4th Grade

Dear Fourth Grade Parents,
 
Welcome to Grade Four!!  I am sure your child is getting ready to head back to school as well as wondering what goes on in fourth grade.  This is an exciting time for me as well as I begin this adventure with your child.
 
I am beginning my 27^th year at Christ the King School!  That sounds so long and yet it seems like just yesterday I walked into the building.  I am married and have a 28-year-old son.  I love being outdoors.  Hiking and biking are my favorite activities.  I also love to read.  I enjoy mysteries and children’s books.
 
Catholic school education is a partnership between parents and the school.  As your child’s teacher, I want to know how I can help your child become the person God wants him/her to be.  Communication is therefore very important to me.  The best way to contact me is via email.  My email address is rjohnson@cksdesmoines.com   I will answer email or phone messages before 8:05, during my break and after school.
 
The other main communication tool I will use is ClassDojo.  Not only do I use the point system provided but I also post pictures and videos.  Please make sure you sign in to your account so you don’t miss any information or class activities.
 
Fourth graders are allowed to get food from a la carte.  There is a charge for EVERYONE on these extra food items.  Please let me know if your child is NOT allowed to purchase items or you would like to put a limit on what they purchase.  The money for a la carte will be taken out of your child’s lunch account so you do not need to send separate money for it.
 
As a reminder, please sign your child’s assignment notebook every evening.  It helps me know that you are to date with everything happening in our classroom.
 
Each student has their own locker this year.  If you want to purchase a shelf for the bottom of the locker, that is up to you.  It does come in handy in the winter to separate the snow boots from other materials.  You do NOT need to buy anything.  I’m just letting you know it is okay.  Also, I will tell the students they can put up ONE item in their locker.  Again, this is up to you.  Most students this age either put up a picture of their family or a special magnet.
 
Religion is a major part of our day.  We will begin the year with a focus on prayer.  The other main topics for fourth grade are the Ten Commandments, Sacraments, and an introduction to the Beatitudes.
 
Fourth grade is a time when you will see significant academic growth in your child.  They have moved from learning to read to reading to learn.  While we continue to work on reading skills, we will begin to spend more time on social studies and science.  Social studies focuses on the United States and learning about the regions.  The students will learn the location and capitals of all 50 states.
allfunapps.com – is a great site for both locations and capitals and is the one we will be using in the classroom.  Science topics include Earth’s materials, the muscular and skeletal human body systems, and energy.
 
Daily homework assignments will consist of reading and math practice.  Your child will have a book they bring home every evening with the required number of pages to be read and a question to be answered.  The math practice will be the completion of the day’s assignment, fact practice, or test preparation.
 
Thank you for entrusting your child to Christ the King School!  I pray that we will all grow in our quest to know, love and serve the Lord.  God bless!
 
Mrs. Becky Johnson