Welcome to Grade 4

 Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

Welcome to another new school year! I am very much looking forward to teaching your child this year. This is my 17th year teaching; my 4th year teaching grade 4 and I know this year at Errol Village P. S. will be an exciting year! It is in hope we will become better-acquainted and regular communicators as partners in the education of your child.

The grade 3/4 level brings an increased sense of responsibility, leadership and expectations. Since more will be expected of students individually, they will be held accountable for their work habits, work completion, ability to meet deadlines and observance of classroom and school rules. As we work together to continue to instill in each child a sense of confidence, self-esteem and responsibility, it is our hope that each child will strive for his/her highest potential.

Updates of classroom activities and or the units we are studying can be found in the student planners, newsletters or on my class website http://Maddock8.educatorpages.com. Please review your child’s planner daily, discuss any newsletters with them and check the website to find out the daily homework.

The following paragraphs I consider to be the “NECESSARY FOUR FOR SUCCESS!” Therefore I ask these paragraphs to be read carefully and discussed at home so there is no misunderstanding of what is expected.

 

  1. RESPECT: To have a positive working and learning environment, respect for everyone and everything is a must. A shared environment, such as a classroom, should be a safe place for everyone and crude language, putdowns, ridicule and uncontrollable behaviour are hurtful actions, which will not be tolerated. Every person needs quiet time necessary for successful task completion or to focus during a lesson. Please be respectful, as repeated disruptive or inappropriate behaviour will be addressed and parents will be contacted if it persists. Every member of the class should respect classroom items, personal possessions and personal space. They should ask permission to use anything owned by another person and please return everything to where or to whom it belongs to so the environment remains in proper order.

 

  1. BE ON TIME: Late students frequently miss important information. School starts promptly in the morning and after each of the nutrition breaks. Students are responsible to find out what they missed and they may need to stay in during breaks or when other time during the day allows for it so it can be explained or taught to them. Students who hand in late work or project assignments may need to complete unfinished work during the breaks. It is important that each student uses time in the classroom effectively so they remain caught up in all their work. The planner is an effective tool that is expected to be utilized and hopefully it removes work from being completed late. A note from home in the planner is nice to explain for any circumstance why something may not be completed or any issue that resulted in the incompletion of work.

 

  1. DO THE WORK ASSIGNED: All assignments and learning tasks are part of the total grade 4 learning experience. I will assist your child or make accommodations to the task when needed. A specific number of learning activities must be covered this year. If your child requires help, please contact me to arrange a time for extra instruction or if an extension is needed. This is a skill that is important to realize and develop (Time Management). I will be available many school days during the breaks for any assistance or if your child needs to stay in and complete work.

 

  1. BE PREPARED: Materials used within the classroom walls are an important asset, ensuring your child has the necessities so they may attain academic success. Throughout the year, I will be asking you at home to help with the collection of certain resources for the class and your child. However some resources would help with their learning and if you wish to purchase school supplies for your child, specific tools are encouraged:

 

  • Good quality calculator
  • High lighters (different colours)
  • 1 Basic 2 inch 3 ring binder to be left in the classroom
  • 5 dividers
  • 10 Duotangs (2 Red, 2 Blue, 2 Green, 2 Yellow, 2 Black)
  • Pencil Crayons, Markers, Crayons
  • Pencils 10
  • 3 White Erasers
  • Scissors
  • Pencil Sharpener
  • Wooden Ruler (No bendable rulers)
  • Glue Sticks (4)
  • Kleenex (2)
  • Extra Large Ziploc Bag (2)
  • Black Sharpies
  • Personal headphones or earbuds
  • Non Marking Indoor Shoes (As Soon As Possible)
  • Pencil Organizer for the top of their desk (Optional)
  • Comfy Pillow for Chair (Optional)

 

Students must be responsible for keeping track of their belongings. Please make sure their names are written on all items.

***Students should not bring to school and or use any gadgets, toys, and handheld games systems. These are not learning devices and they are often occasion for conflicts or distractions. ***

Community Chat

First day of each school week we have community chat, to share what students did over the weekend. This is also the day they may choose to bring in something to show and share with the class. Again this it optional exercise. Once they share the item is returned to their backpack.

Planners

I thoroughly check planners to see if the students are using them effectively and to provide assistance to those who need reminders to record daily work or up and coming reminders. The website should also help. Parents at home please check the planner daily so you are up to date with what is happening in class. Use the planner, notes or email for a line of communication for contacting me as well.

Homework

Students will be provided with homework on Monday and it is due Friday. Student and parents can decide which day is best to complete the homework and return it to school once completed. This will allow management around outside of school activities. Homework consists of cursive writing, spelling worksheets, math, and reading with response question. Please ensure all homework sheets are securely placed in the proper duotang and returned in the large Ziploc bag.

Also as part of homework, students will be expected to complete Xtramath at least once a week at home online. More information along with personal account number will be sent home soon.

 

If, at any time during the year, you should have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I do have a class website  http://maddock8.educatorpages.com that provides listed homework, updates and reminders as well as a weekly trivia page. Remember, the note in the planner would be the best way to contact me as I check it everyday, but if you prefer the phone or email is fine also. I look forward to working together to assist your child to achieve in all aspects of his/her education. See you soon at “Meet the Teacher Night.”

Gavin Maddock

Grade 4