Welcome to Fourth Grade Orientation

1. Welcome to Fourth Grade Orientation Monday August 30, 2010

2. Meet the Fourth Grade Teachers... Larry Barnett-Grade Level Chairperson Laura Kersey Linda Jones Linda Bimler Kate Smith Christine Bouchard Royce Freddie Emily Reynolds

3. Ranger Virtues • Wetmore Rangers are: • Responsible • Respectful • Honest • Persevering • Giving

4. Step Process • Step 1: Redirection • Step 2: Parent Contact • Step 3: Counselor Referral (on going problems) • Step 4: Teacher/Parent/Student Conference • Step 5: Office Referral Please monitor and sign weekly the conduct page in the Agenda books.

5. Fourth Grade Schedule 7:30-7:45 Warm- Up/Announcements 7:45-9:10 Math 9:10-9:30 Recess 9:35-10:25 Specials 10:25-12:05 Language Arts/Reading 12:05-12:50 Lunch 12:55-1:50 Science, Soc. Studies 1:55-2:15 Intervention

6. Science • Nature of Science • Systems, Cycles, Patterns, and Change • Adaptations • Natural World: Soil • Natural World: Earth Events • Natural World: Sun • Matter • Science in personal and social perspective • History and nature of science

7. Social Studies • Geographic Tools • Regions of Texas • Government • Native Americans • European Exploration • Spanish Missions • Texas Revolution • Republic of Texas • State of Texas • Civil War • Modern Times • Current Events

8. Reading Objectives • Word Meaning • Supporting Ideas • Summarizing • Relationships and outcomes • Analyze Information • Point of View *all objectives will be taught throughout the year in reading and throughout the curriculum.

9. Math • Number Patterns • Multiplication/Division (one digit, 10 and 100 multipliers) • Addition/Subtraction • Geometry/Measurement • Fractions/Decimals • Statistics All skills will be maintained on a daily basis through Math 4, Mountain Math, or Mad Minute Activities.

10. Writing Objectives • The students will respond appropriately in a written composition to the purpose/audience specified in a given topic. • The student will organize ideas in a written composition on a given topic. • The student will demonstrate control of the English language in a written composition on a given topic. • The student will generate a written composition that develops/supports/elaborates the central idea stated in a given topic.

11. TAKS Writing Four purposes have been identified as appropriate for measurement in TAKS: • Expressive – The writer expresses thoughts about an event or topic. • Informative – The writer selects and presents facts in order to convey information. • Persuasive – The writer presents reasons in support of a point of view with the intention of influencing a particular audience. • Classificatory – The writer groups elements on the basis of their characteristics.

12. Six Trait Writing • Ideas and Content • Organization • Sentence Fluency • Voice • Word Choice • Conventions

13. Student Success Initiative • In 5th grade the students will have to pass both the reading and math TAKS tests in order to be promoted to 6th grade. • Any child not passing will receive remediation and tutoring and an opportunity to retest.

14. Conference Periods • Monday-Friday from 9:35-10:25 Wednesdays are grade level meetings, so we will return your calls after school or the following school day. • Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We understand that communication is vital to success for everyone in school.

15. Contacts • School phone number481-4030 • E-mail links to teachers and staff are available on the Wetmore web sitewww.neisd.net/wetmore/

16. Class Work • All class work will be completed in class, evaluated, and graded. • Agendas are reviewed at the end of each day. • Please check your child’s assignment notebook for the daily agenda and completed class work.

17. Homework • Students will study their multiplication facts on a nightly basis. • Homework will be listed in their assignment planner. • Students should be reading in their chapter books at home each night.

18. Attendance • Regular and prompt attendance is vital. Students should not arrive at school before 7:00 a.m. • Students will be picked up from the gym at 7:20 a.m. At this time, they are to complete their morning bell work and be ready to start school by 7:35. Students must be in their classrooms at 7:35 or they are considered tardy. • Students will be given one day to make up work for every day missed due to excused absences. • Please send a note explaining any absences. Copies need to be on file in the office. We need a note even if you call in to report an absence.

19. Dismissal Safety First

20. Lunch • Lunch times begin at 12:05 p.m. You are more than welcome to join your child for lunch. Please let your child know if you are coming, so their teacher can order you an adult lunch.

21. Textbooks • Your child is assigned and responsible for a set of textbooks. • All hardback books are to be covered at all times. Book covers will be sent home with your child at the beginning of school. Please let us know if you need more.

22. Internet Access and Technology • Teachers utilize resources on the internet to provide enrichment for specific lessons. • Parents were sent home a copy of the district’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). In order for your child to access the internet and participate in internet content lessons, they must have permission first. • Teachers only have students access web sites which they have previewed and screened. NEISD utilizes software which restricts sites with questionable material. All children in the computer lab are supervised carefully.

23. Volunteers • Everyone is welcome to Wetmore Elementary! • Please make sure you have filled out a new DPS form so you can volunteer for classroom activities, including field trips.

24. Exciting events we have planned for this year: • Bike Rodeo • Field Day • Field Trips • Read-ins • MacArthur Concert, Symphony

25. Questions