4th Grade

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4th Grade is…

…an important year to promote independence and an increased responsibility.

Our curriculum illustrates rewards of responsible behavior, and builds a strong and lasting realization of trustworthiness and reliability!

Fourth graders plan liturgies, study novels, and begin switching classes for both social studies and science. Working with first grade buddies to recycle and leading the school in our Christmas program allows our students to have leadership roles at a young age while encouraging the self-esteem of the growing child.

Technology introduces a more one-to-one aspect of learning in 4th grade. Students work with online components of academic resources, and further develop their technical skills through presentations with small group work.

Math: (GoMath!) Students will continue their math knowledge by connecting numbers to their daily lives. They will learn how to multiply, divide small and large numbers, classify angles and geometric shapes, as well as use multiple ways to manipulate fractions. Students will get the opportunity to learn and practice these concepts in whole and small groups, as well as individually. During the chapter, students will complete various assignments, connecting to previous lessons, as well as new concepts. Assignments will be completed both in class and at home, and will have specific due dates throughout the chapter. Simple Solutions will also guide the students through Math in a different way and will supplement what we are learning in our textbook throughout the year. Zearn is another math program that students will be expected to complete as a way of reinforcing what is taught in GoMath.

Reading: (ReadyGEN) We are working toward independence this year. To reach this goal we will focus on reading strategies to guide our students in their reading and writing. Our year will be filled with great fiction books accompanied by nonfiction as well. Throughout the year students will develop their skills in comprehension, analysis, and vocabulary. Help our fourth graders be lifelong readers by reading with them at home, listening to them read to you and seeing that they read each night.

Language Arts: (Spelling Connections and Shurley English) We are reviewing our parts of speech and moving to classifying sentences. Shurley English is a program that focuses on teaching students grammar and writing skills. The program uses rhythm, repetition, and student/teacher interaction. We will also work on spelling each week, using the lessons in the spelling connections book. Students will be provided with a list every two weeks; assignments and lessons with correspond to this list. Majority of the assignments are completed in class and will be due at the end of the week (unless otherwise noted). At the end of two weeks, students will take a test on spelling the words and answer multiple choice questions about their usage in sentences. We ask that you oversee your child’s work and help them to understand the spelling word patterns and sounds we are working on each week.

Writing: Students will further explore different types of writing, such as: narrative, expository, opinion, and informative. Writing in 4th grade is cross-curricular; the students will learn about the different ways to use writing to show off what they know in all of their subjects. Students’ writing will be an ongoing exploration of the role writing plays in our lives. Students will also enhance their skills as we utilize the writing component of our ReadyGen program. As student authors, some of our writing explorations will simply be to investigate how expert authors use their craft while other times we will practice moving a piece of writing through the publishing phase. Don’t worry we will show off our skills multiple times throughout the year; look for our creative pieces in the hallway!

Religion: (We Believe) We will be reading and analyzing the Ten Commandments throughout the school year, discussing how they help us love ourselves, God, and others. We’ll look into the liturgical year and how we remember and celebrate Jesus Christ at home, at school, and at Mass. We explore our faith by studying and learning from the Bible, and continue to learn how God wants us to live by His word. Our books focus on the ways that we believe, worship and live.

Science: (ScienceFusion) Our new science curriculum allows students to explore science in many ways: from hands on inquiry labs and S.T.R.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, Math) investigations, to online lessons and videos and write-in interactive textbooks. The students will begin by learning how scientists use the scientific method for science inquiry and how engineers use technology to design a solution to a problem. Both of these methods for exploring and solving problems in the world around us will be applied to each chapter we explore. After getting into how they, too, are scientists and engineers, the students will move into exploring physical science. They will investigate matter and its changes, figure out where energy comes from, and manipulate electricity and motion. As they move into earth and space science, students will observe weather and water. Students will look at the ways the planets and moon affect us here on Earth. In spring we will take a look outside to explore plants, animals, ecosystems, and our impact on natural resources.

Social Studies: (Scott Foresman) In Social Studies, the students will focus on the five regions of the United States. Our year begins with map skills and exploring how to read a nonfiction text. As we learn about the regions and their resources, students will work to develop skills in answering constructed response questions about what they have read and learned about. The students will learn and practice research skills while studying our state, Illinois, later in the school year. They will end the year showcasing what they have learned about the regions.

All Parent Volunteers (including parent chaperones for field trips) are required to complete and turn in the needed paperwork (found in the school office) as well as being Virtus Trained. Inquires about either should contact the office for more information.

Recess and Lunch Volunteers Needed!
This is an experience students truly cherish and enjoy. We are very lucky to have such a special opportunity for students to see their parent(s) during the school day.

Fourth Grade is part of the Lunch B Block
…with lunch starting at 11:42 AM (ending at 12:05 PM)
…and recess from 12:07 – 12:30 PM.

The students love seeing the familiar faces and the teachers GREATLY appreciate the break!

We thank you in advance for your support and time!

Expectations:

Lunch
· As students walk into the lunchroom, students who receive milk should go directly to the front tables for milk.
· 10 Students to a table (Fourth Grade tables are located toward the back of the lunchroom)
· Each student gets a baby wipe (the Classroom Helpers should pass these out to all fourth grade students)
· Lunch Supervisors will dismiss tables
· Students are responsible for cleaning their area

Indoor Recess
· Hands off policy
· Inside voices
· No throwing
· Walking Feet
· Clean up after yourself
· Play fair

Outdoor Recess
· Hands off policy
· Don’t go passed the sidewalk
· 1st whistle = FREEZE and LISTEN
· 2nd Whistle = Clean and Line up
· Walk into the building quietly and in a straight line **Stay off the grass*

HOMEWORK: For your child’s academic excellence, it is expected that your child read at least 30 minutes every night, in addition to any other assignments. Students are asked and encouraged to read a self-choice book, and will be using this book to practice the skills and strategies we are learning in class. Math homework will be sent home each week night, scores will vary based on the learning objective we are working on that week. There will be additional assignments in Spelling, English, Religion, Social Studies, and Science throughout the school year. No homework will be assigned over the weekend, however any long term projects may be completed during this time. It’s expected that homework is completed and turned in on the due date. If the homework is not turned in on the due date, the students will lose a point on the assignment. This is the same consequence for the first 3 days that the homework assignment is not completed. After 3 days of the students’ homework not being turned in, the student will receive half-credit on the assignment.
*If a student is absent we are able to send homework home with a sibling or friend, upon request. You will be given two days for every day you’re absent to complete the assignments.*

WEDNESDAY ENVELOPES: Please look out for our school’s White Envelope which will be sent home most Wednesdays to the oldest or only child in the family. In it, you will find important reminders or FSA papers about what’s currently going on here at St. Cletus! Please return the white Wednesday envelopes the following school day.

FRIDAY ‘HOME’ FOLDERS: The Friday folder will come home every Friday, or the last day of the school week. The folder will contain assignments from the previous week. Please take out the completed assignments and keep these at home. Be sure to get a parent signature on tests and return them on Monday.

TEST CORRECTIONS: Tests will be sent home with your child once every student has taken the assessment. Because we learn from our mistakes, students who receive a 76% or lower are STRONGLY encouraged to correct their mistakes on a separate sheet of paper, stapling the corrections to the original test. Students have two days from receiving their test scores to correct and return in order to receive credit. Tests should always be signed by the parent/guardian and returned. Corrections will receive half credit back for each question redone correctly. Please leave answers on the actual test intact to ensure students are receiving the accurate score.

DISCIPLINE: In our classrooms, we emphasize trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, and citizenship. We will be incorporating positive communication when dealing with disagreements and disruptive classroom behavior. In 4th grade we believe in logical consequences when a negative choice is made. Meaning, consequences should be respectful, relevant, and realistic, giving students a chance to learn from their mistakes. As a class, we will discuss appropriate behavior and strategies to limit disruptions during learning time.

SNACKS/BIRTHDAYS: Students will be allowed a snack that will be eaten sometime in the morning. We ask that the students bring in an easy-to-eat healthy snack, not a mini lunch. Birthday treats may be brought to school on a student’s special day. This will be shared with the class after lunch. Summer birthdays can be celebrated either on a student’s half birthday or any day near the end of the school year. Please notify the teacher at least two days in advance that your child will be bringing in birthday treats.
**There are multiple allergies this year, so if you have questions on what you can/can’t bring in as a treat, please contact us. This goes for all holidays and parties.**

Grading Scale (4th through 8th Grade)

Grade – Description – Cutoff % (Grades 4-8)
A+ Outstanding 99
A Outstanding 95
A- Outstanding 93
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B+ Excellent 91
B Excellent 87
B- Excellent 85
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C+ Good 83
C Good 79
C- Good 77
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D+ Poor 75
D Poor 71
D- Poor 69
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U Very Poor 0
I Incomplete 0
NG Not Graded 0

What’s New In 4th Grade?

2.9-2.23 F.Y.I (Four Your Information)

Here’s a look at what is going on the next two weeks in fourth grade: Tuesday, February 13th  Mass: Students should be dropped off at their regular drop off points and head into the classroom. School doors will open at 7:45 am to allow students time to put away their belongings and head to the...
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1.22-2.2 F.Y.I (Four Your Information)

What an interesting couple of weeks back from Winter Break with the snow and then the freezing temperatures. I’m so happy to see that you were all able to stay warm and safe.  Here’s a look at what is going on the next two weeks in fourth grade: Tuesday, January 23 Mass: Students should be...
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12.8-12.22 F.Y.I (Four Your Information)

WOOO! Time is flying by, I cannot believe that we are entering December.  Here’s a look at what is going on the next two weeks in fourth grade: Monday, December 11th D4D: Portillo’s Tuesday, December 12th   Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass: Students should be dropped off at their regular drop off points and head into...
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11.6-11.17 F.Y.I (Four Your Information)

Here’s a look at what is going on the next two weeks in fourth grade:  Monday, November 6th  Optional Study Session (3pm-4pm): To help prep for the test on Wednesday, I am hosting an after school study session. Students are welcome to attend for part or all of it. Pick up would be the same...
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10.23-11.3 F.Y.I (Four Your Information)

Here’s a look at what is going on the next two weeks in fourth grade:  Monday, October 23rd Red Ribbon Week: Crazy Sock Day  Frindle Comprehension CHeckpoint Ch. 1-5: Open Book Tuesday, October 24th  Mass: Students should be dropped off at their regular drop off points and head into the classroom. School doors will open...
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9.29-10.13 F.Y.I (Four Your Information)

Here’s a look at what is going on the next two weeks in fourth grade:  Tuesday, October 3rd  Mass: Students should be dropped off at their regular drop off points and head into the classroom. School doors will open at 7:45 am to allow students time to put away their belongings and head to the...
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F.Y.I (Four Your Information) 9.8-9.22

This week was a short one but chock full of things to be done! I have loved getting to know the students these past three weeks. They have been working so hard these past weeks assimilating to 4th grade expectations. We helped our buddies create cards for the first responders, we took our first simple...
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F.Y.I (Four Your Information) 8.22-9.8

WOO! WHOOOO! We’ve successfully completed our first week back. We took this week to get into the swing of things. Together as a class we created rules and expectations that will help guide us in being successful learners this school year. Our focus is on being respectful, responsible, and compassionate Cardinals! Our 4th grade class...
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F.Y.I. (Four Your Information) Newsletter 4/29-5/13

Friday, May 6th Spirit Wear Dress Down House Celebration at 2:00pm States and Capitals Quiz  Unit 31 Spelling Test   Friday, May 13th Unit 32 Spelling Test Math: We have begun chapter 7, and we are learning how to add and subtract fractions with common denominators, convert between mixed numbers and fractions greater than one,...
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