Welcome to fourth grade. This is a very exciting and challenging year for your child. The fourth graders are now an integral part of the intermediate school where the focus is on high academics, having more responsibility, and becoming independent workers. It is a year of growth and challenge and we, as teachers, look forward to being an important part of your child’s learning along with you. Thank you in advance for all of your support in emphasizing the importance of learning and always doing your best.

Philosophy:
Each child entering our classrooms is a unique and special individual with their own talents and qualities. All students have a right to a good learning environment. Our job as their fourth grade teachers is to ensure that our classes are conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect. When one person is speaking, others are quiet and listening. We laugh with and not at others. We expect the children to do their best at following directions, being prepared, trying hard in all academic areas, and respecting school property and the property of others.

Following our class rules will enable us to all have a great successful year.

Discipline:
Both fourth grades use the “Right on Target” discipline system. A pocket chart is set up in our rooms for each child. In each pocket, there are a series of color-coded cards. If a child chooses not to follow the classroom rules, a card will be removed from his/her pocket. Throughout the day, each card showing will have a specific meaning:

Blue- On target

Green – Warning

Yellow – Lose 5 minutes of recess

Pink – Lose a recess and problem solving

Orange – The above and a phone call to parents

Purple – Send to the principal’s office.

At the end of the day, each child will chart the color that is in his/her pocket. This will allow students to reflect on behavior, figure out ways to improve and set goals for the next day. The next day all pockets are back to blue for a fresh start. The chart goes home at the end of the week and you can have a chance to review your child’s behavior. We can work together to encourage your child to make positive choices.