Back to School! August 27, 2009

Miss Emily Horsley

4th Grade 2009-2010

Welcome!

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to teach at Trailwood and work with you and your child this year. I will do everything possible to ensure that your child has a positive and productive school year.

Student Expectations

1. Be respectful 2. Use best listening skills3. Ask for help when needed4. Do quality work5. Practice safety 6. Follow directions

Classroom Management

• Students have the opportunity to earn two points each day. One point may be earned for appropriate behavior and one point may be earned for turning in assignments on time.

• A minimum point total will be set weekly and those students who are able to meet the standard will be rewarded with about 15 minutes of free time on Friday. I call this “Fun Friday.”

Math

• Math Facts– Fourth grade students should know all of their

addition and subtraction facts to 20 and multiplication and division facts through 12.

– We will practice math facts several times a week. Please practice at home if your child has not met this goal.

Reading/LA

• Your child will be responsible for completing book projects this year. Check the weekly newsletter for and information about the book project.

• I will work with each student to set quarterly AR goals. Please help your child meet these goals and attend our celebrations.

Social Studies/Science

• Social Studies– United States regions/States and capitals – Kansas history– Westward Movement/Native Americans

• Science– Living Organisms– Scientific Method of Investigation– State Assessment in Spring

Spelling

• Every Friday your child will receive a new homework planner, which has spelling assignments attached. It will have the list of spelling words for your child to study. The test will be given on Thursday.

Friday Folders

• Students will bring home all graded assignments on Friday.

• The folder will also contain important notes and calendars. Please keep notes, calendars, and student work at home.

• Weekly grade reports- sign and return on Monday

• The folder must be returned on Monday!

Homework Planner

• Each Friday your child will receive a homework planner in their Friday Folder. It is a packet of math, spelling, and sometimes other homework is included.

• The homework packet is due each THURSDAY. Please sign the homework planner each week.

• Feel free to make a note about other activities used to study spelling and math.

Homework

• Unfinished daily assignments will be sent home in binder. Assignments are due by 8:10 the next school day.

• Assignment planner must be signed by a parent/guardian each day.

Homework

What to do if your child finishes the packet early…

• Study spelling list• Read an AR book• Study states and capitals• Practice math facts• Practice cursive handwriting• Journal

Homework Tips • When your child has homework, it is the responsibility of the parent to

provide an environment where your child can do his/her homework.• Provide a quiet, comfortable place for your child to do his/her work.

Establish a habit of completing homework away from distractions, such as television or toys.

• Show an interest in your child’s work. Talk about the events of the day.• Make it clear to your child that homework is his/her responsibility.

Provide encouragement and assistance where possible.• Ask your child to show you his/her work when it is completed.

Consider yourself a consultant and not an editor evaluating and proofreading your child’s work.

Grades

• Students will be graded on their percentage of correct answers.

• Any grade that is less than 70% may be corrected. I will average the two grades together. This DOES NOT include quizzes or tests.

Percentage Scale:

• 99-100% A+ 77-79% C+• 93-98% A 73-76% C• 90-92% A- 70-72% C-• 87-89% B+ 67-69% D+• 83-86% B 63-66% D• 80-82% B- 60-62% D-

Below 60%F

Field Trips

• October: Mahaffie Farm• January 20th : Earthworks • April 9th : Topeka-Capital Tour and Musuem • May 7th: Coterie- “Frindle”

**Volunteers are asked to drive separately and meet us at field trip location**

Parent/Teacher Conferences

• October 28-30• Please sign-up tonight! • Student-led conferences– we work hard in class to prepare these– Plan on bringing your child to conference

Parent/Teacher Communication

PLEASE feel free to contact me at any time with questions, concerns, or just to say hello. E-mailing, calling, sending a letter in, or writing a note in your child’s daily planner will work well. I will do my best to get back with you as soon as possible.

I look forward to an AWESOME year!