WELCOME Parents

CommunicationClassroom Blog:

mrskerryannalcantara.wordpress.com

Email: kerryann.branker@cvesd.org

Follow us on Twitter: #camfam314

School Blog: Camarenaelementary.com

Daily Schedule8:15 Opening: Quick Write/Problem of the Day

8:30 Math

10:00 Recess

10:15 Literacy Block: Writing

11:25 Lunch

12:10 Literacy Block: Read Aloud, Shared/Guided/Lit. Circles, Writing, Grammar (Social

Studies/Science embedded)

2:00 Daily 5

2:45Dismissal

*P.E 100 minutes every weeks (10-15 minutes daily and 45 minutes on Friday)

Eureka Math

Also known as Engage New York

Conceptual understanding first

Build, Draw, Explain … before algorithm

Daily practice, note taking and homework

WritingStudents will use both a digital and a handwritten format

Grammar and editing are taught using the Looking at Student Work approach.

Students are taught three genres of writing:NarrativePersuasiveInformational/Expository

Students are using KidBlog and Google Docs to publish their work digitally. This will enable them to build their portfolio as well as share their writing with an audience.

ReadingStudents are required to read for 30 minutes in class in addition to the 30 minutes required for homework.

Students participate in literature circles and meet for small group instruction to work towards increasing fluency, building vocabulary, and strengthening reading comprehension. 4th graders are expected to read 120 WPM with 98% accuracy and score at least a 7/8 for comprehension to be considered a proficient reader.

Students participate in discussions during our read aloud

Both fiction and non-fiction text will be utilized throughout the school year

40 Book Challenge: read 40 books and write a summary and book review for each over the course of the school year

TechnologyStudents are learning how to utilize:

The Classroom Blog

Their personal KidBlog

Edmodo

Google Docs

All of these can be accessed from home.

They will also be learning how to use a variety of presentation Apps that we have on our iPad Mini devices.

Each 4th grade classroom is equipped with 12 iPads, 2 Asus tablets and 5 MacBooks.

If you would like your child to bring their own device to use in class, please be sure to get the release of liability form from me this evening before you leave.

Social Studies Students are learning about

California’s history

Book clubs and literacy blocks will be integrated with our study on California History

Students will learn move about the California Regions, CA Native American Tribes, the Mission System, Gold Rush, etc.

ScienceLast year, Camarena began using the Next Generation Science standards.

These standards are designed to give students a deeper understanding in each of the core areas since they build on the year prior’s learning. They also provide opportunities for students to explore and experiment in order to better understand this valuable content.

Physical Education

Our weekly schedule includes 100 minutes of physical education, most of which is done outdoors, however some of the activity takes place inside the classroom.

Keep this in mind when your child puts on their shoes in the morning.

P.E. is a requirement and therefore students are expected to participate. If your child has a condition that limits their participation, be sure to let us know so that we can make the necessary accommodations.

CollaborationOver the course of the school year, there are specific days scheduled for grade level teaching teams to collaborate for the purpose of looking at student work and testing data as well as to design appropriate instruction for your children. During those times we have 5 collaboration teachers that work with your children for the 2 hour block in the following areas:

Math

Science

Music

Art

P.E.

Wellness PolicyPlease remember, as per the district Wellness Policy, that food (including healthy items) can not be brought in to celebrate birthdays.

We are limited to two class parties (with food) per year. We will have one party just before the Christmas Break and the other at the end of the school year.

Students may have a water bottle in class.

Please pack a healthy snack for the nutrition break.

Behavior Management

In room 314, we use a behavior management system called Class Dojo.

Students “earn” points for positive behavior (such as being on task, being a great listener, following classroom expectations, etc.)

Likewise, students can receive negative Dojo points for time off task, being a “Bucket Dipper” etc.

Weekly classroom reports sent to parents.

HomeworkHomework is sent home nightly Monday – Thursday.

Homework is due the following day

Homework is posted weekly on the blog

If it takes your child more than an hour to complete their homework, please send in a note.

Students are required to read 30 minutes nightly

How You Can HELP

Your child’s success in school is dependent upon all of us doing our part and that requires communication

Follow the classroom blog so that you are notified by email each time new information is added

Follow the Camarena school blog so that you are aware of calendared items and special events. Picture day is tomorrow!

Schedule your conference

If you have some free time and would like to volunteer, be sure to let us know!

FieldtripsWe are currently looking into some fieldtrips that correlate with the fourth grade Common Core Standards.

Transportation is costly, therefore we are limited to the amount of field trips we can take and will ask for bus fee donations to help support the outing.

We are currently looking into the following trips:

Cuyamaca Water Conservation Garden and Museum

Star of India (end of Jan)

Olympic Training Center

AssessmentsFourth Grade Students are assessed in Reading, Writing and Math.

There are 7 modules in our math program. Each of those modules include a pre, mid and post assessment. Students were just given the mid assessment for module 1. The pre and mid assessments help guide our instruction throughout the school year.

Students are given a pre and post writing assessment each quarter.

Students are given the QRI reading assessment to check for reading progress.

Students are given district and state assessments at the end of the year in all three of these areas.

Report CardsLast year both Kinder and 1st grade began using the new Common Core aligned report card.

2 – 6 used the old report card and added an addendum.

This year we will all be using the new Common Core aligned report card.

Please be patient as we make this shift and feel free to ask questions about any of the areas you are concerned about.

ConferencesPlease sign up for your conference this evening before you leave.

Feel free to bring a list of questions when attending your child’s parent-teacher conference.

QUESTIONS?