1. Fourth Grade Treasures Welcome to an exciting year of learning ! As a teacher who has taught for 24 years, I’ve discovered that there are 3 very key components to a successful and productive classroom. These components include: environment, curriculum and motivation. An environment conducive to learning must be comfortable, accepting, and safe. This will describe our classroom. Furthermore, our classroom will be kept tidy and organized. Cooperative learning groups will facilitate learning and “ respect ” will be the underlining principle that will guide all activities. The fourth grade curriculum will be taught to motivate all learning styles. Hands on projects, integrated lessons, and a passionate teacher will ensure students are engaged in learning. Each student is valued and will be praised for their accomplishments. Individual goals will be set and frequently monitored. Students will understand that we are a community of learners and a good education can lead to a brighter future.

2. “Together Everyone Achieves More”  T is for Team  · Let us work together in the best interest of your child  · Communicate via e-mail, telephone, or planner pages  · Volunteer to help in the classroom  · Support the policies and procedures of the school and classroom  · Monitor the progress of your student and provide the necessary support  R is for Rewards  Fun activities will be planned as a result of maintaining a positive learning environment. To do this, students must adhere to the principles of being a “Peace Builder,” follow the 4R’s of conduct, and obey the classroom rules. *See attachment for details  E is for Earning Classroom Money  Students will earn classroom money for meeting expectations and completing various responsibilities. Students will then be able to spend this money in auctions and/or stores  A is for Attendance  Students are expected to be at school daily and on time. Absent students are required to make up missed work identified by the teacher and will need to turn the assignments in, the Monday, following their absence. Students that are absent on a Friday, need to make arrangements to retrieve Friday packets, to ensure preparation for the forthcoming Monday. Any late work must be turned in by the forthcoming Monday, following the due date.

3.  S is for student  Students are the most valuable treasure, and will be treated as such. To make a diamond, pressure is needed. To enjoy its beauty a delicate hand and tools are applied. Like a jewel, each child is unique and brings a new perspective to the classroom. Curriculum, lesson plans, and classroom management will reflect this philosophy. Pressure will be applied when needed, yet a delicate hand will be ready to make that jewel shine like no other.  U is for Units  Most subject matter will be taught in units with students keeping data on pre and posttest. This information will be kept in their portfolio and reviewed during conferences. Portfolios will be kept at school for progress monitoring, and given to students at the end of the year. Newsletters are collected each week and will be placed in portfolios. Curriculum schedules can be viewed on class website.  R is for Routines  Expect the following:  · Daily planner pagers and homework sheets  · Students reading at home for 20-30 minutes daily  · Receive weekly spelling list on Friday, posttest given the following Friday (Practice words at least 5 minutes daily)  · Practice times tables and keyboarding skills(5 minutes daily)  · Friday packets passed out each Friday. Packets include newsletter, the weeks work, and progress reports. Newsletter and progress report should be returned the following Monday.  · Routines, Routines, Routines, “Structure provides safety and comfort

4.  E is for Expectations  1. (Maintain the 4 R’s) Respect, Responsibility, Refrain, and Right to learn  2. (Almost) Students behaving inappropriately will be given a reminder of the 4 R’s  3. (Time Out) A student that continues to misbehave will be asked to write 10 sentences and/or practice the rules not followed during a recess time.  Stop and Think, If a student’s behavior progresses to this point he/she will be asked complete a “Stop and Think Form in the partner class and take home for a parent signature. These forms will also be placed in student portfolios and he or she will not be allowed to recess until the form is returned signed  S is for Student of the Week  Students will have an opportunity to share their personal information, lead the class in the pledge, be the line leader and library helper. Students must have their personal favorites presentation complete to be considered the student of the week. A schedule is made at the beginning of the year and a format given to complete presentation to be shared during their assigned week. 

5. The 4’Rs  Respect (Self, Others, Property)  Refrain (Hurtful words, Hands, AND Actions)  Responsibility (be prepared with the tools to learn)  Right to Learn (Be An Active Participate in The Learning Process)

6. Classroom Rules  * Follow directions quickly  * Raise your hand to speak  * Use quiet movement  * Make smart choices  * Follow the 4R’s  Student will record daily behavior on their planner page. Planner pages require a parent signature daily. Parents will consistently be aware of student behavior. Each student starts the day at a “following directions” status. This status can change to “wow” or “perfect behavior,” as the student exhibits exemplary behavior. Behavior status can change in the negative, to the “almost there”, “time out”, and “stop and think” status. (pb) (wow) (fd) (at) (st) (to) Example