1. Welcome! Mr. Blacksher ~ 4th Grade 2015-2016 7:00 Greet your teacher, find your spot, and settle your supplies in to their new home! 7:15Parent Orientation Meeting in the classroom. Students go to the gym for movie/activity. 7:45 Students get picked up in the gym.

2. Wanting to know about your child’s 4 th grade teacher? 2 nd year teaching Attained a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education at Missouri State University Graduated High School from Carthage.

3. On a more personal level… I love traveling, water skiing, making music, & building furniture! There’s nothing like a good run in the morning I have been married a little more than a year to my wife Allison. Youth Leader at Ozark United Methodist Church.

4. Classroom Discipline Be Safe Be Responsible Be Respectful All students have the right to a well-ordered, peaceful, engaging, and safe learning environment. To promote and ensure the learning environment, students need to follow our school’s expectations. Students will be individually and positively reinforced for on-task and appropriate behavior. -Super Bucks -Collegiate Cash

5. Curriculum English Language Arts Reading~ Literature & Informational Text Whole group reading, small group reading, & self-selected reading Read every night…record in planner Writing Narrative, Informative, Explanatory, Opinion Pieces Mathematics Place Value, Multi-step Word Problems, Multiplication of 4 digits, Division with and without remainders, Geometry, Measurement, Fractions, Data Analysis Science Soil & Rocks, Fossils, Landforms, Weathering, Ecosystems, Matter & Energy, Force & Motion, Scientific Process Social Studies History and Geography of Missouri, Midwest & the World, Government, Economics

6. Curriculum Independent Study This year we will fully implement Independent Study each Friday afternoon. Students will write, plan, research, and complete projects that follow their own independent learning focusing on topics of their own interest. Students might need to utilize materials from home based on each project, and what they decide to research. They will have an opportunity to ask permission from parents/guardians prior to starting. Reading~ My students will be meeting with Ms. Kapitan for daily reading lessons and small group reading. Math~ Fourth grade students will be pre-assessed to determine prior knowledge on skills and concepts for each unit. Students will be placed in a flexible math class in order to meet individual math needs. Math teachers for fourth grade are Mr. Blacksher and Ms. Janus. Student Grade Card~ Standards Based Grading…1, 2, 3 Specials Monday: Computers Tuesday: Library Wednesday: Music Thursday: Art Friday: PE

7. Information Bell Schedule: 8:40-3:40 *Fridays 8:40-2:40 Transportation changes require a signed note Parent Approved Pick Up List & ID’s to ensure safety Super Hero of the Week & Estimation Jar Scholastic Book Orders Student Planners- record minutes read, discuss evidence of learning & behavior… please sign daily Take-Home Folders- check daily & return to school Classroom Newsletters Healthy snacks & water bottles Birthdays- District Wellness Policy Collecting Box Tops & Labels for Education…PTA table Homework- Read 15+ minutes nightly, practice multiplication facts, math skills/concepts, independent study projects

8. COMING SOON TO ESPY……..PBIS! PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports PBIS refers to a systems change process for an entire school or district. The underlying theme is teaching behavioral expectations in the same manner as any core curriculum subject. Rather than telling students what not to do, the school will focus on the preferred behaviors. There will be more information provided at our first PTA Meeting, August 25. Focus on the positive!

9. Classroom Wish List Composition Notebooks Sugar-free gum Mints Healthy Snacks Games…dominos, board games, cards, etc. Classroom books

10. Wrap-Up *Please fill out the following forms: Parent-Approved Pick Up List Nixa Public Schools Transportation Information 1 st Day of School Transportation Sheet Getting To Know You Note for your Super Kid *Red Take-Home Folder *PTA Packet *Please check the Bus Routes posted on the white board. *Check my Espy Teacher Website regularly for updates & information!

11. Thank you for attending! I look forward to a wonderful school year together! If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at ethanblacksher@nixaschools.net.