back to school night - carmel clay schools web viewback to school night. 4. th. grade ~ mrs....

Back to School Night4th Grade

~Mrs. Brinkman Mr. Hegnauer

Mrs. LoweMrs. Luna

Mrs. Sheets

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

–Henry Ford

CurriculumMathCherry Tree utilizes the Everyday Math program, while using additional resources that support and enrich each student’s mathematical understanding. Students are placed into leveled math groups that allow skills to be taught at their learning level. Placement is based on prior performance and periodic evaluations, and groups are flexible to

accommodate changes in a student’s performance. High achieving students can be advanced to a level above their grade level.

Mathematics Instructional MaterialsEveryday Math SeriesOtter CreekCalculators

LiteracyLiteracy classes are also based on performance level. Literacy incorporates writing, reading, spelling, phonics, and grammar. In 4th grade, all students develop writing skills through Lucy Calkins’ Units of Study as well as the 6 +1 Traits of Writing. These are infused into Writer’s Workshop in which students write every day and continually work through steps in a writer’s process. Genres include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, biography, and others.

Literacy Instructional MaterialsNational Geographic Reach for ReadingNovels related to science and social studiesNational Geographic nonfiction booksLucy Calkins Writing

SpellingSpelling activities are based on the basic spelling rules from Reach for Reading. Spelling pretests will be given on Monday with the test on FridayScienceAll of Carmel Clay School’s elementary science standards are met using Science Kit Curriculum. These science kits provide us with activity/lab based learning. Non-fictionresource books and student experiment packets are also a part of our science

instruction.4 th Grade Science Units of Study

Electricity and Heat Earth’s Changing Surface

Animal Studies Motion and Design

Social StudiesThe Carmel Clay School s recently adopted a new social studies curriculum which began last year. Social Studies Alive is a learning program that will allow students to be engaged in social studies activities that cover the Indiana Academic Standards. Along with these activities, an interactive student notebook will be used by the students. The notebook incorporates the use of language arts strategies in their social studies lessons.

4 th Grade Areas of Study in Social Studies Regions of the United States Indiana Geography/Mapping Skills Indiana History Indiana’s Economy

Indiana Government

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Grading PoliciesCursive: Cursive is required on ALL work unless specifically requested otherwise

(beginning the second nine weeks of school).

District Wide Grading Scale:The following scale will be used for all graded work.

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Teacher Biographies

Mrs. Cinda LoweMrs. Lowe is excited to begin her fourteenth year at Cherry Tree and

fifteenth year of teaching. She has lived in Carmel all her life and graduated from Carmel High School. She has a degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University with a Reading minor. She also has her Master’s in Education! She and her husband live in Carmel with their 9 year old son, Conner, 5 year old son, Bryce, and yellow lab, Lucy. In her spare time (that she does not currently have) she enjoys rollerblading, reading, scrapbooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Mrs. Cindy Sheets Mrs. Sheets is looking forward to working with her team again this year! This is her eighteenth year at Cherry Tree. Mrs. Sheets has taught both fourth and fifth grade. She is originally from Merrillville, Indiana. Mrs. Sheets received her Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University. Her family includes her husband and their two children and a dog named Chloe. Her son Ryan and his wife Angela live in Lisle, Illinois. Abby, her daughter, lives and works in Chicago. Mrs. Sheets has two grandchildren; Connor is now 17months old and Danielle is 4months old. She enjoys spending her free time visiting her children and grandchildren. She likes to travel, read and spend time with relatives and friends.

Mr. Jeff HegnauerMr. Hegnauer is excited to begin his seventeenth year at Cherry Tree.

This will be his seventh year teaching 4th grade. He also spent ten years teaching first through third grade. He was born in Akron, Ohio and raised in Massillon, Ohio. He earned his BA degree in Elementary Education from Anderson University and his Master’s Degree with a focus on science education and leadership at Miami (of Ohio) University. When he is not teaching 4th graders he spends his summer months and weekends teaching in a graduate program for Miami University and training elementary science teachers for the Indiana Science Initiative. He resides in Noblesville with his incredible wife Jennelle, their 8 year old son Josiah (who is a proud 2nd grader here at Cherry Tree), their soon-to-be 7 year old son Jadon (who spends his days as an excited Cherry Tree 1st grader), and their adorable dogs Samson and Si. In his spare time (ha, ha) Jeff enjoys reading, music,

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camping, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, basketball, soccer, baseball, or board games with his family and friends, and, of course, cheering on his beloved Cleveland and Ohio State sports dynasties (again… ha, ha).

Mrs. Amy Luna

Mrs. Luna is excited to begin her sixth year here at Cherry Tree. She is originally from Muncie, IN and is a true Hoosier at heart. She has a wonderful family of which she is very proud. Her husband, Jeremy, is an elementary school principal in Kokomo so they have a fun time sharing "school" stories each day! She has two sons, Jaxon who is 8 and Nash who is 4 and a daughter, Hope, who is 8 months. She lives in Noblesville and her family enjoys playing outside together and eating homemade ice cream :). She graduated from Butler University in 2001 with degrees in Elementary Education and Spanish. She received her master's in school administration in 2005 from Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina. She has been teaching for 13 years, 5 of those in NC and the final 8 here in Indiana. She has taught 4th grade, 2nd grade, been an Instructional Specialist, and finally a Spanish teacher. She LOVES teaching and having fun with kids!

Mrs. Heidi Brinkman

This will be the third year at Cherry Tree Elementary for Mrs. Brinkman. She has taught fourth grade for the past 8 years. She was raised in Evansville, Indiana. Mrs. Brinkman received her undergraduate degree in finance at Butler University. Before earning a master’s in education at DePaul University Mrs. Brinkman was an accountant in Chicago. Mrs. Brinkman has a loving family. Her husband, Josh, daughter and twin boys live in Carmel. Lilly is an active kindergartener and just turned 5 year old, Wyatt and Walter are 19 month old bundles of energy. She enjoys playing outside with her family. When she has a spare minute she also enjoys reading.

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Daily Schedule*

8:05 – 8:20 Students Arrive and Morning Routine8:20 – 8:50 Interventions/SSR 8:50 – 9:20 Shared Reading/Word Study9:20 – 10:10 Specials10:15 – 11:00 Writing11:00-11:45 Small Group Guided Reading11:45 – 12:35 Recess and Lunch12:35 – 1:15 Science or Social Studies1:15 – 2:25 Math

* The daily schedule will vary according to various factors, such as events occurring in school, day of the week, etc.

1st Quarter Specials ScheduleSpecial area class schedules rotate days on a quarterly basis. Teachers will update

schedules via e-mail and/or websites each nine weeks.

Mrs. BrinkmanMonday ComputerTuesday Media**Wednesday P.E.Thursday MusicFriday Art

Mr. HegnauerMonday ArtTuesday Computer LabWednesday Media**Thursday P.E.Friday Music

Mrs. LoweMonday Media**Tuesday P.E.Wednesday MusicThursday ArtFriday Computer

**Library books are due on Media day

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Mrs. LunaMonday PETuesday MusicWednesday ArtThursday Computer LabFriday Media**

Mrs. SheetsMonday MusicTuesday ArtWednesday Computer LabThursday MediaFriday P.E.

HomeworkHomework is an integral part of a student’s development as a learner. Your child may have between 30 to 60 minutes of homework per day. If the time spent on homework is routinely exceeding this range, then an appointment should be scheduled to meet with a teacher to discuss and evaluate strategies used in doing homework (both in school and at home). It is a good practice to set aside a specific time and designated place for homework each day. Homework is generally due the following day, unless specifically noted by the teacher. It is the student’s responsibility to turn in their assignments completed and on time. Thus, telephone calls home will be kept to a minimum.

If a child has been out ill or for other reasons, it is preferred that they be allowed to recuperate. Ideally, this would improve the quality of their work and their understanding of the material missed. Missed work will be detailed for them upon their return.

Students who appear to have little or no homework over the course of several days should be questioned.

RecessPlease be sure your son or daughter is dressed appropriately for physical education and outdoor recess. All children must go outside for recess. It is essential that they wear boots and warm clothing in the winter months.

CommunicationParent support and participation are very important. It is our hope that your child will see education as a partnership between themselves, their parents, and their teachers. Yet, they must take an ever-increasing responsibility for their learning in order that they may obtain their highest potential. For this reason, we encourage them be present for any conference, and that they be encouraged to call or speak with each of us about questions, comments, or concerns.

Appointments for your ChildIt is best to schedule doctor and dental appointments at the following times:

9:20 am – 10:10 am Specials11:45 am – 12:35 pm Lunch and Recess

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Teacher AppointmentsIf the need arises to contact your child’s teacher, the best appointment times are 7:30 am and 2:45 pm. Please request appointments in advance. If a concern can be handled with a phone call, please call between 7:30 am and 8:00 am or during specials. Our school phone number is (317) 846-3086. If we are unavailable at the time you call, you may leave a voice mail message through ParentLink at (317) 571-4080. We are also able to respond to e-mail messages faster than voice mail. Feel free to e-mail us at any time and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.

Mrs. Brinkman [email protected]. Hegnauer: [email protected]. Sheets: [email protected]. Lowe: [email protected]. Luna: [email protected]

BehaviorNorms: Do the right thing.

Treat people right.

Expectations: (1.) Students should learn and work together.(2.) Students should be positive and successful.(3.) Students should be responsible and respectful.(4.) Students should be creative problem solvers.(5.) Students should grow as communicators (speaking & listening).(6.) Students should contribute to their school and world.(7.) Students should be prepared for life’s challenges.(8.) Students should be enriched by the arts and technology.(9.) Students should set goals and strive to achieve each.

Parent InvolvementThere are many opportunities for parents to become involved. Parents with specialty areas can teach or share their expertise with our students. Working with students to review or practice a skill is another way to become involved. Many parents create bulletin boards, make copies, and chaperone field experiences. Please contact the teachers if you are interested in volunteering.

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mailto:[email protected]





Cherry Tree ElementaryBehavior Awareness Log - Patriot’s Pride Pact

As a Cherry Tree Patriot, I pledge to Do the Right Thing and Treat People Right!Doing the Right Thing! Treating People Right!

Looks Like Sounds Like Looks Like Sounds LikeBus I remain seated with my

feet in front of me and my hands to myself.

I use a soft voice. I listen to my bus driver.

I only use respectful words.

Cafeteria I keep my feet under the table and my hands to myself.

I eat only my lunch.

I use a soft voice. I listen to directions from cafeteria staff.


Classroom I follow directions. I work cooperatively. I complete tasks. I finish and turn in my

homework. I show that learning is fun. I am prepared for class. I respect property.

I use a soft voice. I am an active listener.

I am an active participant.

I am a contributing team member.

I speak respectfully. I listen attentively.

Entering / Exiting the Building

I walk safely when entering or leaving the building.

I use a soft voice. I keep my hands and belongings to myself.


Hallway Transitions I walk safely in the hallway. I keep my hands and

belongings to myself.

I use a soft voice. I move quietly.

I stay in line. I follow my teacher’s

directions.

I use patience with everyone.

Recess I take care of the equipment.

I play safely on the equipment.

I talk and play respectfully with my friends.

I stay safe by avoiding contact with others.

I play fairly and follow the rules of the game.


The following behaviors are addressed by the administrative staff of Cherry Tree Elementary; Abusive Language, Arson, Bullying, Fighting, Theft, Vandalism, Weapons, Inappropriate Invasion of Personal Space.

*Please circle the Patriot Pact Rules the Student did not follow.Student: __________________________________________________ Grade: ______________________Teacher: _______________________________________ Date: _________________ Time: ___________REASON FOR BEHAVIOR LOG ENTRY: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________FOLLOW-UP:________Notified Parent ________Notified Teacher________Student Reflection completed________ Other:

______________________________________ ______________________________________Parent Signature Child Signature______________________________________ ______________________________________Teacher Signature Administrative Signature

OFFICE COPY – WHITE PARENT COPY – CANARY TEACHER COPY - PINK

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“Professional genius lies not in knowing what students are not, but in knowing what they can be…”

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