Ustick Elementary 2013-2014

Solar System Magnetism & Electricity

Ecosystems

Math core instruction will be taught in our classroom.

*place value *word problems *fractions/decimals *multiplication/division *measurement/geometry *algebra

Skill groups, taught by 4th and 5th grade teachers, as well as specialists, will be utilized for more tailored instruction.

Reading and language core instruction will be taught in our classroom. *fluency *comprehension *vocabulary

Skill groups, taught by 4th and 5th grade teachers, as well as specialists, will be utilized for more tailored instruction.

 A variety of writing styles (narrative, informative, descriptive, persuasive, etc.) will be taught throughout the year. Students will be learning to use a variety of organizational tools. Students will be continuing to learn editing skills. Focus on the 6+1 Traits of Writing
(Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, Presentation).

 Each student needs to have a book to read at school, EVERY day! The school library and classroom library are available to your students.

Students will be spending a good amount of time reading at school, but are also expected to read 60 minutes per week at home.

 Spelling words are given every Monday.

Students will work on spelling activities in class but should also review words each night. Students will be using word sorts, center activities, and online tools for spelling practice. Spelling tests are given every Friday.

 Idaho History and Westward Expansion are taught in 4th grade. Wagons Ho and Rendezvous are two big events students get to participate in during 4th grade.

Monday: Library
Tuesday: PE/Music Wednesday: Health Thursday: PE/Music Friday: Computers

Free & Reduced Lunch applications need to be turned in EVERY year! Students have 2 lunch options per day, or they can bring their own lunch from home.
*Students are allowed to have a water bottle at their desk, and may bring a small, non-messy snack each day

Daily Homework Expectations:

Spelling practice (review words nightly) Nightly reading (divided up into at least 60 minutes per week) Math practice (multiplication and division facts are MOST important!!)

Your child will not have a huge amount of homework unless he/she wastes class time and has to complete unfinished work at home.
There may be occasional projects that need to be worked on at home.

 Agendas are filled out AS A CLASS, each day! Agendas only need to be signed on Thursday night, unless work is not being turned in. Agendas will communicate what was done in class, homework assignments, and special events/reminders.

3 Classroom Rules:
Be RESPECTFUL

Be RESPONSIBLE
Be SAFE
I use the district-adopted Love & Logic method of classroom discipline.

Students are graded on a 4-point scale, which does NOT correlate to a grade or percentage
4 Advanced (rarely used)

GOAL

3 Meeting grade-level standards

2 Moving towards grade-level standards 1 Below grade-level standards

There will be no letter grades or percentages written on the report card.

Classroom volunteers are extremely valuable! Please let me know if you are willing to help out!

Ways you can volunteer:

Special projects Art projects Classroom Celebrations Student Assistance
Every volunteer needs to complete the districts VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION paper after reading the districts VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK.

Volunteer in our Classroom!

EMAIL: murphy.lori@meridianschools.org

PHONE: Phone: (208) 855-4120

IN PERSON: I am happy to meet with you at a pre-arranged time that works for both of us!