I hope you enjoy learning about some of the things that will be going on in our classroom.

1. I hope you enjoy learning about some of the things that will be going on in our classroom. I am so glad you are visiting our school! I hope the things I share with you tonight will get us all off to a great start.

2. Reading is Exciting! We have a wonderful new reading series with a great website. Students will be given a password to have access to the reading text, leveled readers, practice pages, games, and other materials on the website.

3. We Have Goals! • Accelerated Reader Goal each nine weeks – 10 fiction and 10 nonfiction books on the students’ level • Recommended Reading List – students are expected to work on this in class, but are also allowed to take forms home at anytime – medals awarded at the end of the year • Write fluently and with intended purpose – students expected to write daily in math journal, graphic organizers, and open ended questions

4. Math Goals • Listen carefully in class • Participate in group problem • solving and learn from others • Do all homework practice • Know the multiplication facts • Study and practice for test

5. Common Core • National curriculum mandates • Same curriculum for all states • Same objectives and standards for all states • Rigorous thinking and problem solving in all curriculum areas

6. Let’s Work Together I have very high expectations for all my students, but I will do everything within my power to see that they achieve important goals. It is my hope that parents will also provide support by checking assignment journals and behavior calendars daily. You may contact me by email or school phone, and I will respond as soon as possible.

7. Things to Look for and Do Weekly • News and school events • Graded Papers on Wed. in binders • Fluency Folder – students should strive to read fluently and smoothly • Data notebooks – important info including behavior calendar • Assignment Journal (complete any work assigned) • Daily Reading Log • Study guides ( for science and social studies )

8. We Have Needs!! • Light yellow copy paper • Also need white copy paper • Mr. Clean magic sponges to clean charts • Batteries AA and AAA for clock and timers • Timers from Dollar Tree • Solid color construction paper (red, pink, black, orange, green) – solid colors can be purchased at Off Campus School Supply • Clear packaging tape

9. We Are A Leadership School! Our motto is “We live to learn and love to lead.” We live by the 7 Habits of Happy Kids • Habit 1 – Be proactive. • Habit 2 – Begin with the end in mind. • Habit 3 – Put first things first. • Habit 4 – Think win-win. • Habit 5 – Seek first to understand, then to be understood. • Habit 6 – Synergize. • Habit 7 – Sharpen the saw.

10. Parents!! Because you are here tonight, I know you are a concerned parent. I also know that fourth grade will be an adjustment and a challenge. This is the year students must learn to very actively think about content material and study to remember and retain information. They will also be challenged to develop problem solving skills that will enable them to be successful in the school years ahead and in a future career. The students and I need your help. I really do care about all my students, and it is truly my desire that each one reaches his/her potential this year. vickie.barnett@acs-k12.org 233-6627