1. Fourth Grade Curriculum Night 15-16 September 8, 2015

2. Fourth Grade Personnel Brian Pendergast 4A Social Studies Holly Keefer 4B Student Achievement Amanda DeRuyter 4C Science Support Services: Adam Riggle-speech Lauren English-Learning Support Erica Zinsser-Guidance Heather Esswein-GOAL, ELAP, A² Karen Sanguigni-Reading Support

3. Fourth Grade Specifics Switch classes for Math, Science, Social Studies, and Student Achievement. Accordion folders taken home nightly. All handouts filed in proper section. New opportunities for Orchestra, Band, and Chorus.

4. Student Accountability Students are responsible for work missed due to band and orchestra lessons, GOAL, speech, etc. Dry erase boards describing daily work. Assignment books and classroom chart. Increased Accountability to keep up with academics despite these activities.

5. Math Program  Harcourt Short chapters, nearly weekly tests. Online math text Lesson sequence and supplemental materials are designed to coincide with Pennsylvania Core

6. Math Instruction 65 minutes uninterrupted daily instruction. Grouping based on achievement scores, end of book test, basic facts and student attribute scores. Academic I and Academic II –I: Homogeneous II: Heterogeneous –All students receive the same curriculum. –Depth and/or pace may vary. Advanced Academics (A²) takes place once a month. Fourth and fifth graders eligible for grade acceleration testing in May each year based on IOWA test results.

7. Rocket Math Approximately 10 minutes daily Practice with partners Individual pacing 3-4 new facts each level Can use oral practice sheet or flashcards for nightly review Students are motivated by tracking their individual progress

8. What will we be learning in 4 th grade science? Life Science –classifying plants and animals –plants –ecosystems –systems of the human body Earth Science –the water cycle –weather –rocks and minerals –changes to Earth’s surface –natural resources Physical Science –matter –heat –electricity and magnetism –sound and light –motion –simple machines Space and Technology –Earth’s Cycle –inner and outer planets –effects of technology

9. Social Studies Key Concept: US Regions Unit 1: Exploring the United States Unit 2: United States Economy Unit 3: Exploring the Northeast Region Unit 4: Exploring the Southeast Region Unit 5: Exploring the Midwest Region Unit 6: Exploring the Southwest Region Unit 7: Exploring the West Region

10. Social Studies Supplemental Materials Teacher Designed Materials Maps Globes Instructional Games and Activities Curriculum Related Videos Social Studies Evaluation May include the following: –Lesson quizzes –Chapter Tests –Homework

11. Student Achievement Student Achievement is data driven and differentiated Topics included during Student Achievement are based on grade level standards and expectations Instruction will align with FES targeted areas of growth as well as the PA Core ELA topics will include additional practice with core writing forms (narrative, opinion/argument, and informative/explanatory), text dependent analysis, making connections between texts, robust vocabulary, figurative language, and English applications Math will include techniques and strategies that both support and enrich topics covered within the curriculum No specific grade will be given in Student Achievement on the report card, but items will be graded and given to ELA or math teacher for inclusion with report card grades.

12. English Language Arts Harcourt Storytown reading series Spiraled skills throughout levels Instructional strategies proven to enhance student learning Approximately one week for each story Weekly comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling tests. District advises at least 25 additional books per year to improve skills fluency and comprehension.

13. School Wires and Websites Green initiative to use less paper. Tyler grade book access. On-line textbook instructions are available on the FES homepage. Links are included on each teacher’s webpage. Homework page on websites.

14. Home-School Communication Encourage child to express concerns to teacher without parent intervention, nurturing responsibility You are welcome to use our email to communicate  aderuyter@northallegheny.org  bpendergast@northallegheny.org bpendergast@northallegheny.org  hkeefer@northallegheny.org hkeefer@northallegheny.org

15. Homework Guidelines Handbook indicates guidelines for each grade level (approx. 40 min. nightly) Homework time may vary each night for each child due to: *Pull-out schedule *Ability to grasp new concepts *Practice time for a new skill *Classroom time management skills

16. Missed Assignments If your child has a missed homework assignment: A “parent signature” stamp will be put on the assignment book page for the due date. The missed work must be turned in completed the next day. The student is responsible for obtaining the parent signature and providing the missed work.

17. Report Card Written Communication: * No letter grade, only indicators for strengths and areas in need of improvement. *Indicators will be given the second and fourth report periods. * Focus on narrative, informational and opinion writing. Health Grade: * Included in Physical Education grade for second and fourth report period. Recommendation for Homework Completion: * “Needs to Complete Homework” notation will appear with three or more late homework assignments per subject/per report period.

18. Homework for Absent Students Absent two or more days (per Handbook) Call request to office by 11:30 A.M. on second day of absence Work can be picked up at the office OR sibling/neighbor may carry assignments home *Reminder: books are available on- line and homework assignments can be found on teachers’ webpages!!!

19. Educational Trip Absence Obtain form from office or FES website Submit form 14 calendar days prior to trip Teachers will circulate assignment sheet Homeroom teacher will send home assignment sheet 1 or 2 days before trip All assigned homework is due on Day of Return

20. Band, Orchestra, & Chorus Elective classes - not required Students who are not at a rehearsal will be… ○ participating in extension/remediation activities ○ PSSA prep activities ○ This time is not a study hall or silent reading time Band/Orchestra students need to bring their instrument & music every week. –Lesson schedules will be distributed by Mr. Leasure and Mrs. Donato * Band and orchestra students are required to make- up any work missed while attending their lesson

21. Thanks for Attending Remember: Parent – Teacher conferences will take place November 2 nd and 3 rd which coincides with the issuing of the first report card. A sign-up sheet will be available for signing in the homeroom classroom. 4A - Mr. Pendergast room 20 4B - Mrs. Keefer room 21 4C - Miss DeRuyter room 19