Parent Night Slides and Questions

Hello Sunshines and Families,

I am inserting our slides from Parent Night for you to have and review. Make sure to check our calendar for upcoming events and dates. Here are some of the topics we were asked questions about and our 4th grade team responses. Please let me know via email if you have any additional questions. 

1. Reading lists for Sci/SS- We have a multitude of curriculum we cover in Science and Social Studies, and it would be a rather long book list if we compiled something. Please refer to our Sci/SS websites for more information about our curriculum. Embedded in some sites are book lists.

2. Common Core Standards-Common core standards are different than the old standards because now every state has the same standards. Common core are more integrated, meaning subjects are taught across the curriculum, like writing. There are some skills in Math that were part of the Arizona State Standards, but are no longer part of the Common Core. Some examples of this are finding the mean for a set of numbers and knowing how to make vertex-edge graphs. We will introduce students to these concepts for AIMs testing, but they will no longer be the primary focus since we are using the new Common Core Standards to guide instruction. For more information about the Common Core, check out the link on our Parent's Page.

3. Lego Robotics- Due to scheduling concerns, not all classes will be participating in Lego Robotics this year. TBA

4. Reflex math- Students need to log in to Reflex Math at least three times a week and play until their progress light goes green each day. Students may use the number keypad at the top or on the side. However having kids use the keypads at the top at home will be consistent with how they use it in the classroom and help them build typing skills.

5. Colonial Day- Colonial Day is set for Tuesday, Nov. 20, the day before Thanksgiving break. If you have vacation plans, please be aware of our scheduled activities.

6. Reading logs- Students are expected to read 20 min. a night. Research shows students grow more when given repetition. For instance, Reflex math is based on having students practice math every day to obtain a stronger foundation. Reading works the same way. If there are extenuating circumstances and your child cannot read on a given night, please contact Ms. Smith or Ms. Panas privately. 

7. Electronic readers-We are looking into this. We need district and school approval to use these. I have let students bring them in the past with parent consent and the understanding that the student is responsible for the care and safety of their device. 

Fondly,

Kathy Smith