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
School Office: 864.260.5215
VACT Fourth Grade News and Tips
Volume 3 Issue 2
January 30, 2015
Updates and Info from the Fourth Grade Leaders:
First semester benchmark tests have ended. Check
with your child to set up focus for home studies in
preparation for additional cumulative assessments.
Expect such assessments from now through April’s ACT
Aspire tests. Fourth graders will also take the SC PASS
tests for Science and Social Studies this year. As aforementioned, students should use notes, quizzes, and
tests from August 2014 through current units to review
as part of the school and home studies.
Again, please keep all materials for use as study
guides to prepare for South Carolina’s ACT Aspire and
PASS tests to be given in April 2015.
Upcoming school-related events include:
February
4
13
16
17
26
27
E-mail your child’s homeroom teacher @anderson5.net
Schoolwide Mission Statement:
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.
Schoolwide Pledge
I pledge to be respectful, responsible, and be ready to learn today.
I will make VACT a great place to be.
Half Day- 11:00 Dismissal for Students
Valentine's Dance (Flyer sent home.)
Professional Development Day/
Student Holiday
3rd 9 Weeks’s Interim Reports
Magnet Technology Night… 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Terrific Kids
Professionally,
~ Fourth Grade Teachers (S. Brock, S. Brown, G.
Cottingham, C. Davis, D. Hanks, Y. Kelly)
Avoid Test Anxiety
Review year’s notes for each
academic area in intervals.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Current Academic Notes
Important Reminders: The ACT Aspire tests are statemandated timed assessments given for the first time this
spring. Please time your child while a 30-minute
expository writing in completed. For Math proficiency, your
child should solve 33 Common Core-type problems in 50
minutes or less. Allow at least 4-5 minutes to proofcheck
their responses for accuracy prior to the end of the time
period. Target: quick, accurate responses.
Spelling – Enrich vocabulary; use of context clues.
Math – Multiplying and comparing fractions with different
numerators and denominators; word problems; algebraic
expressions. Look ahead: measurement and geometry.
Note: Weekly spiral test. Daily practice is required.
Shared Reading – Inferring Science with nonfiction.
Writing – Literary Essay; 30 minute Cold Write;
Expository essay (details and evidence), a weekly practice
for the “ACT Aspire, our state Writing test.
Social Studies – Looking ahead: Westward Expansion.
Review information from previously studied units.
Science – “Sky Patterns” (Solar system), scientific
method; constructed response; reading charts, diagrams,
and inquiry investigations. Study for quiz; test soon after.
… Our Field Trip
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
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What: A Social Studies-related play,
Freedom Train
Where: Furman University in Greenville, SC
When: February 11, 2015
Cost: $20 per student due by February 2,
2015 (Thank you for your support!)
 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)
 Access to Teacher’s Webpage:
Go to the VACT site. Look under “Faculty” heading.
Click on the teacher’s name to access the webpage.
(Return this part to your child’s homeroom teacher.) I have read and understand the Fourth Grade Scholars newsletter Volume 3.2.
Parent/Caregiver of (Student) _______________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Caregiver’s Signature: ____________________________________________ Date:
_________________