Fourth Grade Parent Teacher Communication Handbook
St. Demetrios Middle School
Dear Parents,
We would like to welcome you and your child to the fourth grade. Fourth grade is a
very important year. We hope that we can work together for a successful and productive
academic experience. There are a few important details that we feel should be covered this
evening to ensure that we have a successful year together.
I.
Curriculum
A. Reading
Books: Spotlight on Literacy Textbook and Practice workbook
We will be reading a new story every week from the
basal reader. Every week there will also be a new set of
vocabulary words studied that are related to the story.
Students will be given various in class assignments to
assess their understanding of the story.
B. Literature
The students will be given various literature books that will be read and discussed as a group. The
following are some of the literature books that they will be reading:
 Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
 Fourth Grade Rats by Jerry Spinelli
 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
 Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
 The Wish Giver by Bill Brittain
 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
C. Language Arts
Books: Language Arts textbook and workbook
Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are an important part to the school day. Your child will
be extending their reading skills using quality children’s literature as well as intergraded subject
matter. Opportunities will be provided for each student to work on building their reading
strategies, vocabulary, spelling, and use of grammar. Your children will use their skills in this
subject area to receive information, think logically and creatively, and express their ideas.
D. Writing
Books: Write Source Textbook, Writing Skills Workbook, and Handwriting book
Writing lessons will aim to engage students in various types of writing,
such as personal narratives, expository, persuasive, and descriptive. They
will have the opportunity to write about a topic they choose. Students
will also learn how to write cursive using the Handwriting book.
E. Mathematics
Books: Math Advantage textbook, Math Problem Solving workbook and Math On My Own
workbook
The fourth grade math program is “Math Advantage”. We will go over
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, numeration, money, rounding
(estimation), measurement, fractions, geometry, graphs, and probability. In
addition to this there will also be NYS test preparation to ensure that your
child is fully prepared for the Math State Exam.
F. Science
Books: Focus on Science textbook and workbook
Our science curriculum will cover Life science, Earth science, and Physical science. Our hands
on projects are a great way to prepare the students for Science (ESPET) exam in June.
G. Social Studies
Books: New York textbook and workbook
Your child will develop an understanding of the effect that geography has on the people, history,
and economy of New York State. Projects and exams will be announced in advanced.
H. Vocabulary/Spelling
Book: Vocabulary Workshop
Every week your child will work on learning twelve specific fourth grade level words. They will
understand the meaning of these words by practicing with synonyms, antonyms, using the words
in sentences, and examples. They will be expected to know how to spell the words correctly and
will be tested weekly.
II. State Exams
Book: New York State ELA and Mathematics workbooks
Throughout the year test preparation materials will be included in the curriculum. Along with these
workbooks, practice tests will be given to ensure success on all state exams. Please note the following test
dates:
ELA (English Language Arts) State Exam
Math State Exam
Science State Exam
May 4-6, 2010
May 11-13, 2010
June 6, 2010
(Dates are tentative)
III. Homework
Homework is an important step in building responsibility in children. In fourth grade, please expect
one hour of homework each night. It is assigned to provide reinforcement and to extend classroom
learning experiences. Homework will include reading, math, vocabulary, spelling, science, social
studies, writing, language arts, literature, and state exam review.
We expect all homework assignments to be handed in on time. Students are expected to complete
any missed homework. After three missed homeworks, there will be a phone call home to discuss the
issue.
If a student is absent, please contact the office so that the assignments are
collected and ready for you to pick them up. The assignments missed
should be turned in the following day.
Students will have the following assignments due every week on certain days:
 Monday
o Spelling homework three times each
o Test folders go home and all tests must be signed and returned the following day
 Friday
o Completed weekly reading log due
 Students are expected to read at least twenty minutes everyday. Developing a love of reading is very
important to a child’s educational future, and we view reading for pleasure as a priority. Parents are
required to initial reading log.
 Students are required to read twenty books by the end of fourth grade. Six of these books will be
read in class and upon completion a project will be assigned. Once the project is turned in, the
students will receive credit for that book. The fourteen other books are to be read at home.
When they finish each book they are to inform their teacher and complete a book summary for
credit. We are hoping that all students complete the required reading so that we are able to go on
a fun field trip at the end of the year.
IV. Classroom Procedures
A. Birthdays: Birthdays are special days! Your child may bring a treat to share with the class on
that day
B. Book Orders: We will be sending home book order forms for your children to purchase any
books that they would like to read. This is an opportunity for you to purchase quality children’s
books at reasonable prices. Please do not feel obligated to participate. If you would like to order
books, return the order form and check made out to the company by the due date.
C. Toys in School: We would like to ask your cooperation in discouraging students from bringing
toys to school. In our experience, toys inside or on top of the desks only make for distractions. In
addition, they can be broken or stolen in the classroom. Thank you for your cooperation!
D. Parent Communication: Communication between parents, students and teachers is essential
to your child’s education. If you need to get in contact with us, you can call the office and
schedule an appointment. Notes and letters are also greatly appreciated.
V. Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Listen to and follow directions the first time they are given.
Raise your hand to speak and wait to be called on.
Eyes and ears always on the speaker.
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
Use respectful words and action. No teasing or bad language is allowed
Students are expected to be prepared everyday.
*Students are given the chance to visit their lockers in the morning and afternoon. They will not be
permitted to go back any time in between. We highly recommend making a copy of your child’s locker
key and putting it on a keychain with their name on it for their teacher to hold in class. This will be an
emergency key only and will help to avoid being unprepared for class.
 Positive Recognition
To encourage students to follow the classroom rules, we will recognize appropriate behavior with
praise and weekly rewards.
 Consequences
First time = First Warning
Second time = Second Warning
Third time = Parents will be notified
Fourth time = Student will be sent to the principal’s office
SEVERE DISRUPTION = Student will be sent to the principal’s office.
*Detention will also be administered.
 Field Trips
Field trips are a highlight of the school year for most students and we will be going on certain
ones throughout the year that advocate the curriculum. These trips are a great hands-on learning
experience and are an excellent opportunity to show students that different academic subjects can
be studied simultaneously. Students also become aware that learning does not have to be an
isolated experience in the classroom.
VI. Ways Parents Can Help
o Check agenda nightly.
o Set an example by reading and writing on a regular basis.
o Encourage nutrition, rest, and exercise.
o Monitor and limit television viewing.
o Help schedule time, a place to work, and provide materials.
o Set high expectations for your child’s academic achievement.
We are certain that we will have a wonderful school year and are looking
forward to working with you and your child!