Curriculum Night

Curriculum Night Welcome to Ms. Cauble’s Fourth Grade Class Mason Elementary School 2013-2014

Graduate and Professional Experience • Graduated from Georgia Southern University with my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education in 1993. • Earned my Masters from Brenau University (1999) and my Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University (2002). • I graduated from South Gwinnett High School in Snellville. (I too was a Gwinnett student.) • Started teaching in 1993 at Gwin Oaks Elementary School. • Transferred to Mason in 1997 when it opened. • Moved to Indiana for the 2006-2007 school year and worked for Carmel Clay Schools. • Came back to Mason to begin 2007 school year. • Experience teaching 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades. • Earned my gifted certification in 2011.

Ms. Cauble • I grew up in Snellville, Georgia. • I have one sister. She is married and has three boys. She lives in Indiana. • My parents are originally from Indiana and moved back in 2005 to be closer to the grandkids. • I love to spend time with my family and especially my three nephews. • I have one cat. • I love to read. • I love to go to the movies.

Curriculum Overview Gwinnet's County Public School's curriculum for grades K-12 is called the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS). The AKS for each grade level spell out the essential skills students are expected to master in that particular grade level. Parents need to sign slip in the AKS parent brochure and top parts of page 23 in handbook.

Language arts In language arts we concentrate on improving the students reading and writing skills through the workshop model. Vocabulary, story questions, elements of a story, and story comprehension are the main skills we focus on in reading. We will read a variety of texts including fiction and nonfiction. Also, we study grammar units and work through the writing process to help students improve their writing.

Math Topics · Identify place value · Round whole numbers to the nearest ten, hundred, and thousand · Round decimals to the nearest whole number · Read and analyze data in graphs · Basic multiplication and division facts 0-12 · Add and subtract including regrouping · Fractions—Read, write, order, compare, add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers interchangeably · Decimals—read, write, order, and compare values; multiply, divide · Use estimation in problem solving · Use variables (such as x) in algebraic expressions · Identify the order of operations · Identify appropriate units of weight and convert between the same system of measurement We will be using the workshop model as we teach math. Timed Tests/5 minutes: (multiplication, division)

Spelling/Word Study The goal of spelling/word study is to teach our students strategies to become better spellers in writing. Students should be able to read and spell words with patterns (appropriate prefixes and suffixes) and common high frequency words. We will be assessing spelling along with written tasks. We will also be checking to see that students can write neatly in cursive.

Science Topics • Life Science • Ecosystems • Animal adaptations • Earth Science • The Water Cycle • Solar System (planets, stars, moon) • What causes seasons on Earth? • Physical Science • Simple Machines • Force • Light and Sound • Scientific Process Georgia

Social Studies Topics • Native Americans • Exploration • Colonial America • American Revolution • American Government • Westward Expansion • Women’s Rights • Personal Finance/Economics • Geography/Landforms and Map skills

Grading Grades should reflect learning, should be used as a communication tool, and should be fair and consistent. They should reflect the rigor of teaching and learning. A variety of assignments will be given each nine weeks. There will be daily grades and test grades and in some subjects there will be projects. Grades are not taken lightly by the teachers and should not be taken lightly by the students. Learning how to study and prepare for tests is a skill that is emphasized in the fourth grade. There is a connection between effort and grades. All effort produces results. Knowing the amount of effort required to be successful is different for each of us. We want good effort to reflect in good grades.

Promotional Requirementsfor 4th Grade-CRCT All 4th graders take the CRCT, a state-required test that measures student achievement compared to state standards. 4th grade CRCT: Gwinnett 4th graders will take the state’s CRCT April 23–25 and April 28–29, 2014. Each of the subtests is given on a different day. 4th grade Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT): Gwinnett’s 4th grade students must score in the “Level 2— Meets Standards” range or higher on the reading, English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies subtests.

What if a student does not pass the tests required for promotion to 5th grade? In May, the school will notify parents if their child did not pass the required tests. For Gwinnett 4th graders who do not meet grade-level expectations on the CRCT subtests, extra help is available to prepare them for the retest that is given at the end of Summer School. A student who has not passed after the retest will be a 5th grade transition student . The student will receive extra help the next year through a transition program. The goal of the transition program is to help the student catch up academically with his or her classmates.

Classroom Expectations Your child is expected to finish daily class assignments at school. Staying on task and completing assignments are imperative for mastery of skills and objectives in 4th grade. Your child will be placed in study hall if classroom or homework assignments are not completed within the allotted time. Classroom assignments not completed by the end of the school day will be sent home for homework.

Homework expectations • The main goal for homework is to reinforce skills taught in the classroom. Homework gives each student the chance to practice and improve on specific skills. • Homework should take about 40 minutes per night. • Provide a quiet place for your child to work. • It works best if you set a routine as to when homework is expected to get done. • Look for study guides and study a little each night. This is much better than waiting until the night before the test. • Practice makes perfect. • There are many additional resources on the Student Portal that will reinforce and complement what we are learning. • Students will write homework in agenda, but the website is another resource for parents if needed.

Behavior Expectations • We follow the Mason School Rules and also our class Mission Statement. • All 4th graders are expected to show respect toward persons and property at all times. • Their Choice Cards will allow ANY teacher or administrator to record conduct changes and comment on positive and negative behaviors. • Follow all teacher and adult directions the first time. For example: classroom, specials, and lunchroom • Stay on task during instructional time. • No running, eating or playing in the hallways or bathrooms. • Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

Mason School Rules • 1. I will be prepared for all of my learning activities. • 2. I will follow directions given by the adult in charge the first time. • 3. I will respect myself, others, and my environment • 4. I will show self control by not hurting myself or others. • 5. I will stay on task and do my best.

Parent Involvement • Read Together each night and sign the Reading Log on a nightly basis • Check Homework each night • Review Agenda Book • Review Graded Work that is sent home in the Friday Folder • Review Choice Card Comments for the week and discuss those comments with your child • Early Release Conferences: September 25-26, February 26-27. • Utilize the Student/Parent Portal. Most of the books are online. Many great resources.

General School Procedures • Attendance: Students must have a written note every time the student is absent (mandated by state law) or will be marked as an unexcused absence • Changes in phone numbers, addresses, medical information should be given to the teacher who will notify the front office and nurse • Medication must be brought to the clinic in the original prescription container by an adult – DO NOT send medication with a child • Transportation Changes – must be made in writing not via email. If it is a late change, please call the school. • Lunch – prepay on line or sent to school. Breakfast -$1.50; Lunch - $2.25 Ice Cream - $1; Parents will be notified in Friday Folders when there is an outstanding balance on the child’s account. No Fast Food allowed in the cafeteria – a state law.

General School Procedures • Sign-in/Check Out – Students may not be dropped off before 7:45. Students that arrive after 8:15 must be signed in by a parent. Car rider line closes at 8:10. Dismissal begins at 2:40 and students may not be checked out after 2:00 • No one can pick up a child unless that person is listed in SASI or without written permission • For safety of all children, all visitors must sign in at the computer and obtain a visitor’s badge • All transportation changes need to be sent to school by a note, not email.

Questions, Concerns, Comments relating to 4th grade Curriculum Mason Elementary

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Curriculum Night