Mrs. Sparks

Grade 4

WELCOME TO MRS. SPARKS' FOURTH GRADE CLASS

This year will be a busy year as we explore a wide variety of topics such as geometry in math, various genres in reading, and properties of matter in science.

I assign homework Monday through Thursday evenings. On occasion, I will give an assignment over the weekend. In the front pocket of your child's binder, you will find an assignment notebook (with the sports equipment stamp). Each day, we take time together to carefully record homework assignments. These assignments are listed by subjects. Special reminders are recorded with an asterisk. Your child should check the box next to the assignment once it is completed. I encourage you to review each day's listings with your child as a means of monitoring his or her homework, as well as, gaining an understanding of what we are doing in the different curriculum areas.

Your child's binder is an important "tool" for keeping him/her organized. Binders will travel back and forth with your child each day. Pages put in plastic protectors within each section are reference pages for that particular subject and will remain in the binder all year. Papers that are three hole punched should be filed within the appropriate subject section. At the end of the term, we will "clean out" papers no longer needed for the following term. I urge you to check your child's binder weekly to view recently added papers and thus keep informed of their academic progress.

Your child is expected to read 20 minutes at home on a daily basis. When your child reads independently, he/she will have the opportunity to apply the reading strategies that are being taught during lessons in the classroom. Establishing routines of time for silent reading at home is important from the start of school in September. Reading is a lifelong skill that is enhanced with practice!!!

Students are required to keep their textbooks covered. As they travel back and forth with them frequently, this prolongs the life of the books for future students.

Please send me a note if there is to be a change in your child's normal dismissal routine. This will avoid any confusion at the end of the school day. To insure your child's safety, I will not allow any changes without your written consent or notification from the office.

Thank you for your continued support at home. It is greatly appreciated.

Mrs. Sparks