Dear Families,

The 4th grade teachers team teach math, science, and social studies.  The students have Mr. Heier for math, Mrs. McGuire for social studies, and Mrs. Rancilio for science.  We switch classes for approximately 50 minutes.  The 4th grade team has developed  common expectations as well as a common discipline plan using flip cards. 

Teaming:
Your child will receive quality lessons in math, social studies, and science 4 days per week.  Fridays will be reserved for reteaching math, enrichment, rewards, and special projects.   We will work together to make sure that all students are accountable for the homework and class work.

Communication
There are several ways you can contact us.  You can reach us via email or by phone:

Heier: nheier@lsps.org or 586-285-8668
McGuire: mmcguire@lsps.org or 586-285-8645
Rancilio: arancilio@lsps.org  or at 586-285-8669.
Please leave a voice mail if we are unavailable and we will return your call as soon as possible.  
The parent-teacher partnership is important in your child's growth and education.  Please feel free to discuss any needs or concerns you have throughout the year.  Together, we can provide a positive and enriching learning environment for your child.  

Homework:
As a teaching team we will make sure that your child has no more than 30-40 minutes of homework per night. Some nights there may be no homework assigned at all.  If there is no homework assigned we expect the students to keep up with their reading log, study vocabulary or review math facts.  Writing in a journal is also a wonderful way to spend extra time.  Homework will be due the next day unless otherwise noted in their agenda.

Classroom Expectations, Consequences, and Rewards
For each classroom to be a successful learning environment, we follow the Lifelong Guidelines and LIFESKILLS.  It is important that students understand what is expected of them as well as consequences for their behavior.     

Classroom Expectations
There are three classroom rules: be safe, be responsible, and be respectful. Students are expected to follow these rules at all times throughout the school day.

Classroom Consequences:
We use a color chart to monitor behavior. The chart works as follows:

Green:  Having a Great Day! 
Yellow:  Warning- no consequence, just a warning to correct behavior
Blue: Consequence is loss of next recess.
Red: Loss of next recess, a “Life Skill Plan" sheet, and a phone call home 
4th time-In addition to the above, removal from classroom setting and meeting with parents

Individual rewards:
Praise- Students receive praise for good behavior and following procedures.

Fun Friday- Students who have turned in all work for the week AND have had good behavior for the entire week will get to participate in Fun Friday- this is our 4th grade reward/recess time.  Students who have not shown responsible behavior OR have missing work will not be able to participate in Fun Friday.