Welcome to 4th Grade
To The Incredible Fourth Grade,
Welcome to an exciting new school year! I am thrilled to embark on this journey with you. My prayer is that 4th grade will be filled with growth, learning, and new opportunities for all of us. Fourth grade is such a special time in the academic journey. It is a time when you begin to take greater steps towards independence and build the confidence needed to thrive as successful students.
Our class this year is made up of 24 incredible students. 20 students who have already formed strong connections with each other. It’s wonderful to see such a close-knit group. I know these friendships will only continue to grow. This year, we have the privilege of welcoming four new students to our class. Let’s all make sure to greet them with open arms and help them feel right at home. Together, we’ll create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can feel valued and connected.
Fourth grade is a year of tremendous growth. We will be learning new skills, tackling challenging projects, and exploring new ideas. Throughout this journey, I will be here to support, encourage, and guide students as they develop the tools and confidence needed to succeed.
I am also looking forward to working closely with families as we create a successful and memorable year together. With collaboration, communication, and a shared commitment to your student’s education, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead filled with learning, laughter, and lots of growth!
Blessings and Prayers,
Assumption School
Grade Four
2024-2025
TEACHERS:
Ms. Alicia Blum Homeroom Teacher
Mrs. Katherine Rubio Instructional Assistant
Mrs. Cathy Harvey Instructional Assistant
Mr. Jason Poon Math Co-Teacher
Ms. Nicole Campbell Science
Mrs. Andrea Contreras Spanish
Mr. Mike Shimabukuro Physical Education
Mr. Mike Shimabukuro Tech
Mrs. Karen Barbera Art
Mr. Bill Vaughan Music
SCHOOL WIDE RULES:
- Respect yourself, others and things.
- Contribute to the learning environment.
- Follow school and classroom procedures.
CLASS RULES
- Listen to one another.
- Engage in quiet work so everyone can learn.
- Always do your best.
- Respect each other and their belongings.
5. Never harm anyone’s body or feelings.
Positive Discipline/Classroom Guidelines:
Assumption School will continue to implement a discipline curriculum.
The teachers and students will work on a social-emotional curriculum together. This program seeks to establish strong and meaningful connections between students, families and school staff. It views mistakes as opportunities to learn and misbehaviors as opportunities to practice critical life skills. In the beginning of the year, the 4th Graders will work collaboratively to create their own classroom guidelines. These will be shared with parents/families once they have been created.
DISCIPLINE POLICY:
Students will be asked to write their names in the behavior journal if they break the classroom rules. The consequences are as follows:
1st time: Warning
2nd time: Complete a Reflection Sheet
3rd time: Parent will be contacted/Referral will be issued
GRADES:
Students will be assessed using a standards-based system.
Approximately once a week, a folder of graded papers will be sent home with students. Students will receive feedback and grades on assignments, as well as in Google Classroom. Please look over the papers, sign the green folder, and return the green folder to school.
HOMEWORK:
Students can expect to have homework every day of the week except Friday. The students will receive a planner at the beginning of the year. Students will be responsible for writing down the homework and announcements every afternoon before they pack up. Homework will often involve assignments that involve extra practice for the standards that they learned during class time and studying for upcoming tests. Parents are asked to check student’s planners daily and initial to show that work was completed.
In order to develop responsibility and good study skills it is important that students be encouraged to complete assignments punctually, neatly, and independently. Most students will benefit greatly, however, if an adult can look over their finished work and guide them in correcting mistakes that have been made.
Students who do not have their homework completed and at school at the beginning of the school day will be required to complete the missing/incomplete assignment.
Students are responsible for assignments missed during absences. Students should take the responsibility to ask for missed work when they return. Work is expected to be completed within one week of the absence. As stated in the handbook, students who miss school due to extended weekends, off-season family vacations etc.,should not expect teachers to produce assignments in advance. A packet of work will be collected for the student during his/her absence.
Homework Club time is provided for approximately 30 minutes every day. It will begin approximately 2:45 and end at 3;15 p.m 2-3 days a week and 1:45 - 2:15 p.m on Wednesdays. Students not picked up by 3;15 or 2:15 on Wednesdays will be sent to Extended Care.
ASSESSMENT:
Students are graded on quizzes, tests, projects, and other activities. Homework assignments are not always graded.
POWERSCHOOL:
Students’ academic progress can be viewed online using PowerSchool, the school management system. Parents use a login to access their child's information. This login information will be given to parents in October during the Goal Setting Conferences. The information will be updated on a regular basis. Summative assessments (tests and projects) will be graded and recorded on PowerSchool no more than ten days after the test was given or the assignment was collected.
ABSENCES/TARDIES:
Please email [email protected] if you know your child will be absent.
Students who are tardy need to go to the office to get a tardy slip before they can be admitted into the classroom. Students are considered tardy if they are not in their assigned place in line when the second bell rings at 8:00am in the morning.
CONFERENCES:
Communication is important to ensure your child’s success in school. If you wish to discuss a matter with me please send a note, or write an email or call the school office so an appointment may be scheduled.
BIRTHDAYS:
Since we have several students with food allergies, we are requesting that students who would like to share their birthday with their classmates bring a non-food item to share. A board game for rainy day recesses or a class book would be a great birthday gift to the class.
CLASS WEBSITE:
Feel free to visit our classroom website. You can find the classroom website on the school website: www.assumptionschool-sl.org
This website will give you access to our weekly homework sheet, project dates and guidelines, links to websites offering educational resources, and reminders of important dates during the school year.
CURRICULUM:
RELIGION/FAMILY LIFE
Text: God’s Law Guides Us Sadlier
Family Life Benziger
Circle of Grace
Subject Matter: The emphasis is on living as Christians, Works of Mercy, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, prayer, and liturgy. Family life is intended to foster the development of important attitudes and moral values in a Christian context.
Expectations: Students will be expected to participate in religious discussions and to complete assignments and presentations.
Grading: Students will be graded on class activities, written assignments, and test scores.
SERVICE LEARNING:
Students will work on a service learning project together as a class this year.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Text: Reading Street Scott Foresman
By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman
Literature Circle books
Other resources:
Lexia online Language Arts program
Learning A to Z non-fiction online and printed books
Subject Matter: This literature based integrated program emphasizes reading, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Grammar, usage, and mechanics are also included in the program. During the later part of the year students will read the novel By the Great Horn Spoon! in conjunction with our study of the California gold rush.
Expectations: Students will be expected to read, understand and critically analyze the stories read in class. They will apply the grammar lessons learned in class in their writing.
Grading: Students will be graded on their comprehension skills, grammar skills, knowledge of vocabulary, and completion of class activities
WRITING
Text: Writing Pathways, Lucy Calkins, First Hand Heinemann
Subject Matter: Today it has become increasingly important for all children to be given an education that enables them to synthesize, organize, reflect on and respond to the data in their world. Assumption School has adopted Writing Pathways across all grade levels. These learning units are aligned to the Common Core State Standards and will assist our knowledge of the teaching of writing. In the Units of Study, students will be able to synthesize, analyze, compare and contrast information and ideas. This program will give the students the skills to write narratives, arguments and information texts.
Expectations: Students will be expected to apply their knowledge of writing to all types of writing, narrative, opinion and informational. Students will be expected to revise and publish their work, in addition they will apply the language arts skills learned in class in their writing.
Grading: Students will be graded on mini lessons that teach skills that build upon one another in order for the students to become writers. Students will also be assessed on “published” writing assignments.
SPELLING
Text: Word Study and Spelling Practice Scott Forseman
Subject Matter: Spelling words will be given based on Common Core Language Arts Standards.
Expectations: Students will be expected to study the words as well as complete the spelling activities and assignments.
Grading: Students will be graded on spelling tests.
MATH
Text: enVisionMath Common Core Pearson
Other resources: IXL online math tool
Subject Matter: Our math program will allow us to develop a mastery of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts. Students will be exposed to fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement and problem solving techniques. Students will engage in direct instruction, games, group activities, projects and problem solving activities.
Expectations: Students are expected to give their best effort in accurately completing nightly problem sets and preparing for math tests. Daily work on basic math facts is encouraged, as this will help facilitate comprehension of the more complex concepts being introduced throughout the year.
Grading: Students will be graded on completion of assigned classwork and homework, math tests, math-facts timed tests, and other supplemental activities.
HISTORY
Text: California Studies Houghton Mifflin
Other resources:
St. Mary’s Press: California Native Peoples and Missions online curriculum
Subject Matter: We will study the first Californians, early settlers, immigrants, the mission and gold rush periods, transportation, geography, and map skills. Students will experience life as a Californian through projects and excursions.
Expectations: Students will be expected to participate in group discussions and written assignments. They will work independently and cooperatively to complete projects and other assigned tasks.
Grading: Students will be graded on activities, projects, and tests.
SCIENCE- Ms. Nicole Campbell
Text: FOSS Kits by Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley
Subject Matter:
Throughout the year, we will be going over topics relating Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science through guided discovery and inquiry. In fourth grade, we will have a particular focus on the Structures of Life, Energy, and Solids, Rocks and Landforms.
Expectations:
Students will be expected to complete daily tasks, quizzes, exit tickets, tests, investigations, demonstrations and presentations. Students are expected to come to class ready to engage in class discussions, prepared by completing any assigned tasks, and bringing any required materials to class each day. Students should arrive to class ready to collaborate with their peers, deeply investigate, and to learn about the many wonders of science!
Grading:
Grades will be based on daily class participation, tests, quizzes, projects, and completion of homework. Homework and assignments must be turned in on time.
Spanish: (Mrs. Andrea Contreras)
Subject Matter
Student will:
-Recognize and recite classroom words
-Talk about wants and needs
-Recognize animals in Spanish
-Recognize food in Spanish
-Recite the alphabet, colors and numbers in Spanish
-Practice how to greet and introduce themselves
-Discuss in Spanish the things they need and want for their class
-Discuss the calendar and weather
-Describe themselves and personality traits
-Describe the items in their rooms and pictures
-Describe how they prepare themselves for school
-Describe extended family and family life in general
-Students will recite and translate prayers
New vocabulary, books, games, and music will be introduced around the theme of activities and personal traits.
Grammar: Students will learn vowels, adjectives, gender, cognates, infinitives, negatives, structures to express agreement and disagreement.
Cultural Perspectives: Students will learn about several Spanish-speaking Countries and cultural differences. They will also learn about Holidays (Independence Day, Day Of The Dead, Christmas, Cesar Chavez Day and Cinco De Mayo, Children’s Day, Three Kings Day).
Expectations: Students are encouraged to participate in classroom activities and projects, and communicate with other students and I in Spanish.
Grading: Grades will be based on class participation as well as completion of homework.
COMPUTER
Text:
An array of educational software, keyboarding, the internet and coding, e.g. Google Suite, Google Classroom, SeeSaw, Microsoft Works 4.0., and Type to Learn.
Subject Matter:
The students will be integrating multimedia technology through age appropriate projects into the curriculum using educational software and internet access.
Expectations:
Students are expected to participate 100%, resulting in completed projects.
Grading:
Grades given for assignments in which computer technology was used will be integrated into the assessment of that particular assignment's subject matter.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION-Mr. Mike Shimabukuro-
Subject Matter:
Physical games and motor skills, group play and teamwork will all be emphasized in this subject area.
Expectations:
Students will be expected to participate and exhibit proper sports behavior and self-discipline.
Grading:
Students will be graded on being active and achievement of the above listed expectations.
ART- Mrs. Karen Barbera -
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM
Subject Matter: The Assumption School Art program is a comprehensive arts program which encompasses the subjects of Visual Arts (Art History, Art Appreciation, Studio Art) and Performing Arts. Students are introduced to various mediums through direct instruction as well as lecture and discussion. Visual Arts subject matter includes various movements in art history and the artists responsible for those movements. Direct instruction demonstrates the elements of art and the use of varied supplies, tools, and mediums. Performing Arts subject matter introduces acting techniques to improve imagination, focus, memory, and self-confidence. Students in grades 4 through 8 receive letter grades for art based on diocesan guidelines. Students' work is assessed based on the following factors:
Visual Arts:
- Preparation. Supplies required for in-class projects will be listed in Google Classroom on the morning of art class. Students are expected to check their supply list and be prepared to begin each scheduled class on time. Project materials not on the school supply list will be supplied by the art teacher.
- Completion of work according to instruction.Students must turn in finished work completed according to instruction using the correct techniques and materials. Work must be neat and done to the best of a student's ability. Incomplete work done with inappropriate materials will not be accepted.
- Complete and return work in a timely manner. Habitual submission of late or incomplete work may result in after-school detention. Absent students must contact Mrs. Barbera to plan and schedule make-up work.
- Students' work must be clearly marked with their name.Unlabeled work cannot be graded.
- All work must be the student's own work. Art is a subject which requires experimentation and practice. Neither is accomplished if the work is not done by the students themselves. This is very important. Perfectly copied work is never as good as any work a student creates on their own.
Performing Arts:
- Preparation. Each student is expected to be ready with the correct materials for class. Memorization and practice may be required.
- Participation. Students should be actively engaged in class. It is recognized that students may be new to performing arts but there is an expectation for an increased level of comfort and improvement in technique.
- Respect. Drama class is a safe place for self-expression. Students should respect and encourage the work of others. Teasing will not be tolerated.
Music - Bill Vaughan
Music Class –
Welcome back!!
Subject Matter: In music class, we sing, sing and sing. We prepare music for
weekly Masses, the Fall Festival, and the Advent/Christmas and Spring Concerts.
In the midst of all this singing, I train every student to become a cantor (if he or
she wishes). We learn how to read music, learn about instruments and a bit about
the story of music.
Expectations: Active participation through singing and memorization of the
musical score in class is primary. In order to do this, good behavior in the
classroom and church is a must. Attendance with an animated spirit at all school-
sponsored Masses, Christmas and Spring Concerts is mandatory.
Grading: Grading (a letter or number grade) will be based on assessments made
at the time of a ‘performance.’ Along with these assessments, I also review
behavior in the classroom and church, active class participation, and attendance
at mandatory liturgies/concerts.
Materials: I will supply the students with musical scores and worship leaflets to
learn music. Let’s get started!!
Mr. Bill Vaughan
