Welcome to Fourth Grade with Mrs. Mesbergen !

Welcome to Fourth Grade with Mrs. Mesbergen!

Parent Email • If you have not already received an email from me, please send me an email cmesbe@kyrene.org • Write your child’s name in the subject line

Language Arts This year we will be using a new language arts program, nonfiction selections, and novels from the adopted trade book list. These programs provide learning opportunities for students at all levels of reading. The new CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) program combines reading and writing with rigorous text. The first unit focus is on personal narrative writing. We will be doing journal writing, as well as, writing projects that take students through the stages of writing. CKLA Topics Personal Narratives Middle Ages Poetry Eureka! Inventions Geology The House on Mango Street (Fiction) American Revolution Treasure Island (Fiction)

Math This year math will focus on the fourth grade objectives first. As students show mastery, instruction will be accelerated to include objectives from higher grades. Mentally manipulating numbers and problem solving using a variety of strategies will be very important, as these are an important part of our math standards. • Place Value and Estimation • Understanding Addition and Subtraction Algorithm • Word Problems • Multi-digit Multiplication and Division • Graphing and Data Analysis • Probability • Measurement • Geometry • Fractions • Decimals • Algebra .

Social Studies, Science, and Health Social Studies • primary focus is Arizona history Science • a combination of hands-on and scientific knowledge based on the Kyrene curriculum and state standards • start with an overview of the scientific process, and then we will begin our Animal Studies unit followed by Water and Weather, Electricity and Magnetism and Renewable and Non-renewable Resources Health • focus on how the body works as a whole, healthy unit.

Homework basics There is homework every night. Most of the time it will follow the pattern below, however, there may be times when it will change. Always check your child’s agenda for nightly homework. • Most assignments are due the following day. • 15-20 minutes of nightly reading is expected to be logged in student agenda. • Social Studies/Science/Health or writing may come home occasionally. Monday – Math and Reading Tuesday – Spelling Activity, Reading Wednesday – Spelling Activity, Math, Reading Thursday – Spelling Menu, Math, Reading

Behavior Expectations Students will take responsibility for their behavior and recognize that their actions have consequences. Students are able to earn various rewards for exemplary behavior, and consequences are given for those behaviors that detract from the learning environment. Positive rewards may include: • One reward is to earn team points. • Individuals may also Mesbergen’s Moo-la. • Firebird Pride Tickets • As a class, we will also be working toward a reward, which is earned by filling up a marble jar.

Behavior Management • In conjunction with our district-wide PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program which promotes a positive climate for our school • Emphasizes the importance of making good choices • Promotes positive behavior and encourages students to self-monitor their choices • Allows students to be acknowledged for positive behavior, and provides a sense of accomplishment for students who are able to “clip up” • Allows students who have “clipped down” an opportunity to “clip back up” during the day-they continue to stay motivated

Learning Expectations • GOAL: Students will take responsibility for their learning. • Student centered and student driven instruction geared toward facilitating independence, supported by teacher modeling • Expectations are clearly spelled out and consistently applied

Grading Standard • Grades are earned not given • A, B, C, D, F • Use of rubrics and percentages to determine grades • Grading standard on district report card: • A = Outstanding • B = Very Good • C = Satisfactory • D = Having Difficulty • F = Unsatisfactory • Expectations increase as the year progresses

Parent vue http://sw.kyrene.org/Page/1411 (Parent Vue Link) Please include your child in the process of checking grades and ask them first about questions you have

Parent Communication Open communication is encouraged—Students/Parents/Teachers work for success Agendas – please check these daily. Report cards, Parent/Teacher/Student conferences Please be sure to ask you child specific questions about the school day.

Arrivals • If dropping off at West Gate: children need to be inside the playground area by 7:40 so they are lined up/in the building by 7:45. • Seeing a lot of traffic back-up and tardy arrivals increase • Traffic begins backing up at 7:30ish

Dismissal Procedures • Students leave at second bell at 2:35 (except Wednesday) • Students are to head outside and not wait outside other classrooms • All car pick-up students are dismissed out of the back and will be waiting with duty teachers in the west parking lot • Kids Club students are dismissed out back • Bus riders and students being picked up by a parent on foot (even if you drove and parked) are dismissed out front.

Daily schedule 7:40 Students picked up from courtyard 7:45 Specials 8:35 Reading IFG 9:10 Reading (9:40-10:40 Math on Wed) 10:00 Snack Break 10:10 Language Arts (10:40-11:10 Wed) 10:55 Read Aloud 11:10-11:50 Lunch/Recess 11:55 Math IFG (11:55-12:25 Lang. Arts Wed) 12:25 Math 1:25 Recess/Restroom (M, T, TH) 1:45 Science/Social Studies/Health 2:20 Discuss Homework/Agenda/Clean-Up 2:35 Dismissal (12:35 on Wednesdays)

Signing up on List Serve • Sign up to receive e-mails to inform you about Cielo news. You can also choose to sign up for District news. • Go to Kyrene.org On the left side of the Home page click on Subscribe to Newsletter  Select all Newsletters and & Informational Updates to which you would like to subscribe Add your email and name and hit the subscribe button

Student directory The Cielo PTO is once again putting together a student directory through an online sign-up system. Click the student directory link above to go directly there OR you may go through the Cielo PTO website. We would like 100% participation in completing the process. There is a spot for you to opt out on the online form if you do not want your information published.

BUDDY BENCH • The Buddy Bench IS: • A very special place that reminds you to be your kindest selves. • A place to include people in your play and make new • friends. • A place to say "YES!" to friends who ask you to play. • The Buddy Bench is NOT: • A place to hang out and play with friends you already have • A place where you say "NO!" to a friend who invites you to play. • A place where being mean or hurtful is OK.

Art Masterpiece As last year the whole school is doing the same print at the same time. All the projects have been determined, but volunteers are welcome to change it up. Looking for volunteers to Prep things every month, as well as Volunteers to Present the print of the month. If a volunteer would rather ONLY do prep work, they would love your help!

The DISCOVERoom is open tonight!!! Come Check us out!!! A place where kids can PLAY & EXPLORE during lunch recess. ∗Earth & Space ∗Engineering/Invention ∗Electricity & Magnets ∗Life Science, Chemistry, Geology ∗Guest Presenters from ASU, SRP, & parents •Parent/Grandparent/Community Member Volunteers to help supervise students in the room during lunch recess (approx 11:15am -12:45pm) •Volunteers to help with administrative tasks before/after school or at home •Supplies: new/gently used science kits, legos, snap circuits, marble runs, science toys •Sign up to volunteer with your teacher tonight! Stop by and see us! •DID YOU KNOW? $for$ Tax Credit Donations to Cielo’s General Fund support the DR! What We Need:

Workroom Volunteers desperately needed. One volunteer opportunity that greatly benefits all teachers is the workroom volunteer. This help allows teachers to spend more time planning, because volunteers generously help with copying, laminating, binding, pencil sharpening, etc. Many of the dedicated volunteers have “graduated,” because their students have moved on to middle school, which leaves it very shorthanded at the moment. Training is given on the machines for those who need it, and then you can work as your schedule permits.

PTO video

Welcome to Fourth Grade with Mrs. Mesbergen !