Welcome to Back to School
Night
Room B-6
Mrs. Jill Lawless
Back to School Night Agenda
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Introductions
Schedule
Classroom Rules
Birthdays
Field Trips
Common Core and Curriculum
Grading Scale
Homework
Parent Communication
Parent Volunteers
Introductions
• My name is Jill Lawless.
• Education:
– UC Davis (B.A.)
– Claremont Graduate
University (M.A.)
– CSU Sacramento
(Credential)
• Teaching experience:
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1st grade
4th grade
5th grade
7th grade
8th grade
Class Hours
• Class begins at
8:55 a.m.
•Recess at 10:4010:53
•Lunch at 12:301:10
• Class ends at
3:00 p.m.
Class Schedule
8:55 – 10:40 a.m.
10:40 – 10:53 a.m.
10:53 – 11:05 a.m.
11:05 - 12:30 a.m.
12:30 – 1:10 p.m.
1:15 – 2:20 p.m.
2:20 – 2:55 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Morning Work, Grammar, etc.
A.M. Recess
Snack
Language Arts Block
Lunch
Math Groups
Social Studies
Dismissal
Library= Tuesdays, 10:00 – 10:35 a.m.
Computer Lab= Wednesdays, 9:05 – 9:55 a.m.
Science= Thursdays, 10:10 – 11:25 and
Fridays, 9:15 - 10:00
P.E.= Fridays, 10:10 to 10:40 a.m.
Classroom Rules
• Model Positive Behavior
• Rewarding and recognizing
good behavior
• Behavior Reports (as
needed)
I stress:
-Showing Respect
-Making Good Decisions
-Solving Problems
Birthdays
• Birthdays:
-In 4th Grade we do not celebrate individual
birthdays. Instead we have an “Un-Birthday
Party” the second to last week of school and
celebrate ALL birthdays together!
Field Trips
• Coloma
– May 2, 3, & 4.
– The cost is $200 per student.
– Please visit www.cods.org for more
information.
• Sutter’s Fort (Spring)
• Others (TBD)
Common Core
• Goals
– Integration of subjects
– Emphasis on writing
(opinion/persuasive, explanatory, and
narrative)
– Real world application
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Collaboration
Creativity
Critical thinking
Communication
Curriculum
Reading: Combination of Core Literature Novels (i.e. Island of the
Blue Dolphins, and Sarah, Plain and Tall, etc.) and Open Court thematic units.
Writing: We will explore many styles throughout the year, but will begin by
practicing and refining paragraph writing. Eventually students will transition
to multi-paragraph narrative, informational, and opinion papers. There will
also be lessons on style, grammar, and conventions throughout the year.
Social Studies: California history is the focus for Social Studies in 4th
grade. We start by studying the geography of our state, focusing on the 4
main regions of CA. After every 2 lessons in each unit, students will take a
quiz to assess their learning. In addition, after the completion of each unit,
students will take a unit test. Study guides and vocabulary cards will be
provided to help with review of information before the test.
Curriculum Contd.
Math: In 4th grade, students will be placed in leveled math groups. 4th grade
teachers collaborate with 3rd grade teachers and complete an assessment of
each student in order to place them appropriately in one of the 3 math
groups. All groups cover the math standards for 4th grade with pacing based
on the needs of the group. These groups are flexible and a student may move
to a different group based on space available and testing/success in his or her
current group.
Science: Students attend science class with Mrs. Maloney two days a week.
Our days are Thursday and Friday.
Homework Policy
Students will be given homework nightly, MondayThursday. Homework is due the following day unless
otherwise noted, and is most often a continuation of
classwork.
Study Hall is offered at lunch for students who do not
complete assignments that are due. A pattern of late
assignments will have a negative impact on a student's
grades.
Students will receive one homework pass per trimester.
If a student is absent, they will be allowed one extra day
for each day absent to complete their work.
•Homework (includes but is not limited to):
•Read 20 mins. every night
•Spelling (every other week)
•Math
•Reports and other assignments related to the
curriculum
•Unfinished work
Grading
Grading Scale
My grading policy is based on the following
tables:
A = 90% - 100%
4 - advanced
B = 80% - 89%
3 – proficient
C = 70% - 79%
2 – progressing
D = 60% - 69%
1 – below
F = 0 – 59%
Communication
• Weekly Newsletters – via email
(also available on the class website)
• Phone Calls: 916-933-0652
• Email:jlawless@rescueusd.org
• Website:
http://www.lakeforestlakers.com/subsites/Lawless/
Parent Volunteers
• Opportunities:
-Room Parent
-Fall Festival Class Booth
-Arts Attack
-Class Yearbook Page
-Class Raffle Basket
-Fitness Testing
-Pioneer Day
Thank you for coming!