WELCOME TO MS. FITZELL & MS. WEATHERFORD S 4 TH GRADE CLASS Things to do while you wait Please make sure to sign in and fill out the other important sign-up sheets: Contact Information sheet (everyone must fill out, please write NEATLY!) Room Parent sheet (optional) St. Augustine (optional)
Welcome Welcome to Somerset Academy s open house! We are delighted to be your child s Fourth Grade teachers. Fourth grade is a growing year for your child and we are delighted to be their guide. Our goal as your child s teacher is to motivate them to succeed!
About Us! Ms. Weatherford - I have been with the Somerset Family the last five years. I graduated from Florida State University and currently pursuing my Master s degree in Educational Leadership. This will be my fourth year teaching fourth grade! Ms. Fitzell- This will be my third year teaching at Somerset Academy. I myself attended this school for fourth and fifth grade! I received my Bachelor s Degree from Florida International University. I am also in the middle of getting my Master s Degree!
Curriculum The 4 th grade curriculum consists of Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Our curriculum follows the Florida Standards, providing your child with a well-rounded and complete education. We utilize Journeys, Go Math, and Science Fusion textbooks and workbooks. Along with the textbooks, we will also incorporate Scholastic News, educational websites, digital resources, and 4 th grade novels into their learning and enrichment. Novels include: 1. Holes by Louis Sachar 2. TBA
Florida State Assessment (FSA) The FSA is used to measure performance standards in Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, and Writing. Emphasizes critical thinking and assess students higher-order thinking skills Multiple choice Creating graphs Interact with test content Reflective writing Testing Schedule: April 1- April 12: FSA Writing (Paper based) May 1-May 17: FSA Mathematics May 1- May 17: FSA English/Language Arts Somerset FSA tutoring: More information will be provided in the near future
Grades and Pinnacle 100%- 90% A 89%- 80% B 79%- 70% C 69%- 60% D 59% and below F Tests = 45% Classwork = 30% Quizzes = 10% Homework = 10% Projects = 5% Pinnacle is our student database system. Parents will be able to access their child s grades through this system. You may also set the parameters to become notified on you child s progress if your child falls below your desired percentage. Login information can be found on our webpages.
4 th Grade Schedule- Fitzell 8:15-8:30 Morning Bell work 8:30-10:30 Math/Science 10:30-10:35 SWITCH 10:35-10:45 Morning Business 10:45-11:05 Science 11:05-11:35 Lunch 11:35-12:45 Whole Group Math 12:45-1:15 Specials 1:20-1:50 Recess 1:50-2:20 Cont. Math/Science 2:25-2:30 Pack Up 2:30 Dismissal 4 th Grade Schedule- Weatherford 8:15-8:30 Morning Business 8:30-10:30 Block One ELA/S.S 10:30-10:35 SWITCH 10:35-11:00 Morning Business 11:05-11:35 Lunch 11:35-12:45 ELA 12:45-1:15 Specials 1:20-1:50 Recess 1:50-2:20 ELA cont., S.S. 2:25-2:30 Pack Up 2:30 Dismissal
Fitzell s Specials Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday STEM 1:55-2:25 P.E 12:45-1:15 Spanish 12:45-1:15 Music 12:45-1:15 Art 12:45-1:15 If you need to contact the specials teacher, please email them directly. Emails can be found on our webpages.
Weatherford s Specials Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday P.E. 12:45-1:15 Spanish 12:45-1:15 Music 12:45-1:15 Art 12:45-1:15 STEM 12:45-1:15 If you need to contact the specials teacher, please email them directly. Emails can be found on our webpages.
Candy Rewards Classroom Management Fitzell s Compliment System- Achievements Around the World Students will receive stamps in their empty passport booklets at the end of every week based on their work ethic and behavior. At the end of the school year, the quantity of stamps will determine the amount of toppings on their ice cream sundaes. Students will also work together as a team to earn compliments from staff and administration. As soon as they spell out the word compliments students will receive a movie and popcorn party. Consequences- 1 st Time: Verbal Warning 2 nd Time: Name on board/ 5 minutes off recess 3 rd Time: 15 minutes off recess/ parent contact Severe discipline: Student will be sent to administration / immediate parent contact / referral ***Students who receive 2 or more referrals will not be allowed to join on any school field trips***
Classroom Management Candy Rewards Weatherford s Compliment System- As we sail into for 4 th grade, tickets will be used on an individual basis. Once a student earns 10 tickets for positive behavior, they will be able to redeem them for a homework pass or candy! Students will also work together as a team to earn compliments from staff and administration. As soon as they spell out the word compliments students will receive a movie and popcorn party on Fridays. Consequences- 1 st Time: Verbal Warning 2 nd Time: Name on board/ 5 minutes off recess 3 rd Time: 15 minutes off recess/ parent contact Severe discipline: Student will be sent to administration / immediate parent contact / referral ***Students who receive 2 or more referrals will not be allowed to join on any school field trips***
Planners Planners are used daily and provide important information such as the year long calendar of school activities, homework, spelling/vocabulary words and notes from school to home. Planners must be signed daily by an adult. Reviewing the planner nightly will give you an opportunity to check and discuss your child s homework and progress. It will also give us the opportunity to communicate with you if needed.
Tests Tests count for 45% of your child s final average. Each Friday, our tests will include: Spelling, Vocabulary Definitions, Grammar, and Reading Comprehension. *You will be notified if these tests will NOT be given* Math, Social Studies, and Science Tests will vary based on the length of the chapter. Please keep in mind, Reading tests are Open Book. (Due to yearly reproductions, these assessments will not be sent home). If a student receives lower than a 70% in reading or a 60% in math on a test, we will send it home to be signed and returned in their binder.
Homework When homework is assigned, it is due the next school day unless otherwise stated by the teacher. If a student does not turn homework in the next day, we will enter a grade of 0% in Pinnacle. Students ARE ALLOWED to turn homework in late for up to 75%. After three days, we will no longer accept the assignment. If a students has an excused absence, they will have two school days for each day missed to make up the missing work.
Communication Communication is an important part of success for your child. We will provide weekly updates via an e- mail distribution list and online through our Web Page at somersetacademy.com The fastest way to reach us is by e-mail. Please feel free to e-mail us at jfitzell@somersetacedemy.com rweatherford@somersetacademy.com with any questions or concerns anytime. We will try to respond as quickly as possible, but please allow up to one school day for a response.
Communication Student work will be sent home as graded. Please check your child s planner and binder daily for updates and returned work. Please sign and return any grade lower than a 70% in reading. It is our commitment to help your child succeed by establishing a strong school-home connection created through parent-teacher communication. Within the school year, two face to face conferences are required. It is our commitment to help your child succeed, and it would be our pleasure to discuss your child s progress.
Active Emergency Throughout the school year we will be practicing for an active emergency periodically. We understand this is a difficult topic, however in order to keep your child safe we encourage you to have conversation at home with your child about how important these drills are. Our number one priority for your child is to find a safe hiding place and REMAIN SILENT. We will communicate to you if your child is having a hard time following directions during these practice procedures.
Volunteer Hours Parents must complete a total of 30 volunteer hours These hours may be completed by helping out in the classroom or school, purchasing supplies for the class, volunteering for special events or projects, donating snacks, or chaperoning on field trips. Please remember to keep the receipt and attach it to the Volunteer Record Form. I will sign the form and turn it in to the office. We are happy to announce that we have created a link on our website to facilitate the tracking of your volunteer hours. Please follow the steps below to view your account: 1) Go onto: www.somersetacademy.com 2) Click Stop (Obligations) 3) Log on: ########## (student ID number) 4) Password: mm/dd/yyyy (student s birthday) (*** slashes are required***) Room Parent: If you are interested in becoming a room parent for our class, please send me an email or indicate it on the sign in sheet. *Doors: Only decorate doors, not the wall or floor around it.
Uniform Policy Follow Somerset School Uniform Policy. If a student is out of uniform at any point in time, they will be asked to change into a uniform. If they do not have a change of clothes, parents will be notified to bring them clothing. P.E. Days: Students wear their P.E. uniform. Fridays: Spirit Days - Students can wear their Orange Spirit shirt and jeans. Dress Down Days Students can dress down for $2 (Please check the school uniform policy on which attire is appropriate for dress down days).
Attendance Somerset Academy follows Broward County Schools Attendance Policy 5.5! This means every minute counts, from absences, tardiness, and early sign outs. School begins promptly at 8:30 am, however doors open at 8:15 am. Students that arrive late to school must have parents sign them in the office and pick-up a late pass before walking to the classroom. Please be advised that our classes will be starting instruction time at 8:30am sharp. For absences: Please provide a note explaining the reason for your child s absence the day he or she returns to school. If you are planning for a trip or special occasion, you must submit a letter and get prior approval. Failure to get pre-approval may result in unexcused absences on your child s attendance record.
Dismissal Carpool pick-up is from 2:30-3:00 p.m. Early Release Days dismissal is at 12:30p.m. If you pick-up from the car lane: Please hang colored decal from rearview mirror and make sure to include your child s name using a dark marker. Students riding the bus will wait in the cafeteria until the correct bus number or name is called. Although attendance IS taken by all drivers, please make sure your child/children know the name or route number of their bus. Please arrive on time. Any student who is not picked up by 3:00 will be signed in at the Elementary Office. Once the student is signed in, a parent or guardian MUST sign the student out in the Office in order for the student to be dismissed. If you are continually late picking up your child, the office will start charging $25/day. Early Pick-up is not allowed after 2:00 P.M.
Back Pack Tags Back Pack tags are a requirement for this school year. Each tag will have the students name, grade, teacher, and mode of transportation. These tags are strictly for the safety of each student, and are utilized to ensure that students are returning home the correct way. Included in the purchase of a planner ($8) The bag tags will go home Wednesday in their first day folders. Please fill this out in order to ensure a smooth dismissal for the following day.
St. Augustine St. Augustine is our big fourth grade overnight field trip. It runs APPROXIMATELY $300 students/ $310 adults Price includes St. Augustine t-shirt, sweatshirt, hotel stay, and meals. Prices may be reduced based on the number of students attending and fundraising events. If a students receives more than 2 referrals before this field trip, they will NO LONGER be allowed to join. * Please sign the St. Augustine sheet if you are interested so we may get our prices to you as soon as possible.
Chipotle Fundraiser! 3231 SW 160 th Ave. STE 101 in Miramar on Tuesday, September 25 th between 4:00pm-8:00pm!
Reminders Lunch is $3.25; accounts are up and running. At times, it is quite cold in the classrooms. Please send your child with a sweater to school if needed. Students are only allowed to drink bottled water in class. Students are required to bring a chapter book daily if they complete their work and for SSR. As of July 1 st 2013, we will not be accepting anymore CHECKS. Only online payments will be accepted. Free and Reduced Lunch Applications are now available on-line. Please visit our Somerset Academy Website, select the Parent Tab on the top to locate the document.
Forms to be Returned Copy of Insurance Card (Front and back) Student Data Card Family/Volunteer Application Code of Conduct pgs. 6-10 Spirit Shirt Student/Parent handbook acknowledgement form Payment Agreement Parent/Guardian contract $10 Specials Fee
Wish List If you are interested in purchasing an item for the classroom, please refer to the Back Board. We have separated our wish lists by teacher! Please take the top copy and sign the bottom copy with your child s name!
Final Note We are truly excited to be teaching your child! We know that all children can learn and that it is a collaborative effort between the parents, teachers, and student. We are committed to the success of your child and hope to inspire and educate them. We know that we will have a successful year!