Fourth GradeWelcomes students

and parents!

Meet the Fourth Grade

Team

Mrs. Gibson 15th year with GLSD 3rd year teaching 4th grade Previously taught 12 years at GLJH Previously taught Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Computer Applications

in 7th and 8th grade Presently teaches Math, Social Studies and Language Arts

Educational Background: B.S. in Elementary Education -- 1987 IUP

Certification in Elementary Education (Level II)

M.A. in Adult Education and Communications Technology -- 1999 IUP Certification as an Instructional Technology Specialist (Level II) Certification in Business, Computer and Information Technology (Level II)

Mr. Roesch 8th year with GLSD 8th year teaching 4th grade Previously taught 4th grade for 5 years in VA

Educational Background: B.A. in Elementary Education – 2000 Edinboro University

Certification in Elementary Education (Level II)

Miss Stynchula 9th year with GLSD 8th year teaching 4th grade at Mt. View Previously taught learning support at LES & was a long term

substitute in IST, 1st grade, and 4th grade.

Educational Background: B.A. in Elementary/Early Childhood Education – 2002 St. Vincent

College Certification in Elementary and Early Childhood Education (Level II)

M.A. in Instructional Technology– 2009 Penn State

Mrs. Walsh 5th year with GLSD 1st year teaching 4th grade at Mt. View Previously taught 1st grade at Mt. View and taught 1st grade for 5

years in Virginia

Educational Background: B.A. in Elementary Education – 1999 Westminster College

Certification in Elementary Education (Level II application filed)

M.A. in Elementary Education & Reading Specialist Certification-2006 University of Pittsburgh

Our Expectations for our students

Come to school prepared each day. Complete homework and other assignments

on time. Have a positive attitude and cooperate with

others. Be responsible for taking home mail and

graded assignments Follow school rules

Expectations Making Wise

Choices Whole Class-

Marble Jar/Mt. Teamwork

Moving to purple

Forgetting to make wise choices Reminder Time Out

Lunch detention

Call the Nest

Schedule 6 day rotation

Children have a schedule in their binder, it is also available online

Goal and Speech are scheduled during Language Extension.

Instrumental lessons are scheduled during music

Our Websites Visit your teachers’ websites to ensure

you are up to date on daily assignments and activities.

Greater Latrobe School District Site District site again

Language Arts Program

Teach reading life-long strategies Genre Study-Helps students to

organize what they are reading. Encourage reading at home. We

suggest at least 15-20 minutes. Goldilocks Rule for independent reading

Students choose a book, find a page, read it 0=too easy, 1-4=just right, 5 or more=too hard

Storytown• Themes

• Read Aloud

• Main Selection

• Paired Selection

• Leveled Readers

•Robust Vocabulary

•Focus Skill

•Focus Strategy

•Word Attack

•Fluency

•Thinkcentral.com

Writing Taught as a process in the core Focus on ideas first—later revise & edit We write the “5” paragraph narrative and

informational essays. Most of the writing is completed at school—

kept in portfolio. Sent home at the end of the year.

Go my access

Spelling Lessons begin with a pretest on Wednesday Pretest contains a list of words that follow a pattern. Whole class lessons will be taught to help children to make

generalizations so that they can apply it to their everyday writing.

Post test will be given on a new list of words on Tuesday. Spelling Projects are due Tues. They are located on the back of

your child’s spelling list Spelling City

Math• Fourth grade math is FUN!! Students will learn how to become

great problem solvers and will learn how to engage in good math talk!! They will have A LOT of opportunities to improve their number sense!!

GO Math!• Transitioning between Pennsylvania State Standards and the

National Core Standards• Students will still be taking the PSSA test in March with the

National Core Standards as field test questions• Due to this being a transition year, your child will primarily be

using the GO Math series, as well as other supplemental materials.

Science Inquiry approach: Hands on, explore

children’s own questions, activity based STC kits: electricity, land and water,

animal studies Weather and space included when we

are not in a kit. Science PSSA last week of April

(Tested Grades 4, 8, 11)

Social Social StudiesStudies

Government/Immigration Pennsylvania Regions of USA

Map skills

Scholastic News (current events) Non-fiction reading strategies

Homework Homework is assigned every night. If the assigned homework

does not take 40 minutes, children should read or study math facts for the remaining time.

Homework reinforces the skills that are learned at school. Your child should be able to do it Independently, please notify your teacher if your child consistently struggles with how to do assignments.

Homework assignment book Children are expected to write each assignment. Have your child show you his/her assignment book each

night. Website is available to check for assignments or enrich your

knowledge.

HW Continued… Binder

Sent home nightly with graded papers or important announcements.

Help your child to empty this folder nightly.

Homework Policy If an assignment is

missed, they will make up their missed work during recess.

Students who do not complete their homework on time, will NOT receive the full amount of points.

Birthdays You may send a birthday treat into school. Each homeroom will celebrate birthdays at

different times Please have your treat ready to serve to

children (napkins, pre-cut) Please keep in mind 75% healthy food, 25%

not healthy food. Cafeteria offers a birthday basket

Math/Reading Club

Our fourth grade has teamed up to provide more tutoring for your children. This enables children who need specifically math or reading

help to get the necessary help that they need. Your child will meet with a fourth grade teacher or

support person when they come for tutoring. You will see an invitation if we feel your child will

benefit from extra practice on the skills we are teaching. (begins 9/17)

ConferencesConferences We will have conference days on

November 6 & 11 Take a post-it note with your date to put

on your calendar at home Please sign up before leaving

We will send reminders at the end of Oct.

If you need another day/time please write me a note on the schedule.

Home School Connection

We need your help! Volunteer Opportunities

a note was sent home on the first day of school regarding volunteers for parties and field trips

PTO Clearance Packet

Home School Connection

Ideas for Homework Help: Quiet space Encourage quality work Refer to class work for help

Fun Websites for Parents and Children: Please see teacher websites for lots of kid

friendly, educational sites on the Internet

Let’s Have a Great Year!

*Thanks for coming. Take a look around at your child’s work!