Back to School Grade 4 Parent Presentation Specials

1. Back to School Grade 4 Parent Presentation Specials

2. Technology - Matt Murphy A well rounded curriculum including; proper keyboarding, computer programing, internet safety, internet research, graphics programs, etc. Using a software for Technology called Learning.com. Used to receive assignments/ curriculum, turning in work, take assessments and work on typing, all online. Grading- 50% Participation and 50% Skills, Projects and Assessments. Students start at 95% (A) Participation but can earn 100% for going above and beyond ECA’s- Video Game Design, AR Yearbook and Minecraft Club

3. Physical Education (PE) • Students attempt to raise their heart rate and stay active for 90% of the class period. • Tennis shoes that tie or Velcro are required • Students with improper footwear will perform an alternative activity to stay active, but will not be able to earn full participation points. - 3rd-5th grade students are assessed using FitnessGram: they can log onto their account using their username and password. Height and weight will be needed, but students may enter this information on their own.

4. Visual Arts • All students will be introduced to classical art skills this year in the art room. These art skills are also known as Atelier training. Atelier training helps train artists to see. • K-2 starts with the basics of Atelier training, elements of art and specific grade curriculum. • 3-5 goes into Atelier training that is a little more advanced and focuses on more art history and art skills. • Students have to have 1 piece of artwork in their folders at all times for the end of the year art show. • They will get the artwork back after the art show • Artwork should be coming home every Friday after the first rotation. (4 weeks) If you want to volunteer in the art room to ORGANIZE the back kiln room, help would be VERY much appreciated. Email Mrs. Fischer at kfischer@aak8.org

5. 3-5 Music • All 3-5th graders will begin the year learning and reviewing pitch recognition, basic note-reading, and rhythm through songs, games, and fun activities. • 3rd grade: Learning about instrument families, basic music composition, and Recorder Karate. *ALL 3rd GRADERS MUST OWN THEIR OWN RECORDER. We will end the year by creating instruments from recycled materials. Material donations are welcome and appreciated! • 4th Grade: Small ensemble performance using boomwhacker/handbells, singing rounds/partner songs, dance (with PE), and percussion ensembles. Students will create an original music game at the end of the year. • 5th Grade: Watch and discuss relevance and interpretation of music performances from different cultures and time periods. We will learn chords and fingerpicking on the ukulele and apply knowledge of music concepts in original compositions on Noteflight.com. • Enrichment (9th period): Students can sign up to learn a string, woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument in either band or orchestra. This class occurs 2 times a week. THERE IS NO COST TO PARTICIPATE. Students must provide their own instrument and book. Contact Ms. Rusten for more details or sign up on the school store!

6. Back to School Grade 4 Parent Presentation Anna Doody Katie Hoehn Kelsey Montag Summer Summers Bobbi Hanshaw

7. 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. Students are tested as new mathematical terms are introduced in the lessons. • Vocabulary test are assigned throughout the school year; we do not have a set schedule for vocabulary tests. • Assignments are posted in IC at the beginning of the week, and the students are asked to write in their planners on Mondays for the whole week. • Grading: • Lesson Practice (homework)– 20% • Assessments- 80% (power-ups & vocabulary weight of 1, cumulative tests are a weight of 2, final exam is a weight of 4)

8. Reading Spalding Method: The Spalding Method is a phonics based program that integrates reading, writing, and spelling. Most of our instruction this year will focus on the spelling part of the program. At the beginning of the year, we assessed where each class was on the Spalding spelling list to determine which words to use for instruction. The Reading teachers will teach the students the spelling rules and sounds of the words before they are tested on the words. Since instruction on the words begins at least a week before the words are tested, we will not have a spelling test for a few weeks. Core Knowledge novels: Students will be reading a variety of novels including Robin Hood, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Gulliver’s Travels, Robinson Crusoe, and Treasure Island. As the students read these novels, they will also learn new vocabulary and extend their use of comprehension strategies. Additional novels: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Book Reports: The students will be assigned one book report per trimester. We ask that they pick at least one historical fiction chapter book and two fiction chapter books of their choice. The first book report will not be assigned until MAP scores are sent home, because the MAP scores include each student’s Lexile range. The first book report will not be due till the week before the trimester ends.

9. 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 “copy cat” 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 time, ask your child to summarize or retell what was read the previous reading time. 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.

10. Grammar Hake Grammar: Hake Grammar was developed by the creators of Saxon Math. Just like Saxon, Hake Grammar builds on concepts taught throughout the year. The students will work on the practice set in class and be assigned the review set for homework. Students will take down 1 dictation per week and write 3 journal entries per week through the One Note system or on paper. 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.

11. Writing With the Step Up to Writing curriculum and the 6 Trait writing expectations, students learn and practice the following writing skills and many more: Note-taking (all classes) Summaries (reading and writing class) Responding to the text (reading and writing class) 3 & 5 paragraph narratives with the use of dialogue Expository writing Topic sentences Persuasive essays Descriptive 5 paragraph research paper

12. Language Arts Grading and Weights Grammar = 15% Assignments 1, Quizzes 2, Assessments 3 Reading = 35% Assignments 1, Quizzes 2, Assessments 3 Writing = 35% Assignments 1, Quizzes 2, Assessments 3 Spelling= 15% Assignments 1, Assessments 2

13. History & Geography We use the Core Knowledge curriculum for history and geography. The following subjects are covered in 4th grade: -Geography -Colorado History -Middle Ages in Europe -Early and Medieval African Kingdoms -Chinese Dynasties -Economics -American Revolution -AmeriTowne(field trip! March 4th) Grading: Classwork (interactive notebook/vocabulary activities)/Homework: 40% Tests and Quizzes: 60%

14. Science We use the Next Generation Standards which focus on problem solving and analyzing information. The following core concepts that are covered in 4th grade are: -Earth Science -Engineering Design -Physical Science -Life Science Classwork (labs)/Homework: 40% Tests and Quizzes: 60% We will be doing many hands on activities this year! STEM Units- September 10-21, March 5-April 12

15. Policies and Procedures In our school we strive to be students of character. We use the American Academy Manners 10 and American Academy Character. 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 where students are respectful.

16. Conflict Resolution Is It Bullying? Is it truly bullying? Or is it rude behavior, a mean moment, or conflict that can be resolved? Before you report bullying, try to understand what bullying is and is not. RUDE: Accidentally or unintentionally saying or doing something that hurts feelings or embarrasses someone MEAN: Saying or doing something on purpose to hurt someone; happens once or twice CONFLICT: Conflict is a disagreement between friends or peers who are equal in power. There is always a solution to work through conflict, although it can take practice and isn’t always easy! BULLYING: Behavior that is on purpose, repeated over time and involves an imbalance of power (*power = older, bigger, stronger, social power). Types of bullying include physical, verbal, relational, and cyber-bullying. HA-HA-SO for Bullying Teaching our students to be “up-standers” and support a classmate is the best way to help in a bullying situation. When a student feels they are being bullied, they can use HA-HA-SO to help themselves: HELP ASSERT YOURSELF HUMOR AVOID SELF-TALK OWN IT 

17. Behavior If your child chooses to break a rule: -Verbal warning -loss of Kickboard points -Next redirection- loss of Kickboard points, reflection letter sent home to be signed by parent and miss extra Friday recess -All 4th grade teachers will keep track together -Level 2 behavior issues will result in a formal write-up

18. Communication for Homework and Assignments Planners, Websites, and Infinite Campus • Planners – Check planners but help children with self-advocacy. Planners are an important tool to help students plan their work, become responsible for doing it, and a form of communication between the teacher and parent. Students are given time on Mondays in each class to fill-out their planners, recording assignments and due dates. Planners should be taken home each day, reviewed with parents, and brought back the next day. • Planners are a fantastic way to remind your child what their plan is for after school. Carpool, homework club, walker, bus, EA, etc…… • Homework and assignment descriptions and spelling words are posted in Infinite Campus. • Downloads, resources, specials for the week, etc. are found on the grade level website.

19. Missing Assignments Parent Portal - Missing Assignments • ALL assignments that are missing are marked in Infinite Campus as “missing,” EVEN if a student is absent. The teachers will add a comment that the missing assignment was due to an absence or not turned in. Points will not be deducted if it is missing due to absence. The students are given two days for everyday missed to make up work (up to 5 days). • When an assignment has been turned in, it will be marked in IC with a “T” for turned-in or a grade will be added. If the assignment still shows missing at the end of the following day, it has not been turned in. • If an assignment is not turned in: -10% late for one day, -50% late for 2 days, after two days no credit is given • Parents are responsible for making sure there is a current email address in Infinite Campus • Missing assignment email notifications are sent by Infinite Campus to the parent on the day the assignment is due.

20. Homework Everything assigned as homework was started in class (besides trimester book reports) Here is some of the consistent homework your child will have: Math-most nights students will be assigned a problem set as an extension of the lesson they learned that day. Students are given time to start their homework in class. Students should have roughly 10-15 minutes during math, 20 minutes in morning study hall and 20 during afternoon study hall to work on homework. Grammar- every lesson will be assigned as a homework assignment. Students will have class time to begin the assignment but will be expected to complete any unfinished work at home. Tests-will be given in Science and Social Studies that require students to study and review their notes a little every 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.

21. Absent Work - If your family has a planned trip or event that will take your student out of a regular school day all work will be given upon return and will be due per the absence policies in the parent handbook. - Students will not be given work ahead of time for a planned absence. Upcoming work for the week can be found on Infinite Campus. Some items may be added throughout the week and assignments are subject to change. - We do ask students for work that was assigned before their absence when they return. If the work is not finished, it is marked as missing and incomplete. Extra time (2 days per absence) is only given for days missed. - All extended planned absences need to go through Ms. Bostick and Mr. Kolb.

22. Textbooks The following text books are available through your child’s ThinkLinkaccount, in “Share Point”, under “Student Textbooks”: Saxon Math Core Knowledge History Book Book Report Ideas (4th grade folder) The following text books are accessible through “Student Quick Links” on the Castle Pines webpage: Hake Grammar

23. Student Responsibilities Students will learn to advocate for themselves and take responsibility for their learning: -Check Infinite Campus under assignments (each student has their own login) -Ask their teachers for assignments when they are absent -Ask their teachers for clarification on homework if they are confused BEFORE leaving school at the end of the day - Students are expected to attempt assignments even if they are unsure of the expectations (need to clarify before leaving school) - We suggest the students have a buddy in each class that they can call in the evenings with homework questions.

24. Our Support Staff Instructional assistants are with the students at lunch and recess. Students are expected to treat the IA’s and additional staff with the same respect they would their teachers. Students are asked to be kind, polite, and attentive during recess and lunch. Our IA’s and support staff can track discipline through Kickboard and communicate with the teacher’s in regard to any discipline issues.

25. Food • - No food for birthdays- welcome to bring in little toys/trinkets • Please make sure your child’s snack does not contain nuts, trail mix with nuts, almond butter, peanut butter, Nutella • Sack lunches for field trips must be nut-free • Parties • We WILL be able to have food for parties this year • Labels • Please label lunch boxes, sweatshirts and water bottles • Labelling backpacks is a good idea as well

26. How can I help my 4th grader? • Please clean out your child’s “Keep at Home” section of their binder each night • Ensure that items removed are already graded items that are no longer needed in the classroom • Set up a homework space at home • Send your child to school everyday with a full water bottle. Research shows that water is a natural mood stabilizer. This will enhance your students ability to learn. • We do ask that all water bottles have a pop up straw and are spill proof

27. Infinite Campus App • Do you have a smartphone, iPad, or tablet? • If so, we have an app for you! • 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.

28. Questions! We are looking forward to partnering with you to make this a great year for everyone! Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions that you might have

29. Back to School Night

30. Carpool • Morning Carpool • Students report to cafeteria with Ms. Bostick • School starts at 8:05am • Tardy students miss important math instruction • Come early – drop off starts at 7:35am • Students unbuckle seatbelt just BEFORE cone zone • -Practice unbuckling seatbelt and opening door by themselves • Do not block roundabout before carpool starts • - Staff members need to access parking lot through left lane

31. Carpool • Afternoon Carpool • Begins at 3:35pm ends at 4:00pm • - Students go to Homework Club if not picked up • Do not line up on Mira Vista before 3:20pm • Clearly display the yellow carpool tag on windshield or visor on • passenger side • Drive slowly so attendants can call in your carpool number • You must have the original yellow carpool tag to pick up your • student

32. Carpool • Tips • Carpool with other families • Decrease number of cars in line and speeds up the process • Pull all the way forward • Student exits car when line stops in cone zone • Student walks on sidewalk to student entrance • Pets need to stay away from opening door • -We only chase 2-legged kids, not 4-legged fur balls 

33. Carpool • Want to Skip Carpool? • BEFORE and AFTER school activities available every day • Visit the School Store to find out how to sign up

34. Uniform • Uniforms must be from Dennis Uniform and be on the approved • uniform list in the Parent Handbook • Sock colors are solid navy, red, white or black (no gray) • Tights and leggings are solid navy, black, red or white • Shoes must be closed toe and no higher than their ankle • Spirit Wear is for Fridays only • Only AA sweatshirts, sweaters and hoodies can be worn in class • Send a sweatshirt or jacket with your child each day • LABEL EVERYTHING

35. Kickboard • New positive behavior system • Earn “Rebel Bucks” each day for showing AA Manners, Character Traits, leadership, etc. • Spend bucks at end of trimester at School Store • Deductions for behavior • L1 and L2 – check Kickboard for descriptions • Log into Kickboard daily • New to all of us. Please email with questions.