Fourth Grade Update: August 28, 2015
 Back to School - Welcome back to another exciting year at Triangle Day School! I
hope that you enjoyed your summer vacation and are ready to help your children dive
into the academic year. I have planned many fun learning experiences for the class, and
I can’t wait to get started.
 Meet Ms. Tedeschi – This is my twenty-second year of teaching and my twenty-first at
Triangle Day School. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology from
Duke University and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from UNC-Greensboro.
I also hold certification in Elementary Education and Academically & Intellectually Gifted
(AIG) Education. I am a member of the Duke Chapel
Choir and the Women’s Voices Chorus, and I enjoy
travel, reading, crafts, and cooking. At school, I have
served on the Strategic Planning Committee, cochaired the book fair, and coordinated many literacy
events (author visits, Studentreasures, Battle of the
Books, etc.). This year brings a new adventure: the BIGG Ideas Club, especially for
fourth- and fifth-graders! Look for details in the coming weeks.
 All About Fourth Grade - Fourth grade is an important year of growth for students, as
they gain independence and stretch their academic skills. In addition to the core
curriculum, I will emphasize organization, study skills, and responsibility. This is also the
perfect year for students to learn to advocate for themselves. When problems arise,
please encourage your fourth grader to speak to me himself/herself. It will take plenty of
practice – and some behind-the-scenes work by us adults – but it will pay off in the end.
 Homework - Homework will be assigned nearly every night and should take between 40
and 50 minutes for the average student. This time includes the nightly reading
requirement. Weekend homework will usually be limited to reading, but occasionally
there will be other assignments to finish. As the year progresses, students will receive
more multi-day assignments to give them experience with balancing their time.
Homework will be recorded in student planners and on our class website. Students who
forget a homework assignment will be asked to write a note explaining the reason for
their missing work. Incomplete work will be finished either during the students’ free time
or at home, as appropriate to the assignment. After the first missing assignment of each
quarter, parents will be notified.
 Curriculum - The fourth-grade curriculum covers a wide variety of topics, which we will
discuss in more detail at the Lower School Parent Night. We will
begin the year with our Reading unit, “Risks & Consequences.” In
Science, we will study rocks and minerals. Our first Math unit
focuses on whole numbers up to 100,000, including place value,
addition, and subtraction. We will begin our study of North Carolina
with a unit on state geography. In addition to these major subject
areas, we will be working on types of sentences, punctuation, reading
There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom, and writing organized essays.
 Morning Break - Students will have a brief break in the morning, during which they may
eat a small, healthy snack (fruit, veggies, granola, cheese & crackers, etc.). Please
send drinks in resealable containers, so they do not spill.
 Water Bottles - Students are encouraged to bring water bottles to class, particularly
during warm weather. This keeps them comfortable and hydrated, but eliminates
frequent trips to the water fountain. Water bottles may be refilled before school or at
morning break, lunch, or recess. Added flavorings are fine during lunch, but I ask that
students stick to plain water in the classroom.
 Medication - All medicines must be turned in to the office with written instructions.
 Lunch – Weather permitting, we will eat our lunch in the courtyard with the third and fifth
grades. On rainy or snowy days, we will eat in our classrooms. Please remember that
student lunches should not require microwave use.
 P. E. Attire - Students should wear sneakers and comfortable clothing for P.E. on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. I would also encourage sneakers for recess time; it’s difficult
to play kickball in sandals!
 Help Sessions - On Monday afternoons, from 3:15 to 4:00 pm, I will
offer an open Help Session in our classroom. This is designed for
students who would like additional assistance completing
homework, reviewing classroom lessons, sharpening general skills,
or studying for tests. Attendance is voluntary, and there is no
charge. Students may attend as their schedules allow – no need to
sign up in advance.
 Birthdays – We love to celebrate birthdays here at TDS because
they give us another opportunity to show each student how much we care. However, in
an effort to encourage healthy living, we are moving away from the traditional cupcakes
and sweets we have shared in the past. On your child’s birthday, please do not send in
a snack or sweet treat. We will simply celebrate with songs, stickers, cards, and more
and have a wonderful time.
 Contacting Ms. Tedeschi - You will receive updates from me throughout the year, and I
hope that you will feel free to contact me. The easiest way to reach me is by email
(amie.tedeschi@triangledayschool.org).
 Important Dates:
8/31 (M) – 3:15 PM – Help Session
9/4 (F) – Spelling test
Wordly Wise test 1 (teacher-led, open book, not graded)
9/7 (M) – No School: Labor Day
9/9 (W) – 6:00 PM – Lower School Back to School Night
9/11 (F) – Spelling test
Scholastic book orders due
9/14 (M) – 3:15 PM – Help Session
9/16 (W) – Wordly Wise test 2 (open book)
9/18 (F) – Spelling test
Student Council elections
9/21 (M) – 3:15 PM – Help Session
9/23 (W) – No School: Yom Kippur
9/25 (F) – Spelling test
2:15 PM – School Assembly
9/28 (M) – 3:15 PM – Help Session
9/30 (W) – Wordly Wise test 3 (regular test, no book)