Fourth Grade

1. Fourth Grade Welcomes students and parents!

2. Meet the Fourth Grade Team

3. Mrs. Gibson • 15th year with GLSD • 3rd year teaching 4th grade • Previously taught 12 years at GLJH • Previously taught Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Computer Applications in 7th and 8th grade • Presently teaches Math, Social Studies and Language Arts Educational Background: • B.S. in Elementary Education -- 1987 IUP • Certification in Elementary Education (Level II) • M.A. in Adult Education and Communications Technology -- 1999 IUP • Certification as an Instructional Technology Specialist (Level II) • Certification in Business, Computer and Information Technology (Level II)

4. Mr. Roesch • 8th year with GLSD • 8th year teaching 4th grade • Previously taught 4th grade for 5 years in VA Educational Background: • B.A. in Elementary Education – 2000 Edinboro University • Certification in Elementary Education (Level II)

5. Miss Stynchula • 9th year with GLSD • 8th year teaching 4th grade at Mt. View • Previously taught learning support at LES & was a long term substitute in IST, 1st grade, and 4th grade. Educational Background: • B.A. in Elementary/Early Childhood Education – 2002 St. Vincent College • Certification in Elementary and Early Childhood Education (Level II) • M.A. in Instructional Technology– 2009 Penn State

6. Mrs. Walsh • 5th year with GLSD • 1st year teaching 4th grade at Mt. View • Previously taught 1st grade at Mt. View and taught 1st grade for 5 years in Virginia Educational Background: • B.A. in Elementary Education – 1999 Westminster College • Certification in Elementary Education (Level II application filed) • M.A. in Elementary Education & Reading Specialist Certification-2006 University of Pittsburgh

7. Our Expectations for our students • Come to school prepared each day. • Complete homework and other assignments on time. • Have a positive attitude and cooperate with others. • Be responsible for taking home mail and graded assignments • Follow school rules

8. Expectations • Making Wise Choices • Whole Class- • Marble Jar/Mt. Teamwork • Moving to purple • Forgetting to make wise choices • Reminder • Time Out • Lunch detention • Call the Nest

9. Schedule • 6 day rotation • Children have a schedule in their binder, it is also available online • Goal and Speech are scheduled during Language Extension. • Instrumental lessons are scheduled during music

10. Our Websites • Visit your teachers’ websites to ensure you are up to date on daily assignments and activities. • Greater Latrobe School District Site • District site again

11. Language Arts Program • Teach reading life-long strategies • Genre Study-Helps students to organize what they are reading. • Encourage reading at home. We suggest at least 15-20 minutes. • Goldilocks Rule for independent reading • Students choose a book, find a page, read it • 0=too easy, 1-4=just right, 5 or more=too hard

12. Storytown • Themes • Read Aloud • Main Selection • Paired Selection • Leveled Readers • Robust Vocabulary • Focus Skill • Focus Strategy • Word Attack • Fluency • Thinkcentral.com

13. Writing • Taught as a process in the core • Focus on ideas first—later revise & edit • We write the “5” paragraph narrative and informational essays. • Most of the writing is completed at school—kept in portfolio. • Sent home at the end of the year. • Go my access

14. Spelling • Lessons begin with a pretest on Wednesday • Pretest contains a list of words that follow a pattern. • Whole class lessons will be taught to help children to make generalizations so that they can apply it to their everyday writing. • Post test will be given on a new list of words on Tuesday. • Spelling Projects are due Tues. They are located on the back of your child’s spelling list • Spelling City

15. Math • Fourth grade math is FUN!! Students will learn how to become great problem solvers and will learn how to engage in good math talk!! They will have A LOT of opportunities to improve their number sense!! • GO Math! • Transitioning between Pennsylvania State Standards and the National Core Standards • Students will still be taking the PSSA test in March with the National Core Standards as field test questions • Due to this being a transition year, your child will primarily be using the GO Math series, as well as other supplemental materials.

16. Science • Inquiry approach: Hands on, explore children’s own questions, activity based • STC kits: electricity, land and water, animal studies • Weather and space included when we are not in a kit. • Science PSSA last week of April • (Tested Grades 4, 8, 11)

17. Social Studies • Government/Immigration • Pennsylvania • Regions of USA • Map skills • Scholastic News (current events) • Non-fiction reading strategies

18. Homework • Homework is assigned every night. If the assigned homework does not take 40 minutes, children should read or study math facts for the remaining time. • Homework reinforces the skills that are learned at school. Your child should be able to do it Independently, please notify your teacher if your child consistently struggles with how to do assignments. • Homework assignment book • Children are expected to write each assignment. • Have your child show you his/her assignment book each night. • Website is available to check for assignments or enrich your knowledge.

19. Binder Sent home nightly with graded papers or important announcements. Help your child to empty this folder nightly. Homework Policy If an assignment is missed, they will make up their missed work during recess. Students who do not complete their homework on time, will NOT receive the full amount of points. HW Continued…

20. Birthdays • You may send a birthday treat into school. • Each homeroom will celebrate birthdays at different times • Please have your treat ready to serve to children (napkins, pre-cut) • Please keep in mind 75% healthy food, 25% not healthy food. • Cafeteria offers a birthday basket

21. Math/Reading Club • Our fourth grade has teamed up to provide more tutoring for your children. • This enables children who need specifically math or reading help to get the necessary help that they need. • Your child will meet with a fourth grade teacher or support person when they come for tutoring. • You will see an invitation if we feel your child will benefit from extra practice on the skills we are teaching. (begins 9/17)

22. Conferences • We will have conference days on November 6 & 11 • Take a post-it note with your date to put on your calendar at home • Please sign up before leaving • We will send reminders at the end of Oct. • If you need another day/time please write me a note on the schedule.

23. Home School Connection We need your help! • Volunteer Opportunities • a note was sent home on the first day of school regarding volunteers for parties and field trips • PTO Clearance Packet

24. Home School Connection • Ideas for Homework Help: • Quiet space • Encourage quality work • Refer to class work for help • Fun Websites for Parents and Children: • Please see teacher websites for lots of kid friendly, educational sites on the Internet

25. Let’s Have a Great Year! *Thanks for coming. Take a look around at your child’s work!