Back to School
Night
th
4
Grade
Robyn Hunt
Anna Sampson
Sarah Anderson
Katie Hoehn
Rakell Adams
Jessica Mazzoni
Contact Information:
Robyn Hunt: rhunt@aak8.org
Anna Sampson: asampson@aak8.org
Sarah Anderson: sanderson@aak8.org
Katie Hoehn: khoehn@aak8.org
Rakell Adams: radams@aak8.org
Jessica Mazzoni: jmazzoni@aak8.org
th
4
Grade
Curriculum
Overview
Math
We use the Saxon Math curriculum at American Academy.
This program is a “spiral” program. This means, instead of a
concept being taught just once, students practice a concept
many times at varying intervals throughout the year. This
gives the student the time and practice needed to master a
math concept. Students are tested as new mathematical
terms are introduced in the lessons.
Grading:
Lesson Practice (homework)– 20%
Assessments- 80% (power-ups & vocabulary weight of 1, cumulative
tests are a weight of 2, final exam is a weight of 4)
Reading
Spalding Method: The Spalding Method is a phonics based program
that integrates reading, writing, and spelling. Most of our instruction
this year will focus on the spelling part of the program. At the
beginning of the year, we assessed where each class was on the Spalding
spelling list to determine which words to use for instruction. The
Reading teachers will teach the students the spelling rules and sounds of
the words before they are tested on the words. Since instruction on the
words begins at least a week before the words are tested, we will not have
a spelling test for a few weeks. The Spalding Method can be seen across
all content areas for vocabulary, spelling, grammar, writing and reading.
By utilizing the Spalding Method across content areas we can integrate
the writing, spelling, and vocabulary methods throughout each lesson
taught.
Core Knowledge novels: Students will be reading a variety of novels
including Robin Hood, King Arthur, Legend of Sleepy Hollow,
Gulliver’s Travels, Robinson Crusoe, and Treasure Island. As the
students read these novels, they will also learn new vocabulary and
extend their use of comprehension strategies. These novels will be
read aloud with homeroom teachers.
Additional novels: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
What you can do at home to help
improve your child’s reading skills:
– Read to and with your child at home as much as possible.
– Do some “copy cat” reading. Read a sentence aloud, with
expression, and have your child repeat the sentence,
copying your expression.
– As you are reading together, stop frequently to check for
understanding of the main idea and vocabulary.
– At the beginning of each reading time, ask your child to
summarize or retell what was read the previous reading
time. Then, have your child make predictions about what
is going to happen next in the story.
– Ask your child to describe the characters of the story.
– Check to see if your child can make a personal
connection with the story--Ask your child if what you
are reading reminded them of something that they have
experienced or read in another book.
Grammar
Hake Grammar: Hake Grammar was developed by the creators of Saxon Math.
Just like Saxon, Hake Grammar builds on concepts taught throughout the
year. The students will work on the review sets in class and be assigned every
5th lesson as homework. Students will write 3 journal entries per week through
the One Note system or on paper (technology pending). This is a systematic,
research based program that has been proven effective in teaching students the
skills needed in grammar. Students learn to identify all parts of speech,
different patterns of sentences, direct objects and indirect objects, possessive
nouns and so much more. The students also learn how to incorporate their
knowledge of grammar in their reading and writing skills.
Writing
With the Step Up to Writing curriculum and the 6 Trait writing
expectations, students learn and practice the following
writing skills and many more:
 Note-taking (all classes)
 Summaries (reading and writing class)
 Responding to the text (reading and writing class)
 3 & 5 paragraph narratives with the use of dialogue
 Expository writing
 Topic sentences
 Persuasive essays
 Descriptive 5 paragraph research paper
Literacy Grading
• Literacy = 40% (Assessments weighted double)
• Spelling/Vocabulary = 20% (Assessments weighted double)
• Writing/Grammar = 40% (Assessments weighted double)
History and
Geography
We use the Core Knowledge curriculum for history and geography. The
following subjects are covered in 4th grade:
Chinese Dynasties
 Map Skills
American Revolution
 Major Mountains and Mountain Ranges
Constitution
 Middle Ages in Europe
Reformers
 Islam
Presidents
 Early and Medieval African Kingdoms
Grading:
Classwork (copybook)/Homework: 40%
Tests: 60%
Science
We use the Foss Science curriculum, Core Knowledge Science, as well as
American Academy’s STEM program in Science. The following subjects are
covered in 4th grade:
STEM Units
Environments
Sun, Moon, and Planets
Energy and Electromagnetism
Robotics:
November 2- November 20
Volcano Alert:
January 25- February 12
 Foss Online
NextGen Standards will be covered and met throughout the teaching of the
curriculum. When needed supplemental lessons will be added to the FOSS units to
cover all standards.
 Field Trips!!
These will come with our STEM Units
Grading:
Classwork: 40%
Tests: 60%
Outdoor Ed
• In 4th grade we like to take the opportunity to learn
outside of the classroom.
• Students will have the opportunity to participate in
Outdoor Ed from April 20th-April 22nd.
• We will hold an informational meeting in October.
Discipline Policy
Overview
Policies and
Procedures
In our school we strive to be students of character. We use
the American Academy Manners 10 and the teaching of the
core virtues to accomplish this goal. Parents are strongly
encouraged to reinforce these character-based rules at
home. Our goal with discipline is to promote a classroom
atmosphere that is conducive to learning and where students
are respectful.
The following plan is designed to further that goal.
Discipline Plan
 If you choose to break a rule:






Verbal warning
Name on board
Next redirection- check mark with name
Next redirection- another check mark
All teachers will keep track together
Name & 2 check marks= red slip sent home &
missed recess
 If a behavior sheet is not returned, with parent
signature, the following morning, you will lose
an additional recess
 Rewards:
 Praise (given daily)
 Movie and popcorn/Elk Ridge park party for
class (trimester)
 The gratification of learning (each day)
Planners
• Planners are an important tool to help students
plan their work, become responsible for doing it,
and a form of communication between the teacher
and parent. Throughout the day, students should
be filling out their planners, recording assignments
and due dates. Planners should be taken home
each day and brought back the next day. .
• Planners are a fantastic way to remind your child
what their plan is for after school. Carpool,
homework club, walker, bus, EA, etc……
• Planners will NOT be checked by teachers.
What if I don’t complete an
assignment on time?
- Pick up a “Missing Assignment
Missing Assignment Notice
Log” sheet
A deduction of 10% of the awarded points will be deducted for one day late, a deduction of 50% of the awarded
- Fill-in your name, class,
points will be deducted for two days late, & a zero will be awarded to assignments turned in three or more days late.
assignment, due date, and excuse Name: __________________________________
Class: _______________
- Make a copy of the completed
Assignment: _____________________________
Due Date: ___________
form at the student copier in the
Excuse:____________________________________________________________
hall
___________________________________________________________________
- Have the teacher that assigned
___________________________________________________________________
the assignment sign both copies & ___________________________________________________________________
the teacher will keep the original ___________________________________________________________________
Turn In By ____________________ for 10% Deduction
- When you have completed the
assignment, fill-in the date, staple Turn In By ____________________ for 50% Deduction
your copy of the sheet to the
Teacher Signature: ____________________________ Date: _______________
assignment and turn-in the
Parent Signature: _____________________________ Date: _______________
assignment
- One of your parents MUST sign
the form before turning in with the
completed assignment
What if I miss a test?
• Look for a blue missing test sheet
• Ask the teacher who assigned the test when
an appropriate time to take the test would be
• Recess? Study hall? Homework time?
• YOU ARE
You missed a test while you were absent!
RESPONSIBLEIt is your responsibility to find an appropriate time to get the test you
made-up. Appropriate times would include study hall, recess, or
FOR GETTING missed
class work time.
THE TEST
Name: ______________________________ Date of Test: __________
Class: ____________________Test:____________________________
MADE UP!
Test needs to be completed on (circle one):
Quia Test Name______________________________
Quia Test Password___________________________
Paper
Quia
Homework, projects, and
grading:
Homework:
Here is some of the consistent homework you will have:
• Math--most nights students will be assigned a problem set as an extension of
the lesson they learned that day. Students are given time to start their
homework in class. On the weekends students will only have odds, evens, or no
homework.
• Grammar – every 5th lesson will be assigned as a homework assignment.
Students will have class time to begin the assignment, but will be expected to
complete any unfinished work at home.
• Work not completed in class will be assigned for homework.
• Tests will be given in Science and Social Studies that require students to study
and review their notes a little every day. In order to be successful, students
should not “cram” the night before the test. The team communicates when tests
are scheduled to ensure that the students are not given additional work that
would impede their ability to study for that test.
• Occasionally other projects will be assigned in subjects such as Social Studies and
Science.
•
Be on the lookout for occasional Survey Monkeys to be included in our weekly
newsletter to obtain your personal feedback on the 4th grade homework load.
Late Work & Grading Scale
Late work:
• -10% late for one day, -50% late for 2 days,
after two days no credit is given
Grading Scale:
• Per the Parent/Student Handbook, the
following grading scale will be used:
• A+ = 100 – 99, A = 98 – 94, A- = 93 – 92,
B+ = 91 – 90, B = 89 – 84, B- = 83 – 82, C+ =
81 – 80, C = 79 – 74, C- = 73 – 72, D+ = 71 –
70, D = 69 – 65, F = Below 65
Absent Work:
• If your family has a planned trip or event
that will take your student out of a regular
school day all work will be given upon return
and will be due per the absence policies in the
parent handbook.
• Students will not be given work ahead of
time for a planned absence. Upcoming work
for the week can be found on Infinite
Campus. Some items may be added
throughout the week and assignments are
subject to change.
Downloadable Text Books:
The following text books are available through your
child’s ThinkLink account:
• Saxon Math
• Core Knowledge History Book
The following text books are accessible through
links on the 4th grade webpage or teacher page:
• Hake Grammar
• FOSS Science
Student Responsibilities
o Students will learn to advocate for themselves and take
responsibility for their learning
o Check Infinite Campus under assignments- homework is not posted on the
website
o Ask their teachers for assignments when they are absent
o Ask their teachers for clarification on their grades if they are confused
o Email their teachers if they have questions
Parents are welcome to communicate with teachers as well, however
we expect that students are the first point of contact. This allows
students to take responsibility for their learning and also helps to
build their self-confidence and self-advocating skills. These skills are
essential to becoming a successful student.
Our Support Staff
• Instructional assistants are with the students
at lunch and recess.
– Students are expected to treat the IA’s and
additional staff with the same respect they would
their teachers.
– Students are asked to be kind, polite, and
attentive during recess and lunch.
– Our IA’s and support staff can track discipline
through our Google doc and communicate with
the teacher’s in regard to any discipline issues.
Lunch Options
• A fantastic lunch option for your child is to sign up
for a Bring Your Teacher Lunch day. The lunches are
held on Thursday’s during the regular lunch period
and the students are allowed to bring 3 friends to
their lunch bunch. The sign up for lunch bunch is on
the 4th grade homepage.
• If you are wanting to eat lunch with your child in the
lunch room we request that you and your child plus
no more than 2 friends sit at a table separate from
the other students.
Our
th
4
Grade Motto
• Say each morning after pledge
In fourth grade, I will…
Find the courage to be who I really am.
Open up to challenges so that I can grow.
Care and be kind, for everyone I meet is
fighting a hard battle.
Understand that dreams only work when I do.
How can I help my
grader?
th
4
Check Parent Portal
 Remember to check parent portal often for missing assignments and current grades.
 Please make sure your email address is updated in Parent Portal to ensure that you are
receiving relevant emails
 Homework and assignments will be posted in IC under assignments. We no longer use
the website to post homework
 If you have questions about Parent Portal please visit the AA homepage under
Resources—Portal Information or email portal@americanacademyk8.org
 Set up a homework space at home……
 Send your child to school everyday with a full water bottle. Research shows that water is
a natural mood stabilizer. This will enhance your students ability to learn.
 We do ask that all water bottles have a pop up straw and are spill proof, so students are
able to leave them on their desks.
Infinite Campus App
 Do you have a smartphone, iPad, or tablet?
 If so, we have an app for you!
 Infinite Campus is now more accessible than ever.
 Download the Infinite Campus App from the App Store or Google Play
 Enter QKKYJL in the district code line
 Then enter your Infinite Campus username and password
 You now have instant access to your students planner, assignments,,
attendance, grades, and schedule.
Thanks for coming!
We are looking forward to partnering with you to
make this a great year for everyone! Please do not
hesitate to contact us with any questions that you
might have.