Varennes Academy of Communications and Technology
1820 South Highway 29
Anderson, South Carolina 29626
Mrs. Jennifer Bufford, Principal
Mr. Brian Williams, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Kimberly Montgomery, Instructional Facilitator/Coach
School Office: 864.260.5215
VACT Fourth Grade News and Tips
Volume 1 Issue 8
October 10, 2014
E-mail your child’s homeroom teacher @anderson5.net
Updates and Info from the Fourth Grade Leaders:
Schoolwide Mission Statement:
We have almost completed the first nine weeks of
the 2014-2015 school year. Be reminded that we
appreciate your partnership as your student-scholar works
toward exceeding state and district requirements,
especially in Math and Literacy.
Varennes Academy of Communications and Technology provides a
safe, nurturing, and diverse environment where students are
challenged and empowered to use communications and technology
to reach their greatest potential.
Upcoming school-related events include:
October  14
- Fall Pictures (for the school yearbook)
 16
- PTSO Performance/”Write” Night
 21
- End of 1st 9 Weeks
 24
- Fall Festival (5:00 – 6:30 p.m.)
 27-30 - Red Ribbon Week(Details soon.)
 28
- Report Cards Go Home
 30
- Awards Day (Time TBA. Contact the
VACT office at 864.260.5215)
 31
- Student Holiday
Professionally,
~ Fourth Grade Teachers (S. Brock, S. Brown, G.
Cottingham, C. Davis, D. Hanks, Y. Kelly)
Current Academic Notes
Reading: Character, inference and prediction.
Word: Study vocabulary words and context clues.
Writing: “Boxes and Bullets” (Main idea and
supporting details)… Remember to tell about the
“big idea” then telling small moments and repeating
this process.
Math: Continue to practice solving multi-step word
problems with whole numbers using the four
operations. Spiral assessments may include
reasoning for: array, factor, product, base ten,
rounding, place value, multiplication, division,
reasonableness, and problems solving. Drill daily.
Science: Beginning a unit about “Light.” Key terms:
opaque, transparent, translucent. Ask your child:
“Why are things different colors?” Keep old notes
about Weather for review later on.
Social Studies: Study notes from two units already
studied: “Native Americans” and “Explorers.”
* Please keep materials from previous units of study for review.
Schoolwide Pledge
I pledge to be respectful, responsible, and be ready to learn today.
I will make VACT a great place to be.
Upcoming Assessments


Spelling tests every week.
Math tests spiral and are weekly.
Pop quizzes are unannounced check-ups. Encourage
your child to stay updated about skills from lessons.
Pizza Hut and Reading Incentives
The Pizza Hut Book-It program is its reading
incentive program for student-scholars in grades K
through 6. Student-scholars may earn a one-topping
personal pan pizza just for reading. Check with your
students-scholar or the teacher for details.
Act 155 – Get Your High School Diploma
You may still be able to earn a diploma. Contact
Sherry Martin, Director of Anderson 5 Student
Administrative Service, at (864)260-5000, Extension
101. The deadline to petition is December 31, 2014.
About You
What is your favorite type of type of math?
Self-Preparation Tips
Stamp out exceptions or excuses so you achieve
your learning goal. Believe in yourself. Be inspired reach beyond expectations.
Best times to schedule a conference:
 1:35-2:20 p.m. (M, Th, F) or 2:30-2:40 (F)
 2:30-2:55 p.m. (M, W, Th)
Webpage on VACT Site
See more information on your child’s homeroom
teacher’s webpage. Go to the VACT site under “Faculty.”
Practice makes progress! So, do some home studies
, A.K.A. “homework,” every day.
“Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
(Return this part to your child’s homeroom teacher.) I have read and understand the Fourth Grade Scholars newsletter Volume 1.8 .
Parent/Caregiver of ______________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Caregiver’s Signature: ____________________________________________ Date:
________________