Welcome
• As you are waiting…
– Please write down the best way to contact you
throughout the week (e-mail or phone).
– Please feel free to look around the room or
through the packet.
– Then just get comfortable!
Welcome to our 4th
Grade Class!
Mr. Matt Brooks
A little bit about
myself…
– Teaching in the district for 17 years.
– Married with 3 children, all girls, ages
13, 11, and 9.
– Graduated from NIU.
– Avid mountain biker.
Personalized Learning
Environment
• There will be personalized learning
environments for reading this year!
• What does that mean?
– Students will be working with multiple
teachers – Mrs. Rivera, Mr. Brooks, Mr.
Bremer, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Mahoney
– Flexible groupings based on MAP test
scores, observations in class, and
students’ needs.
Personalized Learning
Environment
• Why multiple teachers?
– Better student to teacher ratio
– Easier for teachers to meet variety of
each student’s needs.
• Why multiple grade levels?
– Reading groups not based on grade level
but vocabulary, literature, and
informational text skills.
Achieve
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Nonfiction high interest reading.
Based on student’s reading ability.
Able to track growth.
Web-based program.
Used at school, but student has
option to use at home (reading
record).
Reading
• Students’ Reading grade will include their
AR test average for the grading period as
an in-class grade.
• Each Thursday I will hand out a weekly
Reading log. Students need to read for at
least 20 minutes a night for four nights.
Obviously they may read more. This does
not have to be an AR book.
Language
• The Language grade will consist of
grammar, spelling, punctuation, dictionary
skills, and writing.
• Writing – We will be writing personal
narratives, informational reports,
persuasive essays, etc.
• Correct letter formation counts on spelling
tests, including dotting i’s and crossing t’s.
Language
• Words Their Way-Students will get spelling
words on Monday. There were also be a final test
on the words on the following Friday. Spelling
contracts will be handed out on the second
Monday and due on Friday. Hopefully, this helps
with responsibility.
• Students will be grouped based upon the initial
spelling assessment we completed at the beginning
of the year.
• Every other week your child will be given a new
spelling list with 20 words.
Science
• Students will be using an inquiry based approach
in science. Units of study are: Magnetism and
Electricity, Earth Materials, and Structures of
Life
• We will read the material in class.
• Reading content and vocabulary is harder.
• Tests will be based on what we do in class, the
readings, and the vocabulary.
• Science and Social Studies units will alternate.
Social Studies
• We use the Social Studies Alive
series. The units we will be studying
are:
• Social Sciences
• Regions of the U.S.A.
Social Studies
• Daily Geography will be assigned on Monday and
due on Friday.
• We will do daily geography every week during
Social Studies units.
• This practices map, atlas, and globe skills.
Math
• Practice facts at home with flashcards.
• This year we will be using XtraMath to
practice math facts.
• Topics of Study: Geometry, Multiplication
& Division, Decimals, Estimation, Angle
Measurement, Fractions, Perimeter &
Area, Percents, Weight/Volume/Capacity,
& Symmetry, Time...
Math
• There is a math reference book that
students have if they need help. They may
take it home. Also, this year the
reference book is online!
• Each student has an Everyday Math
account. This is a great places to get
extra help and play math games.
Classroom Info
Homework
• Students will be given a grade based on completed
homework assignments, in class work, tests/quizzes,
reading record due Thursday...
• If they do not turn in their work, or it is incomplete, an
incomplete work slip will be sent home. It needs to be
signed and brought back the next day.
• During the incomplete work session, your child will
complete the assignment. Once it is complete, their
grade may be raised to no higher than an 80%.
Homework
• Each student will receive one homework
“SLIDE” per grading period. This can be used
if an assignment is left at home, incomplete,
lost, eaten by the dog.......... Only one slide will
be given each grading period.
• “Slides” are only valid for the current grading
period.
Homework
• If your child needs extra help with anything
we are doing in school they can always stay
after school for an extra help session. These
run from 2:30-3:00. In order for them to
stay they need to fill out an extra help slip
and have it signed by you before they will be
allowed to stay. This way there is an official
copy in the office.
Homework
• Reading Log – Due every Thursday
• Spelling Contracts
• Daily Geography
• Any work not finished in school (Math,
Language, Reading)
Grading
• Grades:
• 50% Tests/Quizzes/Projects/Essays
• 30% Classwork
• 20% Homework
• We are using “Power School” for calculating
grades. You can go online and check grades
anytime.
• Progress reports will not be sent home.
Please view them online.
Grading (cont.)
Most assignments will be sent
home in the students take home
folder. Please check it often.
Also, send any papers back to
school in this folder.
Assignment
Notebook
• Students should be writing all assignments in
their assignment notebook.
• Everyday I will allow class time to write
assignments down as I write them on the board.
• Please check that they are writing their
assignments in their notebook everyday.
• The assignment notebook is a great way to send
me a quick note if the need arises.
District
Website
• Our school district website is
www.whsd1.org
• I have a page on the district website. I
post homework daily, and have links to
useful websites and materials.
• Check out the calendar and educational
resources on the website.
Binder System
• Used to keep track of weekly behavior.
• 1st signature = warning (loss of 1 ticket)
• 2nd signature = stand for 5 minutes for recess
• 3rd signature = stand for whole recess
• 4th signature = stand for recess/ phone call home
• 5th signature = detention
Book Orders
• I will hand out a Scholastic book order
most months. Occasionally we will have
multiple orders. (Order online and order
from any catalogue) Online Code: DQDFK
• Checks – Make payable to the Scholastic
Book Club.
• Cash- Please send exact amount.
Contact Info.
• You may contact me via school phone at 847/8725438. You can also email me at: mbrooks@whsd1.org
• If there is a serious problem please call.
• REMIND: Please sign up to use “remind”. I will
send out texts for important reminders.
• Text: 81010 and put @mrbrooks2 in the message
to sign up.
Conferences
• Tuesday November
th
10 from 12:00-8:00
Snacks
• We will have a snack time each day around 9:30.
• Please make the snacks HEALTHY!!
• Our district’s wellness policy states that food
students bring in needs to be healthy and includes
classroom holiday parties. We are also asking
that treats and drinks do not come in for
birthdays.
Helpers/Party
Sign-up
• Please sign-up to bring (Healthy) treats
for a party if you can. I will be in touch
with you to confirm. Thank you! 
• Each child needs to bring in $5.00 to
help cover the cost of our parties,
crafts, and classroom supplies.
Helpers/Party
Sign-up
• Every parent that comes helps in the
classroom needs to fill out a volunteer
information form and waiver of liability
BEFORE they can be in the classroom.
Where to now?
• When we are finished you can go to the
gym to sign up for PTO.
• Student council is selling leftover spirit
wear for $5 each.
THANK YOU !!!