August 27, 2013Dear Parents,

Welcome to Fourth Grade. I’m looking forwardto a great year working with you and your child! I have put together a folder of informationto help you and your child become more familiar withour classroom routines and curriculum. It is for you to keep at home throughout the year. Please readand discuss the information with your child. Today your child received several papers and notices for you to read through and sign as needed. Please return the medical surveys as soon as possible. Next week your child will have a “SummerMemories” activity to complete for homework. I willexplain it to students on Wednesday. The following week we will start our weekly homework and reading logs (more information will be sent home then).

Our class has Music tomorrow. Thank you for your cooperation and if you have any questions, please email me:

lmccue@waterfordschools.org or call the office at 442-2593

Sincerely, Mrs. McCue

FourthGrade

Handbook

Mrs. McCueRoom 212

Mrs. McCue’s ClassMia Chiappone Jordan Elci Shea Flaherty Sofia Folino Madison Gates Mckenzie Gregory Aiden Grimsey Nate Hanson Lily Marelli Brooke Nasser Alexandra Petersen Mikayla Senkewitcz Quinn Sylvia Jayden Valace Jonathan VanderPutten Jonathan Viens John Zimmerman 

Reminders

Welcome to Fourth Grade! Please read the following pages andkeep them at home for future reference.

I have attached a copy of our specials. Please dressaccordingly and remember the necessary materials for each day’s special.

Please wear your sneakers for Phys. Ed

Included in our daily schedule is 10-15 minutes for snack.Please bring a nutritious snack and drink. Please rememberthat due to possible food allergies students should not share Snacks or bring peanut products for the classroom.

It would be helpful to have the following supplies at home when completing your assignments : pencils, erasers,crayons, and a dictionary.

Please remember to contact the school office in the morning if your child is absent.

Donations of baby wipes, and boxes of tissues would be greatly appreciated throughout the year.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions/concerns Email = lmccue@waterfordschools.orgPhone = 442-2593 Check www.waterfordschools.org for important information, monthly lunch menus, and district news.

Music 11:40-12:15Computer 2:20-2:55

Fourth Grade Schedule – Mrs. McCue’s Class2013-2014

LUNCH 12:45-1:05/RECESS 1:10-1:30

A DAY:

C DAY:

D DAY:

E DAY:

Art 11:00-11:35

P.E. 11:40-12:15

Music 11:00-11:35

P.E. 2:20-2:55

F DAY: Library 11:40-12:15

B DAY:

Science/Social Studies

The fourth graders will be switching classes this year. Mrs. Podeszwa will be teaching Science and I will be teaching Social Studies. Information about our units will be home as we study each topic.

Accelerated Reader Program All fourth grade students will be participating in the AcceleratedReader program. During their Library time, students will choosebooks that are appropriate for their particular reading level from books marked Accelerated Reader. (Students can also choose another book from any category in the Library). After reading the book, students take a brief quiz on the computer and their points are recorded. In our classroom we have individual incentives, as well as class goals. We strongly urge students to use their accelerated reader books for their weekly Reading both in school and at home. In addition to going to our school Library each week, students have access to our Class Library. Students are allowed to choose books from our class selection if they need another book, or ifthey are researching a particular topic. Books that students takeout from the school Library should be used for their weeklyreading. Students should always have a book to read in school, asthere will be time during the day for independent reading in class.

Math It is very important for students in fourth grade to beable to recall their multiplication facts quickly and accurately. Students should practice this skill at home ona regular basis. It would help to have multiplication cards available for practice at home. Each week in class, students will be tested on their facts. Students will try to master all theirmultiplication facts, and be able to quickly apply them. We will be working on this skill throughout the year, and encourage studentsto practice on their own at home. We are continuing to us the math program called MyMath which aligns with the new Common Core Standards. We will share information with you at the beginning of each new unit.Organization/Friday Folders Students will receive a blue Homework/Communication folder at the beginning of the year. Students are expected to bring the folder home daily and bring it back to school every morning. In the back of the folder there will be a pocket with a weeklyassignment sheet. The sheet will be used to keep track of homework assignments and reminders. We will fill out the assignment sheet in class daily. Families are responsible for checking the assign-ment sheet regularly and please initial it (as marked on sheet). On Friday, the folder will be filled with mail, notices from theoffice, and student work. Please review what is in the folder over the weekend. Students need to bring the empty folder back on Monday.

Please contact me if you have any questions: lmccue@waterfordschools.org Thank you for your cooperation and help at home.

Homework Schedule

In order to accommodate different learning stylesand schedules, students will receive a packet of homework at the beginning of each week which will be due on Friday. Directions will be reviewed in class andstudents will be expected to complete the packetneatly at home. Students will be given an assignment sheet to record their assignments and any reminders that need to be sent home. Students in fourth grade will also have a ReadingLog. Students should read for 20-30 minutes a night. Their goal is to accumulate a minimum of 120 minutes in a week. Students will be allowed to record times they have read on the weekend to add to their total time and hopefully surpass the minimum goal of 120 minutes. Reading log totals will be used in determining effort and Language Arts grades on report cards. Students will receive a booklet for the term thatincludes weekly pages to record their reading progress. The booklets are due every Monday (Tuesday if there is a holiday) and will be checked in class. Students will be reminded each week to return their booklet on Monday, and then bring it back home that night for logging information during the week and parental signatures on Sunday night. We will review these homework procedures frequently over the next few weeks in class. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you for your cooperation!