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 2 Issue 5
December 12, 2014
Updates and Info from the Fourth Grade Leaders:
We are ending the 2014 part of this school year on
December 19th. Our 2015 year begins on January 5th.
Be reminded that first semester benchmark tests
are scheduled as follows: Math on January 21st,
Reading on January 22nd, Science on January 28th, and
Social Studies on January 29th. Update and review all
notes as the tests will be cumulative, spanning from
August 2014 through January 2015. Remember,
practice makes progress.
Upcoming school-related events include:
December 22
-January 2
January 5
January 14
Winter Break
School Resumes
VACT Literacy Night: “Cozy with a Book”
Event Time: 5-6:30 pm
Professionally,
~ Fourth Grade Teachers (S. Brock, S. Brown, G.
Cottingham, C. Davis, D. Hanks, Y. Kelly)
Current Academic Notes
The SC PASS tests will be replaced by ACT Aspire tests.
These tests are timed assessments, so preparations for
mastery are in the process for all academic areas.
Please encourage timed practices as part of daily home
studies.
Spelling – Exhibit fluency and appropriate spelling of
the words on the vocabulary list. Be able to use context
clues emphasizing the current vocabulary list.
Math – Multiplication and division using various
strategies to derive at a solution. Examples to include:
an array, decomposition (partial products), equations,
and more. Accuracy with basic multiplication facts is
advised. Multiplication skills should span from 2-digit by
1-digit to 2-digit by 2-digit problems. Division skills
should built to 1-digit divisor by up to 3-digits as the
dividend. Note: A spiral test is given each week.
Shared Reading – Making inferences from an
informational text.
Writing – December 15-19: Holiday Wishes. Beginning
December 15th, one day per week will be focused on
practicing ACT Aspire-like writing in preparation for the
state Writing test in April of 2015.
Social Studies –New and current unit: The American
Revolution.
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.
Upcoming Assessments
 Spelling tests every week. Be prepared.
 Math tests spiral and are weekly.
 Encourage your child to stay updated about skills
from lessons. Use information from previously
studied units to prepare for the SC ACT Aspire tests.
These timed tests are scheduled for April 2015.
Pizza Hut and Reading Incentives
Student-scholars are encouraged to participate in
the Pizza Hut Book-It reading incentive program.
Petition Deadline for Act 155 Nears
If you attended high school but did not earn a
diploma, then you may qualify for a high school
diploma. The deadline to petition is December 31,
2014. Phone Sherry Martin, Director of Anderson 5
Student Administrative Service, at (864)260-5000,
Extension 101, for assistance.
Fourth Grade Field Trip to the
We are excited to share that plans are
tentatively being made to see a Social Studiesrelated play, Freedom Train, at Furman University in
Greenville, South Carolina. The date of the trip is
February 11, 2015. More details to follow.
Webpage on VACT Site
See more information on your child’s homeroom
teacher’s webpage. Go to the VACT site. Under “Faculty,”
find then click on your teacher’s name to view their
webpage.
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)
Science – Recently completed: Magnet Unit.
(Return this part to your child’s homeroom teacher.) I have read and understand the Fourth Grade Scholars newsletter Volume 2.5 .
Parent/Caregiver of (Student) _______________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Caregiver’s Signature: ____________________________________________ Date:
_________________