4th Grade Disclosure Document
Mrs. Jennifer Payne
Cedar Valley Elementary
2019-2020 School Year
Mrs. Jennifer Payne
Cedar Valley Elementary
2019-2020 School Year
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to a new school year at Cedar Valley Elementary! I am looking forward to working with your children in the 4th Grade. My goal this year is to help the children establish good self-images and become more independent. I want to help them see that mistakes are not failures, but learning experiences. I will encourage and support them as individuals with feelings, ideas, and desires that are worthy of respect and consideration. I also want to provide an intellectual environment in which they can be creative, experiment, investigate, and learn.
In my class, this year, I will be implementing the 4th Grade Utah State Standards and Common Core Curriculum. In addition to these standards, the following procedures and clarifications will be implemented in my classroom:
Reading, Spelling, and Language Arts:
In 4th Grade we will continue learning as we read. We will be using the McGraw-Hill Reading program “Wonders”. This Language Arts program will cover vocabulary, comprehension strategies, fluency, writing traits, spelling, grammar, and research and inquiry skills. Along with this program, reading skills will be taught as a class, in small groups, and individual meetings.
Math:
In 4th Grade we will be using Go Math. Our Math class will focus on 4th grade standards. It will also focus on differentiating in order for students to be able to work more closely to their individual abilities and levels. It is very important for each student to complete their daily assignments. If assignments are not completed in class, they will need to be completed at home and returned the following day.
Science:
The Science curriculum will focus on learning about the water cycle, weather, basic properties of minerals and rocks, weather and erosion, soil composition, and Utah’s fossil formation, climate, and plants and animals through enjoyable, hands-on activities. Occasionally, projects may be sent home to complete to support the curriculum.
Social Studies/Geography:
The focus this year will be Utah History. We will be covering the following: Geographic attributes of Utah, the historical impact of past and present cultural groups on Utah, and Utah’s government. To support learning, students may be required to complete portions of specific assignments at home.
Technology:
In my class, we will be using a class website that will be updated weekly. The website will include such things as spelling and vocabulary words, important assignments and due dates, as well as history, science, and math schedules. Along with the website, students will be using Google Classroom and a variety of websites, online activities, and technology tools to support the curriculum. Because we use technology on a regular basis, please make sure that you have completed the appropriate online technology release waiver form for your child.
Homework:
I believe that the majority of the time a child is at home should be used to spend time with family and rejuvenate for the next school day. Therefore, I send home minimal homework. As part of the weekly homework, students will be required to read a minimum of 20 minutes 5 times a week. I also ask that a portion of their 20 minutes of reading time be used to read aloud. There will be a reading log that needs to be filled out appropriately for each day reading occurs. Along with the reading, students will be asked to complete one math worksheet that is a review of math concepts that have already been taught. Students should be able to complete these worksheets independently. Students will be given a new reading log and math worksheet on Mondays, and then will be required to return the homework the following Monday. Those students who complete ALL five days of reading AND their math worksheet, will have the opportunity to earn a prize by shooting basketball hoops (best out of 3 tries).
Cell Phones and Toys:
I will be following the school policy in regards to cell phone use. Students will not be allowed to use cell phones during school hours, including class time, recess, and lunch. If a student has a cell phone, they will be asked to keep it turned off at all times, and will be allowed to use it for emergency purposes only. (I changed this on our student handbook so can you update this? They can use the school phone for emergencies - as students might think someone bugging them is an emergency.) If a student needs to call home, they will be permitted to use the classroom or office phone.
Please discourage your child from bringing fidget spinners, toys, trading cards, electronic games, or other such items to school. These items can become a big distraction during learning time, and they can also have the potential of getting lost or stolen. Any of these items that come out during the school day, will be taken away. It will then be the parents responsibility to come and get the item after school.
Attendance:
Please try to make sure that your child is on time every day. If a student is absent, he or she will be responsible to complete any missed assignments. The class website will be a great resource to refer to if and when your child is absent. Please call the office to excuse your child within 5 days of their absence.
Classroom Management/Discipline:
The classroom should be a place where all students feel safe and valued. It should also be a place where learning is maximized, while still being fun and exciting. In order to accomplish this, students will be responsible to be good citizens by being respectful and following all school and classroom rules appropriately. In our class, we will be using a behavior clip chart as well as Class Dojo for students to visually track their behavior and rewards they may earn. Class Dojo will also be available to track student behavior from home.
Birthdays:
Students may choose to bring something store bought to share with each member of the class on his/her birthday. Please be aware that we have food allergies in our class this year, so be careful on what you choose to send. If you have any questions on what can or cannot be eaten, contact me, and I will be happy to help you out.
If you have any questions or concerns, the best way to contact me is either through email or Class Dojo. Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected], or contact me through your Class Dojo app, and I will be happy to respond as quickly as possible. You are also welcome to call the school and leave a message, but please be aware that I do not answer the phone during instruction time. I will be checking my voice messages during lunch and after school only, and I will get back to you as soon as my schedule allows. If there are any emergencies, please contact the front office.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to getting to know you and working with your student!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Payne