4 th Grade Back to School Night

1. 4th Grade Back to School Night Tami Bostick, Sarah Lambert, Leaza Silver, Ashley Wallentine, Leslie Miller, and Kaity Fortney

2. Contact Information: Tami Bostick: tbostick@aak8.org Leaza Silver:lsilver@aak8.org Sarah Lambert:slambert@aak8.org Ashley Wallentine:awallentine@aak8.org Leslie Miller:lmiller@aak8.org Kaity Fortney:kfo@aak8.org

3. 4th Grade Curriculum Overview: Math We use the Saxon Math curriculum at American Academy. This program is a “spiral” program. This means, instead of a concept being taught just once, students practice a concept many times at varying intervals throughout the year. This gives the student the time and practice needed to master a math concept. Saxon Book available to download: visit the 4th grade website for directions Grading: Lesson Practice (homework)– 20% Assessments- 80%

4. 4th Grade Curriculum Overview: Spelling Spalding Method: The Spalding Method is a phonics-based program that integrates reading, writing, and spelling. Students will be tested on phonograms and spelling this year. Your child has already been assessed to determine an individual spelling level. Your child’s reading teacher will teach spelling rules and sounds before any spelling words are given. Instruction on spelling words begins at least a week before the words are tested. Therefore, spelling assessments will not begin for a number of weeks. Grading: Classwork/Homework: 40% Tests: 60%

5. 4th Grade Curriculum Overview: Reading Core Knowledge Novels:Students will be reading a variety of novels including: Robinson Crusoe, Robin Hood, King Arthur, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Gulliver’s Travels, and Treasure Island. As students read these novels, they will learn new vocabulary and extend their use of comprehension strategies. These novels will be read aloud and independently with teachers. Grading: Classwork/Homework: 40% Tests: 60%

6. 4th Grade Curriculum Overview: Reading What you can do at home to help improve your child’s reading skills: Read to and with your child at home as much as possible. Do some “copycat” reading. Read a sentence aloud, with expression, and have your child repeat the sentence, copying your expression. As you are reading together, stop frequently to check for understanding of the main idea and vocabulary. At the beginning of each reading session, ask your child to summarize or retell what was read the previous session. Then, have your child make predictions about what is going to happen next in the story. Ask your child to describe the characters of the story. Check to see if your child can make a personal connection with the story--Ask your child if what you are reading reminded them of something that they have experienced or read in another book.

7. 4th Grade Curriculum Overview: Grammar DLI:Daily Language Instruction Every day students will practice their language and grammar skills through their DLI. This practice will help them apply their skills to their writing and editing. Every third week, students will be assessed with a DLI test. Shurley English: This is a systematic, research-based program that has been proven effective in teaching students the skills needed in grammar. Students learn to identify all parts of speech, different patterns of sentences, direct objects and indirect objects, possessive nouns and so much more. The students also learn how to incorporate their knowledge of grammar in their reading and writing skills. Tests are given mid-unit and at the end of units. Grading: Classwork/Homework: 40% Tests: 60%

8. 4th Grade Curriculum Overview: Writing With Step Up to Writing and6 Traits curriculum, students will learn and practice the following writing skills and many more: • Note-taking (all classes) • Summaries (reading, writing, science, and history class) • Responding to text (reading, writing, science, and history class) • 4-5 paragraph narratives with the use of dialogue • 3 point expository paragraphs • Topic sentences • Persuasive essays • Descriptive essays • 5 paragraph research reports • Grading: • Classwork/Rough Drafts: 40% • Final Drafts: 60%

9. 4th Grade Curriculum Overview: History • Map Skills • Major Mountains and Mountain Ranges • Middle Ages in Europe • Islam • Early and Medieval African Kingdoms Grading: Classwork/Homework: 40% Tests: 60% We use the Core Knowledge curriculum for history and geography. The following subjects are covered in 4th grade: • Chinese Dynasties • American Revolution • Constitution • Presidents • Reformers • Colorado History

10. 4th Grade Curriculum Overview: Science We use the Foss Science curriculum, Core Knowledge Science, as well as American Academy’s STEM program in Science. The following subjects are covered in 4th grade: • Environments • Sun, Moon, and Planets • Energy and Electromagnetism • Foss Online STEM Units • Robotics (Oct 24-Nov 8) • Geotechnical Engineering (Jan 21-Jan 30) • Return to Moon (April 16-30)

11. Upcoming Trips and Events: APRIL: Northrop Grumman Science Center (date?) STEM trip, no extra fees required MAY: Legislative and Judicial field trip (May 7) Estimated cost- $8/student  Colonial Day (date?) Donations will be requested through My Sign Up Colorado historical homes tour, train ride, and mines trip (date?) Estimated cost- $20/student JUNE: Pirate Party (June 1) Donations will be requested through My Sign Up Devil's Head Hike (June 3) Estimated cost- $0/student- We will need parent drivers. More information to come as the date approaches OCTOBER: Myth Buster's Exhibition, Cosmic Journey Planetarium, and Denver Museum of Nature and Science (October 31) Estimated cost- $18/student  Seed Survivor Mobile Classroom (October 14) Estimated cost- $0/student  NOVEMBER: South Metro Fire Environments Education Program (November 21st and 22nd) Estimated cost- $0/student  FEBRUARY: Middle Ages Day (date?) Donations will be requested through My Sign Up

12. Field Trips: • Permission slips and payments: • Go to American Academy website • Click on School Store (under quick clicks on right hand side of webpage) • Click on Local Field Trips • Click on Local Field trips again • Scroll down until you find “PKR 4th Grade” • If this is your first time you will create an account • Fill in all prompted areas • Once account is created you will select the appropriate trip • An online permission slip is required to be filled out for each trip which includes: • Participant • Event Information • Acknowledgement of Risk for Activity • Medical Conditions and Emergency Consent • Emergency Contacts • Here you will also be prompted to pay for the selected trip.

13. Discipline Policy Overview In our school we strive to be people of character. We use the Essential 55 rules and the teaching of the Core Virtues to accomplish this goal. Parents are strongly encouraged to reinforce these character-based rules at home. Our goal with discipline is to promote a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to learning and encourages mutual respect. The following plan is designed to further that goal:

14. Discipline Plan: . We use a color-coded system for classroom management. All students will start each day on green. Yellow= Student received one warning Orange=Student received two warnings: Miss recess the following day, complete reflection form to be signed by parents Red=Student received three or more warnings: Miss recess the following day, complete reflection form to be signed by parents At the end of the week, all students who ended a day on orange or red twice or more will stay in for Friday Detention.

15. Planners: Assignment planners are an important tool to help students plan and complete work, and as a form of communication between the teacher and parent. Throughout the day, students will be recording assignments and due dates. Planners should be taken home each day and brought back the next day. Parent signatures are required in planners until further notice in 4th grade.

16. Homework, Projects, and Grading: Homework: Consistent homework assignments to expect: • Math- students will be assigned a problem set to practice the lesson learned in class. Students are given time to begin homework at school. • Work not completed in class will be assigned for homework. • Tests will be given in Science and Social Studies that require students to study and review their notes a little each day. In order to be successful, students should not “cram” the night before the test. • Occasionally, other projects will be assigned in subjects such as Social Studies and Science.

17. Homework, Projects, and Grading: Vacations: • No work will be given prior to vacations. Students must meet with their teachers to request any missed work. Students will be extended the grace period of 2 days for every absent day for work to be due. Late work: • -10% for one day, -50% for 2 days, after two days no credit is given Grading Scale: • Per the Parent/Student Handbook, the following grading scale will be used: A+ = 100 – 99 B = 89 – 84 C- = 73 – 72 A = 98 – 94 B-= 83-82 D+ = 71 – 70 A- = 93 – 92 C+ = 81 –  80 D = 69 – 65 B+ = 91 –90 C= 79 – 74 F = Below 65

18. Student Responsibilities: • Students will learn to advocate for themselves and take responsibility for their learning. We expect students to: • Check Infinite Campus, under “assignments”- homework will not be posted on the website • Ask teachers for assignments when absent • Ask teachers for clarification on grades • Email teachers with questions We welcome communication with you, as well! However, we encourage you to allow your child to attempt contact with us first. This allows students to take responsibility for their learning and helps to build self-confidence and self-advocating skills. These skills are essential to becoming a successful student.

19. I WILL Be Successful in 4thGrade 1. I will show respect to students, teachers, and materials at all times. • I will show responsibility by: • NEVER giving excuses • ASKING for my work if I am absent • EMAILING my teachers myself • ACCEPTING consequences 3. I will grow as a leader by setting a good example and being an outstanding role model. • I WILL start right now!

20. How can I help my 4th grader? Check Parent Portal • Remember to check parent portal often for missing assignments and current grades. • Please clarify your email address is updated in Parent Portal to ensure you are receiving relevant emails. • Homework and assignments will be posted in IC under “Assignments”. • If you have questions about Parent Portal, please visit the AA homepage under “Resources”—Portal Information or email portal@americanacademyk8.org

21. Infinite Campus App: • Do you have a smartphone, iPad, or tablet? • If so, we have an app for you! • Infinite Campus is now more accessible than ever. • Download the Infinite Campus App from the App Store or Google Play • Enter QKKYJL in the district code line • Then enter your Infinite Campus username and password • You now have instant access to your students planner, assignments,, attendance, grades, and schedule.

22. Thank you for coming! We are looking forward to partnering with you to make this a great year! Please do not hesitate to contact us with any celebrations, concerns, or questions.