Welcome to 4th Grade!

• Students should arrive by 7:45 a.m. in order to be in their desk and ready to begin at 7:55 a.m.  They are considered tardy at 8:01 a.m.  If you need to pick up your child during the day, he/she will be dismissed from the office, not the classroom.  Doctor's appointments should be scheduled between 9:00 and 9:45 a.m., if at all possible.

• Math and Reading contract work is due on Friday.  The graded contracts are sent home on Monday to be signed and should be returned on Tuesday.  You only need to return the signed top contract sheet.  Students are expected to complete 4 lessons (2 Reading and 2 Math) each day.

• The Language Arts curriculum consists of reading, listening, writing, language, and spelling.  Spelling tests are on Friday.  I will skip around in the spelling book to align Language Arts, Reading, and Spelling curriculum.  Your child will be responsible for writing the lesson number to be tested in their student planner.  All students will be expected to study from their spelling books.  No spelling lists will be provided.

• Along with our basal readers, we will also be reading 3 novels throughout the year.  Most of the novel reading will be assigned to be read at home.  Students will also be given the opportunity to participate in the Accelerated Reader program.  Any points earned through AR will be added as extra credit to the student's reading grade.  Students will be able to check out 2 books from the library.  Library day is Monday.

• Students will have math homework almost daily.  Along with their homework, all students should practice their multipication facts at home.  This can be oral practice with flash cards and/or it can be written.  Most days a "Mad Minute" or timed multipication test will be given.  A daily grade will be taken from these tests each week.  Corrects will be allowed to be made on these tests.  See below for detailed instructions. 

• Science and Social Studies - Each student will have a text and workbook.  Note taking done in class will help students in studying for tests.  Tests will be given at the end of each chapter.  We will conduct at least one science experiment per chapter to allow your child the hands on learning experience. 

• Our discipline policy is outlined in the handbook. 

• Homework Policy - Parent should check the assignment book and homework folder daily.  Students are expected to complete assignments on time.  Students are given 10 minutes at the end of each day to make sure they have written down all of the assignments.  Failure to complete assignments on time will result in:  1st day - Mark in Responsibility Binder and a yellow slip will be sent home for a parent to sign; 2nd day - The student will call home. 

• Responsibility Binder - The student will mark next to their name accordingly.  After 10 marks, the student will not be allowed to attend "Pay Day" parties held at the end of each month.  Responsibility marks are given for not having papers signed, not completing homework, not having materials, being late to group, and wearing inappropriate uniform attire (this includes neat hair, no nail polish, and no baggy jeans for boys).  The responsibility marks will appear on the report card under work study skills. 

• School lunches are $2.50.  No fast food is allowed in the cafeteria.  Forgotten lunches must be taken to the office, not the classroom. 

• Absenteeism - Students are expected to be in school each day.  Students are responsible for any work missed.  Daily work is to be picked up in the office between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m.  Students are permitted 10 excused absences per semester. 

• Teachers are on patrol each day from 3:30 until 3:45. 

• All students will participate in Journal writing and Daily Oral Language exercises.  All of these activities will be done as a warm-up prior to beginning large groups. 

• Behavior Book - A student will be asked to sign the behavior book for talking in class, being off task, or being disrespectful to adults or classmates.  The result of behavior marks will appear on the report card as a conduct grade.

• Safe Environment - As parents, you need to be aware of what your children have access to.  Parents need to be aware of Chat rooms that may be accessed on websites such as My Space.com.  Talk to children and know what is going on. 

• Parking Lot - If you are picking up your child in the Laurent parking lot please be aware that the traffic must continuously move.  As each car moves forward, you must also do the same.  If you would rather park, you can pick up your child in the Mesquite parking lot.