1. Welcome to 4 th Grade Parent Orientation Mrs. Ezzell’s Class 2015-2016

2. To facilitate a safe learning environment to further your child’s academic and social growth. To give your child the academic and social skills they need to become a 21 st Century learner. To provide a supportive and fun classroom environment for your student.

3. My background I graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.A. in English. I then went on to get an M.A. in journalism. I have my elementary education certification from Avila University. I have an additional +48 hours. My experience 3 rd grade in Blue Springs 4 th grade in St. Joseph Instructional Coaching in St. Joseph Co-director of Prairie Lands Writing Project (Writing Camp, Summer Institute)

4. My husband Rick and I have been married a little over one year. We just moved to the Northland, and we are loving it! I have one daughter who started college on Monday at Missouri State University. She wants to be a teacher! Rick has four kids who have kids, so if you know an Ezzell, chances are it’s a relative!

5. Envision Math Reader’s Workshop Writer’s Workshop Inquiry-based Science Social Studies infused into the Content Areas

6. This year we will continue to use the workshop model of instruction in reading, writing, and math. The workshop model consists of a 10-15 minute mini lesson, 40-45 minutes of independent/practice time, and a 5-10 minute reflection at the end. The students will be creating notebooks for each workshop time.

7. Progress is measured over course of school year Marking system Performance levels 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, 1.0 Mid-point measures (e.g., 1.5, 2.5, etc.) Personal Development and work habits are separate

9. -Star Assesssment -Acuity Assessment ~Fountas and Pinnell Running Records -Unit Assessments -Anecdotal daily assessments ~MAP

11. Homework this year will mainly consist of a math page each night that reinforces whatever skill we worked on that day during math workshop. This will allow students to practice Putting First Things First and will also allow you to see what we are working on as well as how your student approaches this work. My goal is not for you to have to teach this skill. If your student is unable to talk to you about strategies for attempting this work, please let me know.

12. We are also beginning our 40 BOOK CHALLENGE! I would like to encourage each student to read at least 20 minutes per evening, but for the first time, I have decided not to have a signed book log as part of homework. My goal for each student is for them to read more than they ever have before and to love it. I am not sure the signed book log facilitates this.

13. 8:35-8:50 Arrival–Daily Common Core Math Review 8:50-9:10Word Study 9:10-10:20 Reader’s Workshop 10:30-11:20 Specials A Day- LibraryB Day- P.E. C Day- ArtD Day- Music 11:20-12:20 Writer’s Workshop 12:22-1:19 Lunch/Recess 1:20-1:35 Interactive Read Aloud 1:35-2:10Social Sciences 2:10-3:25 Math Workshop 3:25-3:30 Pack Up

14. Leader in Me 21 st Century Learners Birthday/Holiday Party snacks-all treats must be store bought and ready to serve upon arrival. Treats are handed out at lunch.

15. for taking the time to attend Parent Orientation! If you have any questions during the school year, please feel free to email or call me. Mrs. Ezzell: ezzellm@parkhill.k12.mo.us 359-5524ezzellm@parkhill.k12.mo.us I look forward to working with you and your child this year. It is going to be a wonderful year filled with exciting learning activities !