SAINT LUKE THE EVANGELIST

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

SEPTEMBER 21, 2010

          Welcome to fourth grade.  We are excited about the start of this school year.  As you know, it is important for each child to get a good start in the world of education.  To develop a more holistic approach, there will be greater emphasis on writing in all subject areas.  Increased memorization skills will be stressed this year, and study skills will be an integral part of our lessons.  Students will work both independently and in cooperative groups on projects and reports.  Home assignments given are meant to reinforce classroom learning and further student development.

          As an aid to students and parents, in this critical, transitional year, we have developed these policies:

          Books:  All books must be covered and labeled.  Every student must come to class prepared with textbooks, copybooks, pencils, ruler and crayons.  Thank you for supplying the class with all of the requested supplies.

          Homework:  Approximately an hour a night, study or written work.  This includes the student reading log of 10-15 minutes per night.  Please review and sign all assignments.  All assignments are to be neatly written and complete.  Homework includes tests signed, and returned to the teacher.  Each child will begin the trimester with a 100 in homework for each subject.  For each missed assignment, he/she will lose 5 points for each subject.  For each incomplete assignment students will lose 2 points.  This will include neatness of work and the return of tests on time.  All incomplete work will be completed during lunch recess. 

          Discipline:  Daily discipline problems will be handled in the classroom.  Recurring misbehavior will result in a note or phone call from the teacher.

          Report Cards:  Some of the criteria considered by the teacher in the areas of Personal Development and Behavior and/or Effort and Study Skills: 

• - positive Christian attitude, showing courtesy and respect toward teachers, lunch aids, and other students
• - preparation for class instruction
• - class participation, to the best of their ability
• - completion of assignments
• - demonstration of self-control and self-respect

          Academies: Numerical grades are determined by class participation, completion and quality of homework, seatwork, projects, quiz grades and tests.

          Integrated Language Arts:  Portfolio assessment is used as a means of monitoring the students' progress.  Student work is graded on creativity, as well as grammatical standards.  Writing assignments will be given in all subject areas.

The following is an overview of the fourth grade curriculum:

          Religion:  The Rosary, the Beatitudes, the Works of Mercy, the Ten Commandments, and the Mass will be studied, along with an emphasis on making good choices.

          Math:  Multiplication and division are the main focus, along with a review of addition and subtraction facts.  Critical thinking and problem solving skills are stressed.  Constant review at home is necessary.

          Social Studies:   Fourth grade Social Studies is the study of Pennsylvania's seven regions, physical features and how they affect how people live.  The series we use is by Scott Foresman, and includes a student activity book, map skills information, on-line textbook and integrated assessment. 

          Science:  The curriculum will include Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science and Space Science.  Weekly lessons are very informative and students will develop a hands-on approach to Science through weekly labs and experimentation.

          Language Arts and Reading:  Creative writing, grammar, spelling, penmanship, as well as vocabulary development, comprehensive skills, and decoding skills will be combined to improve and enhance communication abilities.  The ILA method (Integrated Language Arts) will be practiced in all areas of the curriculum.

          One of the blessings of Catholic education is being able to celebrate our faith.  Your child will be better able to grow in the knowledge of God, when he/she sees you pray, and prays with you.  We encourage you to share with your child on a regular basis the prayers of the Mass and of our faith, as well as the sacraments of Reconciliation.

          Thank you for your help this year.  I am confident it will be a wonderful and successful year for your child.

                                                                   Sincerely,

                                                                       Mrs. Kathy Finke