Student

Handbook

Providing Experiences that Lead to Opportunity

Mrs. L. Del Vecchio and Mrs. A. Griffin

 Ivy Hill Elementary School
2016-2017
Welcome to the Fourth Grade
The fourth grade teachers- Mrs. L. Del Vecchio and Mrs.
A. Griffin- would like to welcome you and your child to the
fourth grade! You and your child are very important to us.
We feel that it is in your childs best interest that we work
together as a team throughout the coming year. If at any
time you have questions or concerns, please contact us. You
may send a note, an email, or call the school and leave a
message. If you leave a number and time that is best to reach
you, then we will return the call as soon as possible.
We believe that this will be an exciting and rewarding
year. This handbook should provide some useful information
and may be a helpful reference throughout the year.
We would like to encourage you to share your email
address with us, as it is the fastest method of communication
between families and the school.
Sincerely,

The Fourth Grade Teachers

 Fourth Grade Handbook
Table of Contents
Welcome
..... 2
School
Pledge....4
Supply
List...5
Curriculum and Grading
Policy......6
Code of
Conduct..9
Missing
Assignments.10
Student Organization and
Responsibility......11
Dress
Code.......12
Birthdays
...12
 Communication
13
Contact
Us.13
Sign and
Return.14
Student Goal
Sheet..15
 Ivy Hill Elementary Schools
Six Standards of the Good Character Pledge

We, the students of Ivy Hill Elementary School,

believe in the Six Standards of Good Character.

The Six Standards of Good Character are:

Trustworthiness
Responsibility
Respect
Caring
Fairness
And Citizenship

We will work hard to live up to the Six Standards

of Good Character as we grow and mature into
productive citizens of this great nation.
 Supply List
1- pencil pouch
15- composition notebooks
1- small personal journal for writing poetry
4- packs of lined paper
5- 2 pocket folders with prongs(red, yellow, blue, green, purple)
48- yellow #2 pencils (Mechanical pencils are NOT ALLOWED)
20- Post-it Note pads (Dollar Tree has ~4 in a pack for $1)
4- Pack of Highlighters
8- Expo Dry Erase Markers (low odor)
1-12 pack of blue pens
1-Combination Lock
1- box of crayons
1- pack of colored pencils
1- pack of washable markers
1- box of Kleenex Tissues
1-pair of earbuds
 Curriculum and Grading Policy
1. Math
Math in Focus is organized to teach fewer topics in each grade, but to teach
them thoroughly. When a concept appears in a subsequent grade level, it is always at a
higher level. For instance, Math in Focus teaches fractions in a way that builds from
grade to grade, where mastery of grade-appropriate concepts eliminates the need for
repetition year after year. Fractions are not taught in first grade, to allow students the
time they need to master the whole number concepts that form the basis of fractions.
Fractions are introduced in second grade, which covers what a fraction is. In third
grade, students cover equivalent fractions and fractions of a set. Fourth grade deals
with mixed fractions and addition of simple fractions. Finally, fifth grade moves on to
addition, subtraction, and multiplication of fractions, as well as division of fractions by
whole numbers. Each grade level addresses an increasingly complex facet of fractions,
and draws on the mastery of concepts that has been developed in previous years. This
is the coherence and focus that the Common Core State Standards call for.
Math in Focus is structured for mastery learning. Rather than repeating topics,
students master them in a grade level, and subsequent grades develop them to more
advanced levels. Moving from addition and subtraction in second grade to multiplication
and division in third grade is such an example. Students continue to practice all the
operations with whole numbers in every grade in the context of problem solving and
deep applications.
Math in Focus emphasizes number and operations in every grade, K-5, just as
recommended in the Common Core State Standards. The textbook is divided into two
books, roughly a semester each. Approximately 75% of Book A is devoted to number
and operations and 60-70% of Book B to geometry and measurement where the
number concepts are practiced, connected, and applied. The key number topics are in
the beginning of the school year so students have a whole year to master them.
Math in Focus is organized around place value and the properties of operations.
The first chapter of each grade level from second to fifth begins with place value. In first
grade, students learn the teen numbers and math facts through place value. In all the
grades, operations are taught with place value materials so students understand how
the standard algorithms work. Even the mental math that is taught uses understanding
of place value to model how mental arithmetic can be understood and done.
Math in Focus is built around the Singapore Ministry of Educations famous
pentagon that emphasizes conceptual understanding, skill development, strategies for
solving problems, attitudes towards math, and metacognition that enables students to
become excellent problem solvers. The highly visual nature of the text and the
consistent concrete to visual to abstract approach enables all students to both
understand how procedures work and to fluently apply them to solve problems.
Math in Focus is famous for its model drawing that enables students to solve
problems, as well as justify their solutions. In addition to journal questions and other
explicit opportunities to explain their thinking, students are systematically taught to use
visual diagrams to represent mathematical relationships in such a way as to not only
accurately solve problems, but also to explain their thinking.

2. English Language Arts

Expeditionary Learning gets students excited about learning through great books,
compelling topics and ownership of their learning. At the same time, teachers get a
vision of the instructional practices that support a Common Core-aligned classroom and
the tools to create it.Four modules, with 3 units in each, comprise a full years
curriculum. Each module progresses in a standard sequence: Building Background
Knowledge (Unit 1), Extended Reading and Research (Unit 2), and Extended Writing
(Unit 3).

Each module comes with books not textbooks or anthologies which have been
carefully selected and vetted by the authors of the Common Core as the best books for
teaching grade level content. These central texts are supported by a list of
recommended textsbooks, articles, and primary source documentsthat balance
literary and informational texts at appropriate levels of complexity.

3. SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES

Studies Weekly believes that an education should help children Learn to Live!

Engaged Learning
The highly engaging, student-centric content brings learning to life for all types of
learners.

Critical Thinking
Engaging with the content helps students develop cognitive skills essential to
intellectual maturity.

Responsible Citizens
Studies Weekly helps foster intelligent, independent, and compassionate problem solvers.
4. GRADING POLICY
Assessments- 65%
Classwork and Participation- 25%
Homework- 10%
 Code of Conduct
KNIGHT-BEHAVIOR POLICY
K- Knowledgeable
N- Neighborly
I - Intelligent
G Gifted
H- Honest
T- Talented

***Students who consistently demonstrate these behaviors will receive

merits through a KNIGHT notification via ClassDojo.

*** Rewards: Students who demonstrate K NIGHT behavior in the

classroom can receive up to three points per class period.

At the end of each class period the teacher will randomly select a student
who demonstrates KNIGHT behavior using C lassDojo. The students whose
names are selected will be given the opportunity to select a reward.

The rewards are as follows:

Line Leader for the Day
Teacher for a day
Lunch with the teachers
Monthly Event Invite

Whole Class Rewards

Pajama Day
Athletic Wear Day
Movie and Popcorn
Hat Day
Recess in the gym

Consequences for Misbehavior:

Lunch Detention Parental Conference
Demerit Notification
 Missing Assignments
NO ZERO POLICY
Academic success or failure in school is determined by a number of
factors. One major factor is whether or not a student completes homework.
Not completing homework hinders the students ability to practice and
move toward mastery of the subject matter. To help students achieve
mastery, we believe if the assignment is important enough to assign, it is
important for them to complete it.

We will be implementing a no-zero homework policy that will strengthen

the students ability to model responsibility and obedience while increasing
their overall academic success. If a student does not complete their
homework, they will be assigned to homework lunch. They will be
completing their homework during their lunchtime. Twenty (20) points will
be deducted from their homework if it is not completed at home and
returned by the due date.

Should your child not put their name on a paper or their number; 3 points
will be deducted from the final grade.

Makeup Work
If a student is absent, makeup work can be picked up after 2:30 p.m. in the
box hanging on the door outside of their homeroom teachers classroom. It
is not possible for us to maintain a structured learning environment if we
are trying to gather a students work because someone has come to our
rooms during instructional time. The make-up policy is a day plus one.
For example, if a student is absent two days, he or she has three days to
complete all missed work. Please note that if the assignment is not turned
in on the day it is due, the homework average will be affected in that
subject. Our curriculum covers a lot of material and is built upon previous
skills learned. Therefore, it is crucial that all students make every effort to
be present and keep up at all times. Thank you in advance for your
cooperation in this matter.
 Student Organization and
Responsibility

1. Distraction Free Environment

All students are required to use an assigned locker to store all
t
non-instructional belongings. Students are allowed to visit lockers a
specific times during the course of the day.

2. Long Term Projects

Students will be completing several projects in New Jersey 4th Grade
Social Studies and Science this year. These projects will complement our
curriculum and allow your child to dig a little deeper in order to discover
some things about the great people, places, and science topics of New
Jersey. All major projects will be counted as test grades. Rubrics and
detailed Instructions are included with each project in this handbook.
Please remember that the projects should be completed by the
students. You may help them along the way but ultimately we want to
see their work.

3. Home Reading Program

Students will be asked to read 2 novels per marking period at home. These
novel studies will complement our curriculum and provide your child with an
opportunity to access high quality literature. All reading logs,Sticky-notes,
and Novel Study Packets will be counted as homework grades. P lease
remember the importance of home reading. Students should read a
minimum of 30 minutes a night; this does not have to be consecutive
minutes.
3. Study Daily
All students are required to take notes during class time. They will maintain
a study guide for each subject. All study-guides will be counted as
classwork and participation grades. A hard-copy of all teacher-made notes
can be found in the classroom near the SmartBoard. Otherwise, students
are encouraged to get the notes from a Buddy, if needed. Please
remember that studying is one of the greatest keys to becoming a
successful student. Students should read over their notes from the
day every night at home.

Dress Code
All students are required to wear the Ivy Hill Elementary School uniform
everyday; unless otherwise stated by school personnel.

Birthdays
We welcome birthday treats! You may send the treat in with your child and
their homeroom will enjoy it during lunch. You may also come to lunch and
celebrate with your child, any day 11:35-12:05.
 Communication
In order for us to have a successful year, it is essential that we
communicate on a regular basis. E very month your child will be
bringing home a folder that will contain their progress report. This will
enable you to constantly monitor grades. You must sign the progress report
and place it back into the folder. The progress report will remain in the
folder as a record of our communication. A lso, you are asked to initial
each page of the homework packet in the top right hand corner and
return it to school every Friday with your child. On Friday, please
check the for the upcoming weeks homework assignments and an
overview of the concepts covered in each subject area.
Email is the best way to communicate with us. Please contact the
elementary school office if there is a change in your childs dismissal
schedule. If you have an emergency, please call the elementary office at
973-351-2121 and they will contact us promptly.

Contact Us
Mrs. Del Vecchio
l1rodriguez@nps.k12.nj.us
Mrs. Griffin
apowell@nps.k12.nj.us
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Please sign & return this page along with

the Student Goals sheet of the handbook to
your childs homeroom teacher.

I, _______________________, the parent or guardian of, ______________________,

has read and discussed the fourth grade handbook with my child.

_________________________ _________________________ _________

Parent signature Student signature Date
 4th Grade Student Goal Sheet
My Goals
2016-2017
________________________________
Student Name
Math:
My MATH goal for the year
is:__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________
Three things that I can do to work on my goal this year are:
1.___________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________

Language Arts:
My LANGUAGE ARTS goal for the year
is:__________________________________________________________
__________________________________.
Three things that I can do to work on my goal this year are:
1.___________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________

________________________________
Parent Signature
________________________________
Student Signature
________________________________
Teacher Signature