy of others.
Use Level 2 voices.
Use good manners.
Use kind words.
Raise your hand if you need help.
Share materials.
Include others.
Play fairly and take turns.
Use kind words and actions.
Listen to the adult in charge.
Share equipment.
Listen to the driver.
Use kind words and good manners.
Give personal space to others.
Be Responsible
Be cooperative.
Take care of class materials.
Be prepared to learn.
Listen to directions.
Do your best work.
Go directly to where
you need to be.
Keep restroom clean.
Put trash in can.
Use restroom quickly and quietly.
Get everything you need while in line.
Clean up after yourself.
Follow directions.
Stay in your seat until you are dismissed.
Take care of materials.
Clean up games and materials.
Line up silently.
Put equipment away.
Dress for the weather.
Line up quickly and silently after recess.
Walk silently into the building.
Keep the bus clean.
Keep your belongings with you.
Be Safe
Walk indoors.
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
Follow emergency plans.
Never open outside
doors for visitors.
Look forward when
walking.
Walk in straight, single-file lines.
Stay to the right on
the stairs and take
one step at a time.
Keep feet on floor.
Wash hands and keep water in sink.
Report problems to your teacher.
Enter and exit silently in an orderly line.
Stay in your seat.
Eat only your own food.
Choose indoor games and activities.
Play safely.
Use equipment properly.
Report problems to an adult.
Stay in seat facing forward.
Keep aisle clear.

15. Home/School Communication Is the Key to a Successful Year!
Absence Notes
Please provide a note for each absence.
Vacations need to be approved by the office 2 weeks BEFORE the trip. Please request a vacation form from our office.
Change in Transportation
Notes are needed for ALL changes in transportation.
If you need to send an about changes please make sure to include the office as well.
Try to inform me of last minute changes as early as possible, as my biggest concern is keeping your child safe.
Communication is Key, So Get in Touch with ME!
Please feel free to contact me whenever you and/or your child have a concern or question about our fourth grade program and classroom family
Check my webpage weekly for updates

16. Thank You!
Thank you for taking the time to visit your child’s school and classroom. I appreciate all that you do, because you are the key ingredient in your child’s academic success!