Dear Parents,
As the third week of school begins, I am excited by all the
mathematical concepts the fourth grade students have already learned, as well
as by the things they will be learning this week. Your students have started to
learn the foundations of number theory. They have learned to break down numbers
in order to add and subtract conveniently. They have started a deep study of
digits, place and value, concepts that are the base of our whole system of
numbers.
This week in math class we will be studying the basics of
algebraic logic. Students will learn to take false equations and make them
true. They will also find unknown summands in addition problems.
In science class we will continue our study of physics.
Having carefully studied forces, we will begin studying potential and kinetic
energy.
If you wish to help your students with their math and
science learning there are two main things you can do:
1. Review math facts with your child, especially addition,
subtraction and multiplication.
2. Go over math homework with your student this week. The homework this week is going to be much more challenging than it has been for the last two weeks, and your student will benefit from your guidance.
3. Review your child's science notes with them, and let them
tell you what they have learned in
science. This will be especially important
because we will likely be having a science quiz early next week. Discussing and
reviewing science notes with your students will help them prepare.
On a different note, there have been some questions regarding
the behavior expectations and system of discipline used in the fourth and fifth
grades. We have four expectations:
1) Raise your hand.
2) Follow Directions.
3) Respect your teachers and fellow students.
4) Sit in scholarly position.
In a situation where a student has failed to meet one of our expectations, that student will receive a behavior infraction, which will be marked on their monthly calendar inside their homework folder. The purpose of a behavior code is to remind the students of our expectations and to communicate with parents about the incident. Behavior codes will be common in the coming weeks, because we will all still be adjusting to the new expectations. I recommend that you do not regard single behavior codes as serious offenses, but rather gentle reminders to correct behavior.
The codes are:
1) Raise your hand.
2) Follow Directions.
3) Respect your teachers and fellow students.
4) Sit in scholarly position.
In a situation where a student has failed to meet one of our expectations, that student will receive a behavior infraction, which will be marked on their monthly calendar inside their homework folder. The purpose of a behavior code is to remind the students of our expectations and to communicate with parents about the incident. Behavior codes will be common in the coming weeks, because we will all still be adjusting to the new expectations. I recommend that you do not regard single behavior codes as serious offenses, but rather gentle reminders to correct behavior.
The codes are:
1) TLK- Talking out of turn. This includes shout outs or talking/whispering during inappropriate times.
2) FOL- Not following directions.
3) DIS- Disrespectful behavior.
4) UPL- Being unprepared to learn. Usually in the
case of not having their homework or
materials required for the daily lessons.
If a student receives three of the same behavior infractions in a single month, a detention shall be issued. The purpose of this detention will be for the student, the teacher, and the Dean of Students to discuss how we can all work together to meet the expectations of our classroom.
If a student receives three of the same behavior infractions in a single month, a detention shall be issued. The purpose of this detention will be for the student, the teacher, and the Dean of Students to discuss how we can all work together to meet the expectations of our classroom.
I hope this clears matters up regarding any strange jumbles
of letters that may appear on your students' homework calendars! As always, if
you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at
rwycklendt@archwaytriviumeast.org.
Sincerely,
Miss Wycklendt
