WELCOME TO MRS. KNUTZEN’S FOURTH GRADE CLASSROOM!

MRS. K

.

MY PHILOSOPHY I believe in treating each child fairly

and as individuals and showing respect for them and especially their talents.

Every child can succeed, and I am here to teach them the material they will need to know to succeed.

I am professional and look out for the children and focus on keeping them safe in the classroom, always.

TITLE 1 SCHOOL

High quality instruction

Comprehensive reform strategies and methods that are founded on scientifically based research

Strategies and methods to improve teacher quality and professional development

Consolidated use of funds

Ocean Park Elementary is a Title 1 School. It’s programs serve all the children here at school. All staff, resources, and classes are part of the overall written schoolwide program.

The purpose is to generate high levels of academic achievement in core subject areas for all students, especially those students most in need.

This purpose is achieved through:

“WHATEVER YOU ARE, BE A GOOD ONE.” -ABRAHAM LINCOLN

This is a favorite quote of mine. I believe I am a good teacher and

that your children will be good students!

MY EXPECTATIONS As your child’s teacher, I expect overall, that the

class rules to be followed.

I will also expect a positive attitude from the students and a successful year academically overall from the class as a whole. I have high expectations!

I expect the children to read during free time and to ask for help if they ever have any questions.

I expect for work to be turned in on time and for you, as their parents, to make sure homework and projects are completed.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME

Classroom work is aligned with Common Core Standards. Reading & writing is integrated into our social studies and science units so that non-fiction reading increases students’ knowledge base.

You can expect me to teach your children to the best of my abilities everyday in a safe and fun learning environment.

You can expect that I will communicate regularly via classroom newsletters and/or homework packets.

SCHOOL PROCEDURES If you finish early

When given an assignment 

End of class dismissal

Walking to and from specials (Music/PE)

Cafeteria expectations

Forming a line 

When a school-wide announcement or classroom page is made

 

Entering the classroom  

Using the restroom

 When you are absent

 Getting materials without disturbing others 

When you need a writing utensil or paper

Recess expectations

The Pencil Game

 These are just a few of our procedures we will be learning starting on the first day of school and following throughout the year.

SAFETY DRILLS Responding to a fire drill

Listen for the teacher’s instructions Exit the room to the right When you get outside, do down the sidewalk to the right Proceed to the north end of the playground Once there everyone should check in with the teacher

Responding to a tsunami or earthquake drill Crouch under tables Listen for the teacher’s instructions Be quiet and aware for instructions

Responding to an intruder drill Crouch under tables away from the door Teacher will lock the door Remain silent and listen for the teacher’s

instructions.

CLASSROOM SCHEDULE 8:00-8:30--Morning Routine/Warm Up

Work8:30-9:00– G.L.A.D. – Language Development9:05 – 9:55 --Specials (Music, Library, or PE)10:00 Fresh Fruit and/or Veggie Snack Time10:15-11:20-- Math11:25-11:55– Lunch/Recess12:00-12:15-- Teacher Read-Aloud12:15-1:20 – Daily Literacy Workshop1:20- 1:35 – Afternoon Recess1:40 -2:40– Science and/or Social Studies2:45--Dismissal

OCEAN PARK SELF MANGER GUIDELINES I show respect to my school, myself and others  I follow directions when they are given  I demonstrate patience and self control  My work is neat, complete and on time  I follow safety rules

Our classroom rules are easy to remember and easy to follow.

We show respect, make good decisions, and solve problems.

We look forward to a successful classroom and school year!

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

For minor disruptions, or off-task behaviors:

Signal social behavior error has been made Restate/reteach appropriate behavior Provide positive reinforce for next display of

appropriate behavior.

For serious rule-violating behavior whichdisrupts teaching and learning, or puts students or others at risk of harm: Signal social behavior error has been made Restate/reteach appropriate behavior Provide time in the planning center Contact student’s parents Direct/escort student to office/principal

COMMUNICATION You can always call the school to leave a

message 360-665-4815 You can always email me at suzanne.knutzen@oceanbeachschools.org Our BEE folders contain a calendar of

special events, lunch menus, the weeks homework, newsletters, special announcements, etc…

We have a class website you can check anytime of the day… I will be posting assignments, pictures, projects, etc… http://ocean.k12.wa.us/Domain/82

HOMEWORK POLICY I give homework on Mondays (or the first

day of the week), and it will be due Friday. Student who complete their homework will

get to participate in Fun Friday! Homework should not take longer than 30

minutes each night, and it will include at least 20 minutes of reading. Your child can read from a book, newspaper, magazine, recipe, etc… Read! Read! Read!

Homework is differentiated according to student needs. Students will have choices on spelling words, and subjects to research.

ATTENDANCE POLICY Excuses should be called in to the office on the

day of your child’s absence. It is your child’s responsibility to see me or a

classmate as soon as they return to school to receive make up assignments and etc. Make up tests will only be given if the absence is excused.

I take role at 8:00 a.m. It is important to get your child to school on time!

Perfect attendance does result in a special reward.

It is important that your child attends school everyday to ensure they are learning as much as possible!

FIELD TRIP INFORMATION Hopefully, we will go on two field trips

this year. 1 – Willapa Wildlife Refuge (May 2015) 2 – The 2nd field trip is TBA and is still in

the works We will need about 5 parent volunteers

for both trips. Details for both trips will be sent home

closer to the trip dates.

COMMON CORE Shifts in ELA/Literacy Read as much non-fiction as fiction Learn more about the world by reading Read more and challenging material closely Discuss reading using evidence Write non-fiction using evidence Increase academic vocabulary

Shifts in Mathematics Learn more in depth about fewer topics Develop speed and accuracy Really know it, really do it Use real world math Think fast AND solve problems

STANDARDIZED TESTING

All schools in Washington State will require students to take the Smarter Balanced online assessment in Spring 2015

Fourth graders will be required to type their answers to questions.

We will be practicing keyboarding skills in class, and students will be producing written assignments on their Neos weekly.

F.L.A.S.H. CURRICULUM Ocean Beach School District has adopted a K-12 Health and Wellness education program. Fourth Grade is being taught the F.L.A.S.H.

curriculum, which is designed to prepare young people to care about themselves, their family, and their community. It consists of lessons on such subjects as friendship, disability, feelings, families, sexual abuse prevention, anger, space, staying healthy, anatomy, babies, and pregnancy.

This is an opportunity for us all to work together to promote positive attitudes and behaviors. Students will be encouraged to discuss these issues at home.

Please feel free to look over the curriculum. If you have concerns, or would like to opt out, please let me or Mrs. Meinhardt know.

CONFERENCES, METTINGS, ETC… I am available to meet with you anytime

between 7:00 and 7:40 as well as from 3:00 until about 5:00.

I can hold meetings during my planning time if an appointment is made ahead of time. My planning period is between 9:05 and 9:55.

I also can always communicate by phone and e-mail.

THANK YOU FOR COMING!I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A WONDERFUL YEAR!

A little support goes a long way! Please volunteer and help your child succeed!