Course Description
Math – Fourth grade Math is not just computation, but includes all 5 strands of Mathematics as listed in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Graded Course of Study. Strands are: Number, Number Sense, and Operations Strand; Geometry and Spatial Sense Strand; Data Analysis Strand; Measurement Strand; and Problem Solving, Patterns, Functions, Algebra, and Probability Strand.

Social Studies – Students study Ohio History and North America, with special emphasis on the regions of the United States. Students participate in Nativity's Map Studies Program each month, and are introduced to note taking, research, keyboarding, and study skills.

Religion – Besides studying the basics of our Catholic faith, students prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Religion classes help students learn to make good choices and to incorporate the teachings of Jesus Christ into their lives.

Classroom Rules and Expectations
The main expectation is for students to do their best in whatever they do. There is no boundary to this expectation. Doing their best is not limited to just academic work. Of course it is expected that students put forth their best effort in each assignment, project, test or quiz, however they are also expected to put forth their best effort in their interactions and relationships with classmates, teachers, principal, parents and most importantly themselves. Specific classroom rules are generated by the students during class meetings through discussion of the following ways to meet the above expectations:

Follow the rules of proper school behavior, as explained in the Nativity Student Handbook.
  • Display respect and kindness to others, and their property and keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
  • Pay attention in class, participate, and stay organized throughout the school year.

Grading
Letter grades are given and are new to grade four students. An A, B, C, D, or F will appear on assignments, many times with the corresponding percentage grade. All "F" grades may be corrected for a passing grade. Teachers encourage students to turn in corrections promptly. Letter grades are as follows:
  • "A" - performance far exceeds expectations, or excellent work, or 93% to 100% accuracy.
  • "B" - performance above expectations, or very good work, or 85% to 92% accuracy.
  • "C" - performance meets expectations, or good work, or 77% to 84% accuracy.
  • "D" - performance below expectations, or work needs improvement, or 70% to 76% accuracy.
  • "F" - performance fails to meet expectations, or failing work, or 69% and below accuracy.

At the end of the quarter, I average homework assignments, classroom assignments, quizzes, double project scores, and double test scores. Then I look at the quality of students' oral answers in class, extra credit work, and participation in class, in finalizing grades.

Homework Policy
  • Nightly homework on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday
  • Long term assignments building to 2, 3, or 4 weeks
  • Monthly memorization of prayers
  • Monthly map tests September through April
  • Monthly book comprehension quizzes in November, January, and April
  • Introduction to end of chapter and end of unit tests

Every effort should be made to turn in assignments on the due date. Assignments will be accepted one day late but a Homework Assistance Time (HAT) after school is required if the assignment is incomplete on the second day. Three HAT's in one quarter result in notification of the principal. Students are also expected to make up assignments missed due to absence. Missing assignments result in a zero if not turned in by the end of the quarter.

Classroom Management
Students are responsible for their own choices and actions. Both 4th grade teachers use a color-coded reward and consequence card system for behavior. Colors are changed if an infraction occurs.
  • White – Student's reward card will be punched at the end of the day, signifying positive behavior throughout the day.
  • Green – Student receives a verbal warning, but reward card will still be punched at the end of the day.
  • Yellow – Student's reward card will not be punched at the end of the day.
  • Red – Student's reward card will not be punched at the end of the day, and a school detention period will be issued to the student. If      the student has already received a detention period that week, the color card is automatically moved to purple.
  • Purple – Student's reward card will not be punched, and student receives a Conduct Report. After three conduct reports there will be a      parent/ student/ teacher conference with the principal.

Accumulated punches on students' reward cards may be redeemed for prizes at the end of each quarter. Each child's homeroom teacher keeps the reward cards. Punches may be saved for the next quarter but should be redeemed before the end of the year.

Communication
Packets of student's work and "Fourth Grade News Notes" are sent home every Tuesday. They require a parent signature for return and have a 'Comments" section for both parent and teacher communication.

Please feel free to approach me with questions or concerns throughout the year whenever the need arises. Students may always ask about directions to assignments, due dates, etc. during daily "business time" in my classes or bring up their concerns in weekly "class meetings". Parents may write me a note or call the school office and leave a message for me. Email is also a great way to communicate for both parents and students.

Contact Information
  • Email address – pfrutti@moose-mail.com
  • School office – 513-458-6767
  • Notes – Addressed to "Mrs. Burwinkel" delivered directly by student or left in teacher mailbox in the school office.

Links/Sites I'd like parents to have
  •  Personal Webpage - 1. Go to http://www.scholastic.com and click on the Class Homepage Login link.
                                   2. A new page will appear with a Login box.     Enter User Name: nativitygrade4    Password: webpage
                                   3. Click Submit.

  • Research and Homework Help – Nettrekker – http://www.nettrekker.com
             User Name: students206       Password: students 206

  • Math Practice – AAAMath – http://www.aaamath.com

Name of Textbooks
Math – Houghton Mifflin Math, Greenes, Larson, Leiva, Shaw, Stiff, Vogeli, & Yeatts, Houghton Mifflin Company;
           Journey to the Other Side, Carl Sherrill, Creative Publications
Social Studies – The Ohio Adventure, Mary Stockwell, Gibbs Smith Publishing;
                         Atlas of the United States, Celeste Jones Fraser, Rand McNally and Company
Religion – Finding God: Our Response to God's Gifts 4, Barbara and James Campbell, Loyola Press