Third Week Tidings

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) 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.

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