1. Please find your child’s seat. While you are waiting, please complete the inclement weather form, field trip permission slip, and the Computer Lab form. Please leave these at your child’s seat when you leave. There is a small sheet of paper on each desk if you would like to leave your child a note.

2. Here is a little information about myself. This is my 9 th year teaching at Mt. Bethel. I got married last summer to my husband, Brian. I graduated from Georgia Southern University. I am originally from California, but spent most of my “school years” right here in East Cobb. (I attended Walton High School…Go Raiders!!!) I am very active and enjoy the outdoors. Some of the activities I enjoy are running, soccer, hiking, camping, and canoeing.

3. What makes 4 th grade special? Georgia Standards of Excellence (the new name for the standards) Larger class size More responsibility for the KIDS. The amazing things they will learn!

4. Daily Schedule 7:40First Bell 7:45Tardy Bell 7:15-7:50Morning Work 7:50-8:50Math 8:50-9:35Specials 9:35-9:45Snack & Math 9:45-11:56Language Arts 11:56-12:26Lunch 12:26-12:50Recess 12:50-2:00Science / S.S. 2:00-2:25Pack-up and Dismissal  Guidance with Mrs. Gordon every other Wednesday 10:30-11:00

5. There are many different behavior management tools that are used in our classroom. Each of these tools is used to reinforce positive behavior and redirect poor behavior. Here are a few tools that we use: Marble Jar Lottery Tickets Making Better Choices Report Weekly Behavior Reports Homework sticks for the yoga ball

6. Parent / Teacher /Student Communication ~In order to have the most successful year possible, we will need to have open communication. Here are a few of the ways we can communicate: BLOGS: http://cobblearning.net/jkerzie/ and http://www.cobbk12.org/MtBethel/http://cobblearning.net/jkerzie/ http://www.cobbk12.org/MtBethel/ Newsletter – Each Monday parents AND students need to look over the newsletter that is posted on the BLOG. Part of Monday’s homework will be to record the “secret code” that is included each week. You and your child should look over the newsletter together and record the code at the bottom of the agenda. Student agenda – Monday (or the first day of the week) is the only day that I require a parent signature in the agenda but it is very important that you keep up with your child’s progress each day. Weekly Reports – Attached to each week’s graded papers will be a weekly report that will reflect your child’s behavior. This will be signed and returned each week. E-mail : jessica.kerzie@cobbk12.orgjessica.kerzie@cobbk12.org MBES Telephone: (770)578-7248

7. Parent signature and “secret code” go on the bottom of the agenda every Monday. Please look over your child’s agenda EVERY DAY to make sure they are keeping up with their homework!

8. Homework Homework assignments are an extension of classroom instruction and should be challenging and meaningful. Homework will be assigned on a daily basis. Children are asked to write their homework in their agendas. We walk through this as a class daily. Your child will bring this agenda home every day to be reviewed by an adult. Agendas are a great way to maintain communication and help students stay accountable for their work. Please review your child’s homework with them each night. In addition to the assigned homework recorded in the agenda, students are required to record reading on a reading log. The reading log is due at the beginning of each new month. Homework completion is recorded and is reflected on the report card in Work/Study Skills. Children may not call home if they have forgotten a homework assignment. This is a school policy.

9. Graded Papers Graded papers go home on Thursday with a weekly evaluation attached. Sign and send the ENTIRE packet back to school the next day. Grading Scale:  A = 100-90  B = 89-80  C = 79-74  D = 73-70  F = 69 -0

10. Reading and English Language Arts Block Vocabulary Building: We have an orange workbook that has wonderful activities to emphasize word meaning, parts of speech, and usage. A Friday quiz will follow each new unit. Spelling: Spelling will have two parts this year. Students will get a traditional spelling list based on a spelling skill we work on in class and there will be another aspect based on “every day” spelling using the Sitton Spelling program. This program is designed to make lifelong spellers and focuses on common everyday words. A list of the “no excuse words” will remain in their binders and get updated each week. Reader’s Workshop: This will include guided reading, read alouds, book studies & shared reading. Writing: writer’s workshop, 6 + 1 Writing Traits, Lucy Calkins AR goals- AR points are checked weekly and student will have a point goal to reach for each quarter. (This quarter’s minimum is 15 points.) Social studies and science topics will be integrated.

11. Math We will be working through the Georgia Standards of Excellence for 4 th grade. These standards have a high focus on rigor and depth of knowledge. With this focus, your child will be asked to write about their math thinking and processes as well as apply their skills in new situations. There will be math homework most days Monday – Thursday to supplement what we are doing in the classroom. Multiplication speed drill: 100 basic multiplication facts in 5 minutes (The minimum goal is 80% by the end of the year.) PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE help your child master their math facts!!!! This is extremely important for their their success!

12. Social Studies Map & Globe Skills Economics Government Native Cultures Early Exploration Colonization Revolutionary War Constitution Westward Expansion

13. Science Water Weather Force and Motion / Simple Machines Light Sound Space Ecosystems Protective Adaptations

14. Synergy – The Online Gradebook Cobb County has adopted an online gradebook that I will update on a regular basis. This will give you access to your child’s assignment grades as well as current subject averages.

15. Life Skills 4th grade is a big year with big goals. In addition to the academic rigor of our standards, many life skills will be practiced throughout the year. –Organization –Responsibility –Self-discipline –Taking Ownership –And so much more…

16. Final Notes Water bottles -No juice please! Snack – Healthy! Birthdays-Let me know if you want to send in a treat. Treats are welcomed! (Please pre-cut the treat and please send napkins!!!) If there is a change in your child’s transportation it must be stated in a note signed by the office. If it is a bus change the Cobb County form has to be used. If your child is absent due to a doctor visit or illness, please send him/her with a note.

17. I am so happy that all of you could come tonight! I look forward to staying in contact with you throughout the year and I especially look forward to teaching your children! ??????????? Are there any questions ???????????