Back to School Night Back to School Night 2015 -20162015 -201644thth grade grade

44thth Grade Team: Grade Team: •Candice Butler – Social StudiesCandice Butler – Social Studies•Whitney Naman – MathematicsWhitney Naman – Mathematics•Heidi Southcombe – ScienceHeidi Southcombe – Science•Mary Thurman – Reading & ELAMary Thurman – Reading & ELA

Principal – Yolonda Brown Principal – Yolonda Brown Assistant Principal – Dr. Dawn StonerAssistant Principal – Dr. Dawn Stoner

What To Expect in Fourth What To Expect in Fourth Grade…Grade…

Our learning environment will be challenging, Our learning environment will be challenging, rigorous, and engaging.rigorous, and engaging.

Student’s will be expected to push themselves Student’s will be expected to push themselves to become independent thinkers and problem to become independent thinkers and problem solvers.solvers.

We expect for students to be active participants We expect for students to be active participants in class.in class.

THE BEST and MOST MEMORABLE SCHOOL THE BEST and MOST MEMORABLE SCHOOL YEAR EVER!!!YEAR EVER!!!

Teacher ExpectationsTeacher Expectations• We expect every student come to school We expect every student come to school

prepared to learn each day.prepared to learn each day.• We expect every student to produce the best We expect every student to produce the best

work possible each and every time.work possible each and every time.• We expect 4We expect 4thth graders to always complete graders to always complete

and turn in their work on time, unless an and turn in their work on time, unless an acceptable excuse has been provided by the acceptable excuse has been provided by the parent/guardian.parent/guardian.

• We expect parents/guardians to check the We expect parents/guardians to check the agenda every day.agenda every day.

• We expect my students to work hard, so that We expect my students to work hard, so that we can play hard!!!we can play hard!!!

SPARK Rules & SPARK Rules & ExpectationsExpectations

SPARK School RulesSPARK School Rules Be RespectfulBe Respectful Be ResponsibleBe Responsible Be a Good CitizenBe a Good Citizen Be GreenBe Green

SPARK Behavior PlanSPARK Behavior Plan All students are expected to follow the SPARK rules All students are expected to follow the SPARK rules

throughout the school day in all classes and activities. throughout the school day in all classes and activities. Behaviors are considered Minor or Major. Behaviors are considered Minor or Major. All Major Behaviors will have an automatic Discipline All Major Behaviors will have an automatic Discipline

Referral. Referral. Minor Behaviors - If students exhibit particular Minor Behaviors - If students exhibit particular

unwanted behaviors continuously, the following unwanted behaviors continuously, the following process will be used. process will be used. 1st warning – verbal warning & reteach rules1st warning – verbal warning & reteach rules 22ndnd warning – loss of privileges, reteach rules warning – loss of privileges, reteach rules 33rdrd warning – parent communication warning – parent communication 44thth warning – Discipline Referral warning – Discipline Referral

ClassroomClassroom BehaviorBehavior PlanPlan Behavior concerns will be documentedBehavior concerns will be documented in the agenda daily.in the agenda daily. If there are additional concerns with If there are additional concerns with

inappropriate behavior an email or phone call inappropriate behavior an email or phone call will be made to parents and/or guardians.will be made to parents and/or guardians.

Recess time can be taken if student behavior Recess time can be taken if student behavior dictates. Extra recess can also be given when dictates. Extra recess can also be given when exceptional behavior is demonstrated.exceptional behavior is demonstrated.

Curriculum HighlightsCurriculum Highlights Instructional ResourcesInstructional Resources

Accelerated Reader: Accelerated Reader (AR) is a Accelerated Reader: Accelerated Reader (AR) is a guided independent reading program. It provides guided independent reading program. It provides weekly/monthly information about student reading weekly/monthly information about student reading and makes it easy to continuously monitor and makes it easy to continuously monitor comprehension, track the time students spend comprehension, track the time students spend reading, and differentiate reading practice. Students reading, and differentiate reading practice. Students test initially with Star Reader to determine an test initially with Star Reader to determine an accurate reading proficiency level. This allows the accurate reading proficiency level. This allows the teacher to prescribe books appropriate for each teacher to prescribe books appropriate for each student’s reading level, differentiate classroom student’s reading level, differentiate classroom instruction, and assess comprehension. instruction, and assess comprehension.

CurriculumCurriculum HighlightsHighlights Instructional ResourcesInstructional Resources

IXL – Used to reinforce skills in ELA and Math.IXL – Used to reinforce skills in ELA and Math. Reflex – Build fluency with multiplication and division.Reflex – Build fluency with multiplication and division. Sumdog – Fun program to build math skillsSumdog – Fun program to build math skills Nystrom – Where & Why: Students will utilize globes, Nystrom – Where & Why: Students will utilize globes,

maps, and atlases to learn about particular events in maps, and atlases to learn about particular events in U.S. history. U.S. history.

Wordly Wise- Vocabulary building program.Wordly Wise- Vocabulary building program. TextbooksTextbooks

ELA – Shurley EnglishELA – Shurley English Social Studies – McGraw-Hill Timelinks: The United States Social Studies – McGraw-Hill Timelinks: The United States

Early Years Early Years Science – Harcourt ScienceScience – Harcourt Science Math – EnVisionsMath – EnVisions

CurriculumCurriculum HighlightsHighlights ReadingReading

Story elements (theme)Story elements (theme) Poetry & dramaPoetry & drama Citing evidenceCiting evidence Non-fiction text structureNon-fiction text structure Making inferencesMaking inferences Vocabulary & word attack skillsVocabulary & word attack skills Close readingClose reading

English/Language Arts (ELA)English/Language Arts (ELA) GrammarGrammar SpellingSpelling Writing conventionsWriting conventions Writing: opinion, informational, narrativeWriting: opinion, informational, narrative Ms. Trice writingMs. Trice writing

CurriculumCurriculum HighlightsHighlights Math this year has two options on-grade level Math this year has two options on-grade level

and advanced.and advanced. Mathematics – On Grade LevelMathematics – On Grade Level

Whole Numbers, Place Value & RoundingWhole Numbers, Place Value & Rounding Addition and Subtraction of Whole NumbersAddition and Subtraction of Whole Numbers Multiplication & Division of Whole NumbersMultiplication & Division of Whole Numbers Fractions & DecimalsFractions & Decimals GeometryGeometry MeasurementMeasurement

CurriculumCurriculum HighlightsHighlights Mathematics – AdvancedMathematics – Advanced

Decimals, Place Value & RoundingDecimals, Place Value & Rounding Addition and Subtraction of Decimals and FractionsAddition and Subtraction of Decimals and Fractions Multiplication & Division with Decimals and FractionsMultiplication & Division with Decimals and Fractions GeometryGeometry MeasurementMeasurementPlacement in this course is optional. Fourth grade math is already a

challenging subject and requires a deep understanding of mathematics. The advanced course will be fast paced and rigorous. Success will require extra independent effort.

CurriculumCurriculum HighlightsHighlights

MathematicsMathematicsEnVisions Workbooks EnVisions Workbooks

(Available on-line & Bounce pages app)(Available on-line & Bounce pages app)Interactive NotebooksInteractive NotebooksTechnology ComponentTechnology ComponentHelpful log-ins and information is posted on my Helpful log-ins and information is posted on my portaportal portaportal http://guest.portaportal.com/teachpeach

CurriculumCurriculum HighlightsHighlights ScienceScience

Earth ScienceEarth Science Stars and star patternsStars and star patterns Solar SystemSolar System Weather—data and forecastingWeather—data and forecasting

Physical SciencePhysical Science Light & SoundLight & Sound Force, mass, and motion (simple machines) Force, mass, and motion (simple machines) Understands fairnessUnderstands fairness Effects of gravityEffects of gravity

Life ScienceLife Science Ecosystems Food web/Food chainEcosystems Food web/Food chain

Adaptation-survival/extinctionAdaptation-survival/extinction

CurriculumCurriculum HighlightsHighlights Social StudiesSocial Studies

Geography Geography Connecting Themes in Fourth Grade Social Studies Connecting Themes in Fourth Grade Social Studies

and Native American Cultures and Native American Cultures European Exploration in North America European Exploration in North America Colonial America Colonial America The American Revolution The American Revolution The New Nation The New Nation Westward Expansion Westward Expansion Personal Finance Personal Finance

CurriculumCurriculum HighlightsHighlights Field TripsField Trips

Will be planned throughout the school year Will be planned throughout the school year in connection with instructional unitsin connection with instructional units

ProjectsProjects Will be planned throughout the school year Will be planned throughout the school year

in connection with instructional unitsin connection with instructional units Guest SpeakersGuest Speakers

If you have an expertise, we would love to If you have an expertise, we would love to hear about it. hear about it.

What does instruction What does instruction look like in 4look like in 4thth grade? grade?

In 4In 4thth grade you will see: grade you will see: Hands-on, interactive lessons and work that Hands-on, interactive lessons and work that

provides the students with the opportunity to provides the students with the opportunity to practice and master concepts.practice and master concepts.

Differentiated instruction to meet the needs Differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students and different learning styles. of students and different learning styles.

Technology will be used to support Technology will be used to support instruction and learning. instruction and learning.

GradesGrades Atlanta Public School Grading ScaleAtlanta Public School Grading Scale

90% - 100% = A90% - 100% = A 80% - 89% = B80% - 89% = B 70% - 79% = C70% - 79% = C 0% - 69% = F0% - 69% = F

WeightsWeights Tests Tests 30%30% ClassworkClasswork 25%25% Quizzes Quizzes 20%20% ProjectsProjects 20%20% Homework Homework 5%5%

Grades - Infinite CampusGrades - Infinite Campus The Infinite Campus Parent Portal allows parents and The Infinite Campus Parent Portal allows parents and

guardians access to their students' schedule, guardians access to their students' schedule, attendance, and grades. attendance, and grades.

The web address for the Parent Portal is The web address for the Parent Portal is https://ic.apsk12.org/portal. . Once you are at the site, enter your activation key and then Once you are at the site, enter your activation key and then

create a user name and password. Use this user name and create a user name and password. Use this user name and password to log in for subsequent visits to the Parent Portal. password to log in for subsequent visits to the Parent Portal. To obtain your site Activation Key, contact Ms. Watkins To obtain your site Activation Key, contact Ms. Watkins through email at through email at twatkins@atlanta.k12.ga.us . Please check . Please check Infinite Campus weekly to remain abreast of your child’s Infinite Campus weekly to remain abreast of your child’s current grades and assignments.current grades and assignments.

GradesGrades -- InfiniteInfinite CampusCampus At least 1 grade per subject will be entered into At least 1 grade per subject will be entered into

IC each weekIC each week Please monitor your 4Please monitor your 4thth graders academic graders academic

progress on a regular basis.progress on a regular basis. If/when grade averages drop below a C a If/when grade averages drop below a C a

Deficiency Notice will be sent home with Deficiency Notice will be sent home with progress report.progress report.

If/when technical issues arise with IC, we will If/when technical issues arise with IC, we will communicate that with parents.communicate that with parents.

AssessmentAssessment 44thth grade will use a variety assessments to gauge the grade will use a variety assessments to gauge the

students’ understandings of concepts we learn students’ understandings of concepts we learn throughout the year.throughout the year. Tests – Tests will be given at the end of unit/chapter studies. Tests – Tests will be given at the end of unit/chapter studies.

Study Guides may be provided to chapter or unit tests. Study Guides may be provided to chapter or unit tests. However, student composition notebooks should be used to However, student composition notebooks should be used to study for any assessments. study for any assessments.

Quizzes – Quizzes will be given weekly to assess students’ Quizzes – Quizzes will be given weekly to assess students’ understandings. understandings.

Formative assessments (ex: SPARK Common Assessments, Formative assessments (ex: SPARK Common Assessments, district tests) – Not used as a grade, but to inform teachers of district tests) – Not used as a grade, but to inform teachers of students’ strengths and weaknesses; guides instruction. students’ strengths and weaknesses; guides instruction.

Performance Tasks – Students will be asked to complete real-Performance Tasks – Students will be asked to complete real-life tasks to show their understandings of a concepts.life tasks to show their understandings of a concepts.

Assessment:Assessment: GeorgiaGeorgia MilestonesMilestones

English Language Arts will require close analytic reading to construct meaning, make inferences, draw conclusions, compare and contrast ideas, themes, etc., as well as synthesize ideas and concepts across multiple textswill require students to develop informative/explanatory responses or narratives, produce opinions/arguments citing evidence from text(s) and using standard language conventions, etc.Mathematics will require demonstration of conceptual understanding of concepts procedural skills and fluency, problem solving, modeling, and mathematical reasoning

Assessment:Assessment: GeorgiaGeorgia MilestonesMilestones

Science will require understanding of the core concepts, ideas, and practices of science to explain scientific phenomena with content and Characteristics of Science/Nature of Science standards serving as co-requisites.Social Studies will require understanding of the past and its influence on the present and future including the interconnectedness of history, culture, geography, economics, and governments/civics

AssessmentAssessment Georgia MilestonesGeorgia Milestoneshttp://

www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Documents/Introducing%20Georgia%20Milestones%20June%202014.pdf

Weekly WorkWeekly Work Student work will be sent home once a Student work will be sent home once a

week. This work can also be included in week. This work can also be included in their notebook, so students will need to their notebook, so students will need to remember to bring home their notebook remember to bring home their notebook at least once a week.at least once a week.

Keep all work at home unless otherwise Keep all work at home unless otherwise noted by your child’s teacher. noted by your child’s teacher.

HomeworkHomework Based on the research, we made a school-wide best Based on the research, we made a school-wide best

practice policy of assigning 10 – 15 minutes of practice policy of assigning 10 – 15 minutes of homework per grade level, outside of the required homework per grade level, outside of the required nightly reading. This would break down to the following:nightly reading. This would break down to the following:

44thth: : 40 – 50 minutes, plus nightly reading 40 – 50 minutes, plus nightly reading

Homework will be assigned on Monday and will be due Friday. Homework will be assigned on Monday and will be due Friday. Special exceptions may occur.Special exceptions may occur.

It is against APS policy to assign homework over the weekend It is against APS policy to assign homework over the weekend in elementary schools. However, in some cases students will in elementary schools. However, in some cases students will be allowed to use the weekend to finish previously assigned be allowed to use the weekend to finish previously assigned tasks.tasks.

School SuppliesSchool Supplies Pencil Pouch: Students should have the following Pencil Pouch: Students should have the following

supplies in there pouch every day. Please check supplies in there pouch every day. Please check with your 4with your 4thth grader daily to ensure that they have grader daily to ensure that they have the supplies they need for class.the supplies they need for class.

• 2 sharpened pencils2 sharpened pencils• 1 eraser1 eraser• 2 glue sticks2 glue sticks• 1 pair of scissors1 pair of scissors• 1 checking pen1 checking pen• 1 jump drive1 jump drive• 1 ruler (clipped into or placed in binder)1 ruler (clipped into or placed in binder)

CommunicationCommunication Best way to communicate with your Best way to communicate with your

child’s teacher is through e-mail and your child’s teacher is through e-mail and your child’s agenda. child’s agenda.

Other communicationOther communication SPARKe SPARKe

Sent home weekly via e-mailSent home weekly via e-mail Must sign-up at the SPARK websiteMust sign-up at the SPARK website

44thth Grade Website Grade Website Instructional concepts that we are studyingInstructional concepts that we are studying Dates to Remember & RemindersDates to Remember & Reminders

CommunicationCommunication Please speak with your child’s homeroom Please speak with your child’s homeroom

or subject area teacher prior to or subject area teacher prior to conferencing with a member of the First conferencing with a member of the First Team (principal or assistant principal). Team (principal or assistant principal).

SPARK website: SPARK website: http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/Domain/1812http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/Domain/1812

AttendanceAttendance It is critical that your child attends school It is critical that your child attends school

every day to obtain information about every day to obtain information about new concepts, build relationships and new concepts, build relationships and stay abreast of previously learned stay abreast of previously learned material. material.

AttendanceAttendance Student Absence ProceduresStudent Absence Procedures::

If students are absent from school, they must bring a written note If students are absent from school, they must bring a written note signed by the legal parent or guardian explaining the absence. Please signed by the legal parent or guardian explaining the absence. Please e-mail the student’s teacher or call the school office the e-mail the student’s teacher or call the school office the morningmorning of the of the absence. Upon return to school, the student should deliver the note to absence. Upon return to school, the student should deliver the note to his or her teacher. Failure to submit such notes within three (3) days his or her teacher. Failure to submit such notes within three (3) days after returning to school will result in an unexcused absence being after returning to school will result in an unexcused absence being recorded. Parents/Guardians are asked to call the school office recorded. Parents/Guardians are asked to call the school office immediately when extended unanticipated absences are to occur.immediately when extended unanticipated absences are to occur.

Excused Absences: Excused absences are defined as Illness when Excused Absences: Excused absences are defined as Illness when attendance would endanger the health of the student or the health of attendance would endanger the health of the student or the health of others; Quarantine; Death in immediate family; Medical/Dental others; Quarantine; Death in immediate family; Medical/Dental Appointments; Court Proceedings; Religious Proceedings and or Appointments; Court Proceedings; Religious Proceedings and or holidays observed by the faith of the student.holidays observed by the faith of the student.

Unexcused Absences: Unexcused absences are defined as the Unexcused Absences: Unexcused absences are defined as the students’ willful absences from school without the knowledge of students’ willful absences from school without the knowledge of parents or guardians, or the students’ absences from the school parents or guardians, or the students’ absences from the school without justifiable causes with the knowledge of parents or guardians.without justifiable causes with the knowledge of parents or guardians.

AttendanceAttendance Make-up Work PolicyMake-up Work Policy::

Make-up work is only given for Make-up work is only given for excused absencesexcused absences. . Students are responsible for completing all work missed Students are responsible for completing all work missed

when absent from school. Immediately upon returning to when absent from school. Immediately upon returning to school, the student or parent must arrange with the school, the student or parent must arrange with the classroom teacher to secure the student make up work. classroom teacher to secure the student make up work. Students must complete all work missed in a timeframe Students must complete all work missed in a timeframe that is equal to the number of days absent from school. that is equal to the number of days absent from school. Make up work may include, but is not limited to Make up work may include, but is not limited to assignments, tasks, tests, and projects. Some in class assignments, tasks, tests, and projects. Some in class work is impossible to make up. To ensure that daily work is impossible to make up. To ensure that daily instruction is not interrupted, we respectfully ask that instruction is not interrupted, we respectfully ask that make up work be obtained at the end of the school day.make up work be obtained at the end of the school day.

Attendance Attendance TardiesTardies: School starts at 8:00 a.m. : School starts at 8:00 a.m.

Unexcused TardyUnexcused Tardy: An unlawful tardy is : An unlawful tardy is defined as arrival at school at any time after defined as arrival at school at any time after the official start-time of the school day for the official start-time of the school day for that school site.that school site.

Excused TardyExcused Tardy: An excused tardy is : An excused tardy is defined as a tardy that occurs as a result of defined as a tardy that occurs as a result of extenuating circumstances such as extenuating circumstances such as inclement weather, documented inclement weather, documented transportation delays, health related transportation delays, health related emergencies, etc.emergencies, etc.

DismissalDismissal Send a note or e-mail to Mrs. Callier Send a note or e-mail to Mrs. Callier

(stcallier@Atlanta.k12.ga.us) and copy your (stcallier@Atlanta.k12.ga.us) and copy your child’s teacher when a child is to go home child’s teacher when a child is to go home differently than what is on the Bag Tag. differently than what is on the Bag Tag.

All e-mails must be sent prior to 12:30 pmAll e-mails must be sent prior to 12:30 pm If students do not have a note, they will go If students do not have a note, they will go

home their regularly scheduled way.home their regularly scheduled way.

ConferencesConferences Parent-Teacher conference will be conducted Parent-Teacher conference will be conducted

with the entire 4with the entire 4thth grade team, unless there is grade team, unless there is only a concern with a specific subject area.only a concern with a specific subject area.

Conference notices will go out at the beginning Conference notices will go out at the beginning of Spring semester. Sign-ups will be assigned of Spring semester. Sign-ups will be assigned on a first come basis.on a first come basis.

Conferences can be scheduled throughout the Conferences can be scheduled throughout the year as needed to address specific year as needed to address specific majormajor concerns.concerns.

MiscellaneousMiscellaneous Snacks:Snacks: Healthy, dry, utensil free snack are welcome. Healthy, dry, utensil free snack are welcome.

Snacks are eaten while students work during Snacks are eaten while students work during their 3their 3rdrd block. Teachers do not have a snack block. Teachers do not have a snack supply, so we will be unable to provide one for supply, so we will be unable to provide one for students who do not bring a snack from home.students who do not bring a snack from home.

Classroom Needs:Classroom Needs: Please speak with your individual homeroom Please speak with your individual homeroom

teacher in regards to some “wish list” items that teacher in regards to some “wish list” items that would be very beneficial for the classroom.would be very beneficial for the classroom.

Contact InformationContact Information SPARK phone number – 404.802.6050SPARK phone number – 404.802.6050 School receptionist – Stephanie Callier – School receptionist – Stephanie Callier –

stcallier@Atlanta.k12.ga.us stcallier@Atlanta.k12.ga.us 44thth grade team grade team

Candice Butler – cbutler@atlanta.k12.ga.us Candice Butler – cbutler@atlanta.k12.ga.us Whitney Naman – wnaman@atlanta.k12.ga.us Whitney Naman – wnaman@atlanta.k12.ga.us Heidi Southcombe – hsouthcombe@atlanta.k12.ga.usHeidi Southcombe – hsouthcombe@atlanta.k12.ga.us Mary Thurman - mrthurman@atlanta.k12.ga.usMary Thurman - mrthurman@atlanta.k12.ga.us

ContactContact InformationInformation To find e-mail address for all SPARK faculty - Go to the To find e-mail address for all SPARK faculty - Go to the

SPARK website, click Our School and choose StaffSPARK website, click Our School and choose Staff

Specials teachersSpecials teachers Music – Brianne Turgeon – bturgeon@atlanta.k12.ga.us Music – Brianne Turgeon – bturgeon@atlanta.k12.ga.us P.E. – Beth Pirnstill & Jason HarrisonP.E. – Beth Pirnstill & Jason Harrison Art – Kimberly Muhlheim – Art – Kimberly Muhlheim –

kimberly.muhlheim@atlanta.k12.ga.us kimberly.muhlheim@atlanta.k12.ga.us Technology & Gardening – Ms. Donna Taylor – Technology & Gardening – Ms. Donna Taylor –

detaylor@atlanta.k12.ga.us detaylor@atlanta.k12.ga.us Band – Ms. Wade – slwade@atlanta.k12.ga.us Band – Ms. Wade – slwade@atlanta.k12.ga.us Orchestra –Totka Valkova – tvalkova@atlanta.k12.ga.us Orchestra –Totka Valkova – tvalkova@atlanta.k12.ga.us Spanish - Senora Garcia – lgarcia@atlanta.k12.ga.us Spanish - Senora Garcia – lgarcia@atlanta.k12.ga.us

CommunicationCommunication Please check the 4Please check the 4thth grade website for grade website for

important information and reminders:important information and reminders: spark4th.weebly.comspark4th.weebly.com

Join Remind by texting 81010 to:Join Remind by texting 81010 to: @spark4gen @spark4gen @spark4ela@spark4ela @spark4math@spark4math @spark4sci@spark4sci @spark4ss@spark4ss

Thank you for your time!Thank you for your time! Have a great evening! Have a great evening! The 4The 4thth grade team is looking forward to a grade team is looking forward to a

wonderful school year. wonderful school year.