August, 2010

Dear Parents,

Welcome to fourth grade! We have gotten off to a great start, and I know it will be a wonderful year.

This letter is to acquaint you with some general information regarding our classroom’s daily procedures. I hope this will answer many of your questions. I suggest keeping this notice accessible throughout the year.

If you ever have any questions or concerns throughout the year, please feel free to contact me at (508)541-5261 extension 2024, send me an email at mertenk@franklin.k12.ma.us, or send a note with your child. I will get back to you as soon as possible. On certain days I may not check my voice mail or email until after the children go home. Therefore, in the event that you need immediate assistance, please call our school secretary, Ms. DiPietro at (508)541-5260.

One major goal of fourth grade is to improve organizational skills. Each student has been given an assignment notebook to help with this. The assignment notebook will help to keep you informed of assignments, tests, and up-coming projects. I usually give a week’s notice for tests, and the students should have this written in their assignment books at that time. Homework in fourth grade should take approximately 35-45 minutes each day. Math will be included as 1/3 to 1/2 of the nightly assignments. If a students misses three assignments, he/she will be letting you know in writing, and will have to make up these assignments. All assignment notebooks must be signed weekly on the line indicated by a parent or guardian. This is each student’s responsibility. Therefore, if a student does not have a signature in the assignment notebook, it will count as "No Homework".

Students will be graded on a scale of 1-4. A copy of the grading rubric for grade 4 was handed out at the parent orientation, and sent home with your child if you were unable to attend. The writing rubric was also in that packet of information.

As you know, our report card uses end of the year standards. For these standards, your child will be receiving the grades B, P, and M. He/she will also receive a term grade, which is determined using class grades, test grades, daily work, and teacher observations. I have attached a copy of the fourth grade report card. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this.

MONTHLY READING/MATH FACT PRACTICE:

This year we will be using strategies from the Reader’s Workshop model of reading. With this program, students will be required to read for a minimum of fifteen minutes nightly. There will be a log to be signed weekly by parents. Additionally, there will not be any monthly book projects assigned.

In addition to reading, students should practice all math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) on a rotating basis until they are mastered (student can respond to a flashcard within two seconds with 100% accuracy). Students will be tested on math facts with a "mad minute" on the computer weekly. There is a practice link available on our class website. Please let me know if you have any questions.

With the cold season quickly approaching, we are initiating our "Kleenex Club". If possible, please send one box of tissues into school. This allows everyone to have a plentiful supply, whenever necessary, throughout the school year. It is also a great help, as you can imagine. Thanks!

There will be a 10-15 minute working snack break mid-morning (@10:15 a.m.). I encourage the students to bring nutritious foods. As this is a working snack, please try to keep it simple!

Lunch is daily from 1:05-1:25. Recess is from 1:25-1:45. As this is a later lunch than the children are used to, a good breakfast and a healthy snack help to minimize the hunger ☺. School lunch costs $2.00 and milk is $0.50.

(Please note: There has been a change in the student handbook regarding sharing of food at Kennedy School.)

At this time, parents are requested not to send in food for distribution to the class. If your child is celebrating a birthday, we will be happy to sing to him/her. Bringing in a special item to share is optional, however please do not send in food items.

Periodically I will be sending book club order forms home with the children. This is a wonderful way to encourage reading and build your child’s library at bargain prices! Please note the due date on the form, and either order online or send in orders with a check made out to the appropriate book club. Thank you.

I have attached the schedule of class specials for the upcoming school year. Please note: On library day, please don’t forget your library books. Returning library books is considered a homework assignment and students will not be given credit for having complete homework if the book isn’t in school.

I offer a child-centered classroom, rich in language and critical thinking. There is a strong emphasis on developing independence. My program offers a balanced approach in all academic areas, focusing on independent as well as group projects, cooperative learning, discussion, technology, and manipulatives. All classroom opportunities will be conducive to each student’s individual learning style.

In Math, we use the "Everyday Mathematics" program from the Chicago Math series. This year we are using the third edition of this series. You will receive a notice prior to each unit providing you with information about that unit. More information regarding this math program is attached.

I am excited about using Reader’s Workshop with the class this year. This program allows students to read and respond to books that are at their appropriate reading level. I will be using the Harcourt Brace reading series in order to manage skills and to assess progress. This program helps to integrate all Language Arts subjects (Reading, Writing, English, and Spelling). In addition to Reader’s Workshop, we will supplement our reading with a variety of trade books.

Attached to this letter is a curriculum outline that highlights the topics to be taught this year. Please ask your child to share his/her experiences with you daily.

I am looking forward to a great year!

Katie Merten