Policies and Curriculum

Welcome to fourth grade.  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.  Extended home assignments will also be a part of this year's curriculum.

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 45 minutes a night, study and written work.  This does not include the student reading log of 15 minutes per night.  Please review and sign all assignments.  All assignments are to be neatly written and complete.  Homework includes tests signed, corrected and returned.  Each child will begin the trimester with a 100 in homework for each subject.  For each missed or incomplete assignment, he/she will lose 5 points for that subject.  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.

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

                        - 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

            Academics:  Numerical grades will be given for the first time this year.  They are determined by tests, quizzes, projects, homework, and participation.  Children will receive a grade on their report card in Art, Music, Technology and Physical Education.

The following is an overview of the fourth grade curriculum:

Religion:  the Ten Commandments, The Rosary, the Beatitudes, the Works of Mercy, the Virtues, prayers, 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:  The fourth grade curriculum will involve the study of the geography and people of Pennsylvania. 

Science:  The curriculum will include the Scientific Method, Oceanography, Weather, Matter, Systems of the Body, Plant and Animal Structure and Life Cycle.  Students will develop a hands-on approach to Science through labs and experimentation.

Integrated Language Arts:  Creative writing, grammar, spelling, penmanship, as well as vocabulary development, comprehension skills, and decoding skills will be combined to improve and enhance communication abilities.  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.

I look forward to an exciting year.  Thank you for your help.

Mrs. Barbara Piper