I. Goals for Fourth Grade Families
A. Collaboration - building a foundation of student-parent-teacher collaboration to foster the best learning opportunities
B. Student Responsibilities - demonstrating respect and responsibility
1- the golden rule - behaving in a way to help create the best learning opportunities for him/herself and for his/her classmates
2- completing homework assignments, turning in assignments on time, managing time for long term assignments

II. Instructional Program
A. Reading - literature based program, small and whole group
1- core books (Island of the Blue Dolphins, In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, By the Great Horn Spoon)
2- literature circles (genre studies)
3- monthly book reports

B. Writing - writing throughout the curriculum, viewed as a process - revise, revise!
1- handwriting - cursive
2- 6 traits
3- poetry
4- science notebooks
5- response journals
6- reports / non-fiction

C. Spelling and Vocabulary Program - Wordly Wise

D. Math - balanced program
1- expectation that students know the basic facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to 12s - see "Facts Made Easy" sheets) by Winter Break at the latest
2- Dale Seymour Investigations - hands-on exploration and discovery, conceptual understanding
3- California Math text book/Mountain Math/Mad Minutes/Nimble with Numbers - basic algorithms, drill and practice, problem solving
4- Opportunity for enrichment with the Problem of the Week (POW) - chance to problem solve, discuss strategies and learn from others.

E. Social Studies - project oriented
1- Geography
2- California History
3- Current Events (TFK)

Social Studies Units and Projects
A. California Geography - Relief Maps
B. California Natives - Reports*
C. California Explorers - Newspapers
D. Mission - Story Boards*
E. Ranchos
F. Gold Rush - Simulation
G. Westward Expansion
H. Making of Modern California
* some work at home required

F. Science
1- Life Science/Biology - Animal Studies
2- Earth Science - Water
3- Physical Science - Electricity & Magnetism

G. Spectra Art - study the masters, projects based on basic elements of art concepts as well as different styles and techniques.

H. Physical Education - daily, wear appropriate shoes (Tuesdays and Fridays with specialist). Students can expect PE every day.

III. Field Trips
A. Fall - Russian Ridge - Species & Spaces (Animal Studies)
B. Jan. - Lively Arts at Stanford (dance) -
C. Feb. - Palo Alto Arts Center (Native Scuplture)
D. March - San Juan Bautista Mission - bus
E. May - Roaring Camp, Felton (Gold Rush)
Note: Other field trips may be arranged over the course of the year.

IV. Parent Volunteers
A. In class and at home opportunities (writing, math, reading, etc.)
B. Field trip coordination and driving
C. Class parties (Halloween, Valentines Day, End of the Year)
D. Literature Circles
E. Friday help - Wordly Wise/Mountain Math
F. Book orders - every other month

V. Homework
A. Approximately one hour per night to be turned in daily
B. I may assign additional homework throughout the week in addition to weekly assignment sheet.
C. Unfinished class work may become homework.
D. Monthly book reports

VI. Communication
A. Classroom Newsletter
B. notes - Friday Folder or other
C. phone/voice mail - Nixon: 856-1622 ex. 110
D. e-mail -Kerrie Edmonds @ kedmonds@pausd.org
e-mail -Susie Deutsch @ sdeutsch@pausd.org

We look forward to a full and exciting year of academic and personal growth.

Teacher: Ms. Kerrie Edmonds / Ms. Susie Deutsch
Room Number: A-6
Phone: 650..856..1622 ex. 110
Website: http://staff.pausd.palo-alto.ca.us/~kswan/index.html

Daily Schedules: 8:00-2:20pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.
8:00-1:30pm Wed.

Recess: 10:00-10:20am Children should have snacks to eat.
Lunch: 11:45-12:25pm

BIRTHDAYS
Birthday celebrations are usually held before recess or at the end of the day. It would be helpful to know in advance via note or in person. Students may bring individual treats (cookies, cupcakes, brownies, etc) to share with all students - no cakes please. Napkins or plates would be greatly appreciated. In addition, please refrain from handing out any invitations during school hours unless there is an invitation for everyone in our class.

FRIDAY FOLDERS
Friday folders are colored folders that your child will use to bring completed assignments and newsletters home. Please review all the contents. In addition to your child's work, important correspondence such as field trip and conference notices will also be in the folder. The folder will be sent home on Friday, and should be returned to school every Monday.

HOMEWORK
Homework will be assigned on Mondays and due each day during the week. Students are responsible for carrying their homework to and from school each day in his/her binder. Weekly assignments will include spelling/vocabulary, math, and 30min. per night of reading (at their appropriate level). Special assignments such as science and social studies reports will be given at various times throughout the year. Homework is designed to take approximately one hour, but of course the workload will vary for individual students. If it is consistently taking significantly longer than an hour a night, let me know and we can make a plan to adapt nightly assignments.

HOT LUNCH
Please make sure your child's name is on the ticket or envelope containing the money. Tickets are available for purchase at the office.

PARENT CONFERENCES
Formal parent-teacher conferences will be held in October. Student-led conferences will be held in the spring.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Physical Education - Palo Alto Unified provides biweekly physical education instruction taught by a physical education specialist. Your child's PE time has been scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays.
NOTE: I will be teaching daily PE on off days so make sure your child wears appropriate shoes and clothing every day.

Library - Your child will visit the library once a week with PE on Tuesdays from.

Music - Palo Alto Unified offers two choices for fourth grade students. Students may audition for strings or join the general music program. Music will be on Mondays from 12:50 - 1:30 pm and Wednesdays from 8:15 - 8:55 am.

Computers - Your child will visit the computer lab once every-other week to work on projects that accompany classroom units, as well as weekly visits to develop keyboarding skills.
Don't forget to check the Nixon Computer Lab Website at :

http://staff.pausd.org/~bvana/index.shtml