Fourth Grade

Handbook
2016-2017

Bear Creek Elementary

RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY,
and THE RIGHT TO LEARN

September 2016
Dear Parents of Fourth Grade Scholars,
The fourth grade teachers would like to welcome you to a
new school year of fun and learning. The enclosed
information and suggestions will assist you in guiding
your child throughout the year. The move into fourth
grade can be overwhelming for both parents and scholars.
Requirements and expectations are much higher than you
have experienced in the past. We hope you find this
information helpful and informative.
Please feel free to contact us at any time during the school
year. Our conference time is 9:40-10:30 daily.
Respectfully,
Your Fourth Grade Team
Brian Martuscello
Stuart Duncan
Kelley Walker
Shanda Beach
Rachel Stillwell
Sydney Key

WELCOME

General Information
After School
Pick-up Time
2:55

SAFETY is our priority at 2:55 dismissal. Scholars exit the

building at the front door or bus circle ONLY. All scholars
must be picked up by 3:10 pm.

1. K SCHOLARS and OLDER SIBLINGS will exit

the bus circle doors.
2. Parents REMAIN in your cars. Your child will come
to you.
3. PULL AHEAD to the next available spot quickly.
4. If you are greeting your child face to face, you MUST PARK in
the front or side lot, use the safety crosswalks,
and walk to where your child is waiting.
5. Children are NOT PERMITTED to cross into any
parking lot without an adult escort.

Arrival

As scholars arrive in the morning, third, fourth, and fifth grades will wait
in the cafeteria. Teachers will arrive to pick up their scholars at 7:30 am
in order to walk them to class.

Assignment/
Plan Book

Scholars will purchase an Assignment / Plan Book

from the office. Fourth and fifth grade scholars use this book for
recording detailed nightly assignments. See sample on page 8. Upon
completion of his/her homework, we ask that a parent or guardian initial
the bottom of the planning page, confirming that the work has been
completed. You can also view a general weekly assignment calendar on
our grade level webpage.

Attendance

Under state mandate, all elementary school children must

be in attendance for at least 80 days a semester. A written excuse needs
to be sent to school the day your child returns from an absence. If you
must excuse your child early during the day, please go to the office and
officially sign your child out of school. Your child will be called to come
to the office. **Please note that if your child leaves early 2 or more days,
this will count against Perfect Attendance.

Changes in
Address

If you have a change of address, telephone number, or

name, please notify the school immediately to update your information.

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Clothing

Please send your child to school in clothes that adhere to the Grapevine
Colleyville dress code. For your childs safety, be sure that clothing will
not hinder participation in physical activities. For example, poolside flipflops are extremely dangerous. Tennis Shoes must be worn for PE!!
Also, no skin is to be seen between tops/shirts and waistband of
pants/shorts. Please review the district handbook and The ABCs of
Bear Creek handbook carefully.

Conferences

Fourth grade teachers are available for conferencing most days between
9:40-10:30. Other times before or after school can be arranged if needed.

Curriculum

Fourth grade scholars have a very full schedule. Their

subjects include: language, reading, writing, spelling, math, science,
social studies, music, art, PE, and science.

Daily Conduct
Folder

Digital
Citizenship

Email

Parents will need to review and sign the Daily Conduct

Folder each week. This communication provides you with details
about your childs RESPECT and study habits on a daily basis. It is the
scholars responsibility to have you sign this before we check them
Monday mornings. See a sample on page 9.
As we are a 1:1 campus and engage in global learning experiences,
scholars will be expected to adhere to Trust Card expectations. Scholars
will treat technology devices (iPads, Macbooks, etc.) carefully, only go on
approved apps or websites, and utilize these tools safely and respectfully
in the classroom.
Teachers may be contacted by e-mail using the teachers first.last name
and the following address:

firstname.lastname@GCISD.net
Field Trips

We will travel to Austin in November this year! Information about this

field trip will be sent home prior to the scheduled trip. If you are
interested in being a chaperone, please visit the GCISD website and
complete a current background check online. Chaperones are limited!

Folders

Your childs graded work will be sent home every Monday in a folder.
These papers will be accompanied by a Weekly Signature Sheet.
Please review and applaud your childs efforts, then sign on the
appropriately dated line, returning it Tuesday morning..

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Grades

Your childs grades reflect his/her academic performance, quality of work,

completeness, neatness, timeliness of work completion, ability to listen
and follow both oral and written directions, and class participation.

The grading scale is as follows:

A
100 - 90
B
89 - 80
C
79 - 70
F
69 and below

Homework

Homework is an extension of the learning process. The districts

suggested amount of time for a 4th grader is from 0 to 60 minutes DAILY.
Any unfinished class work will be sent home to be completed in addition
to other assigned homework. When circumstances beyond a childs
control prevent them from completing overnight assignments, please send
a note explaining the situation. Football games, soccer practice,
shopping, going out to dinner, etc. are NOT acceptable circumstances.
Scholars are expected to complete math homework nightly, as we
review it in class to support our instruction.

Library

Scholars will have the opportunity to visit the library a minimum

of once a week and more often as needed (this is highly encouraged!).

Lunchroom
Expectations

Scholars receive 30 minutes daily for lunch. While scholars are waiting
in line to buy, all scholars must be SILENT. This quiet time enables the
cafeteria staff to hear the scholars requests, while providing a pleasant
eating environment.

Lunch Money

Lunch money is handled in the cafeteria. We ask that all

lunch money be deposited, or bills paid, before school begins
at 7:40 am daily. We also offer free and reduced lunch assistance. Just
inquire in the office.

Lunch Visitors

When parents come to eat lunch with their child, they

must sit at the tables provided. Parents are to eat ONLY
with their child. All other scholars will eat with their
classmates at the designated class tables.

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Medication

The GCISD policy states that no medication is to be in childrens

hands at any time, including at school and on field trips. This includes
prescription and non-prescription medication, even cough drops.
Parents please give the medicine directly to the school nurse. School law
states that medication be administered at school ONLY from its
original container. Ask your pharmacist to prepare a second container
for school.

Nightly
Reading

Scholars are required to read for 20-30 minutes nightly and write
a response about what they have read. Reading Response calendars
include a variety of response activities and are assigned on Monday,
Tuesday, and Thursday of each week.

Parties

We have two parties during the school year Winter Holiday and
Valentines Day. We ask that fourth grade homeroom parents coordinate
food and games. PTA guidelines are provided and must be followed.

Punctuality

Teachers are at their classroom doors at 7:30 am each morning. It is

essential that scholars arrive on time, so they will have adequate time to
prepare for the day. Scholars will be counted tardy if they are not in
their seats when the 7:40 bell rings. School ends at 2:55 pm. Scholars
must exit and GO DIRECTLY HOME. School staff have meetings and
other requirements that start at 3:10. Please be on time!

Report Cards

Report cards will be issued every nine weeks via Skyward Family Access
website. If you require a paper copy, please inquire in the office.

Responsibility

We emphasize responsibility in the fourth grade. Scholars are expected to

be responsible for their actions on the playground, in the restrooms and
cafeteria, walk in the halls at all times, and behave appropriately in the
classrooms. There is also zero tolerance for bullying. These
responsibilities have been explained to your child by the teachers. Please
be sure to review and discuss these expectations with your child found on
pages 6 and 7 of this handbook.

Safety

The safety of our scholars is top priority. Therefore, it is essential that

ALL VISITORS report to the office and sign in to receive a badge before
entering the academic area of the school.

Tardy Time
7:40

Being tardy results in the loss of valuable instruction time. We

adhere to the GCISD policy on tardiness. Instruction begins promptly
at 7:40 am. Students who are not in their seat at that time will be
counted tardy in Skyward. No exceptions! *Please note that if your
child accrues more than 5 tardies, they will not earn Perfect Attendance.

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Telephones

Scholars are permitted to carry cell phones. However,

they must remain in their backpacks and be turned off during the
school day. If the phone interrupts instruction, the teacher will take the
phone, turn it into the office, and the parent will be called to come to the
school and pick it up.

Testing Dates

The 2016-2017 4th Grade STAAR Testing Dates are as follows:

Writing
Math
Reading

Tues.
Mon.
Tues.

March 28
May 8
May 9

REMINDER: The building is closed to all visitors on testing days.

Toys and
Distractions

Any item that interferes with instruction is not welcome in the

classroom and will be taken and held by the teacher. Such
items include, but are not limited to: Toys, stuffed animals, trinkets,
jewelry, false fingernails, makeup, twiddly items,
sports cards, candy, gum, electronic games, etc. These items need to
remain at home.

Zero Tolerance

The fourth grade teachers have Zero Tolerance for inappropriate

language, weapons of any kind, fighting, or bullying by scholars. Such
actions will result in a direct office referral. NO excuses!!

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4th Grade RESPECT: Expectations and Responsibilities

September 2016-17
The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time. We anticipate
another great year and outstanding learning from your children. In order to have our
scholars well prepared to meet the demands of the future, the fourth grade team will
provide an effective learning environment, where nothing is permitted to interfere
with the scholars learning. In order to provide such an environment, we need to
have your full understanding and support for our discipline plan. Quite simply, we
expect each student to:

RESPECT themselves, others, and property

Be RESPONSIBILE for behavior and actions
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS and EXPECTATIONS
Think SAFETY FIRST

We really dont have RULES in fourth grade, but we do have

EXPECTATIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES. Scholars will be expected to fulfill these
expectations and responsibilities and will be held accountable nothing less than
100% compliance is acceptable. It is the teachers job to make sure that scholars
follow through with the expectations. Appropriate behavior will be reinforced with
verbal praise, positive notes, certificates, stickers, and special privileges, etc.
However, if a scholar neglects his or her responsibilities, consequences will be
enforced.
We have reviewed these expectations and responsibilities with your child.
Details are found on the following page. Please discuss them one more time at home,
so that he or she has a clear understanding of what is expected. We also invite you to
implement these responsibilities outside the school setting.
Respectfully,
The Fourth Grade Teachers
Bear Creek Elementary
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CUT ALONG LINE AND RETURN - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - I understand the Fourth Grade Discipline Plan and will be a responsible fourth grade
scholar.
Students Signature________________________________Date__________________
I have reviewed these expectations and responsibilities with my child.
Parents Signature_________________________________Date__________________
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4th Grade RESPECT: Expectations and Responsibilities

RESPECT Yourself and Others
Be responsible for your actions (admit mistakes)
Accept consequences (accountability)
Use self-control at all times (no bullying)
Be prepared and punctual for instruction
Display good manners (yes, please, thank you)
Be courteous to scholars and adults (no talking back)
Be mindful of appropriate language and gestures
Be an active listener while others are talking

RESPECT Property
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself and off others belongings
Keep hands, feet, and all body parts off walls and displays
Be quiet, quick, and clean in the restroom
Write in appropriate areas only, NOT on desks, books, or walls

Follow Directions and Expectations

Listen carefully to instructions from all teachers
Follow all school, playground, and cafeteria expectations
Follow emergency drill rules - NO TALKING OR RUNNING

Think Safety First

Keep all 4 legs of chairs on the floor - no leaning backwards
Walk inside the school at all times - no running, pushing, or shoving
Handle school supplies appropriately - no spinning of rulers or scissors
Clothing must be appropriate for school and not be a safety hazard
that interferes with recess, PE, and other physical activities (no flip flops)

Consequences
A Daily Conduct Folder will be sent home and returned daily. It will show what
expectations or character traits need improvement for that day. Both recess
walking or lonely lunch for misbehavior, and study hall for missing homework or
incomplete class work, will be served during daily recess time and will reflect
scholars weekly study habits and conduct grade. (Sample on next page.) In
addition, a written resolution, a phone call home, *direct office referral, or
loss of other privileges may be necessary. Recess is earned by students; it is
not part of the curriculum.
*parent contact required

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Fourth Grade Handbook 2016-17 - 8-

S
A
M
P
L
E
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(Well worth reading)

Who Pays the Traffic Tickets?

(Summarized from the Star Telegram)
Written by a student from Lamar High School

RESPONSIBILITY Whats a one-word description of children who never are

allowed to suffer for their mistakes? Brats
If your son or daughter came home with a speeding ticket today, who would pay the
fine? Would you or your child be responsible for that mistake?
In todays society, most parents would pay for the ticket. You dont want to hurt
your children or make them feel bad, now, do you? After all, life is all about how
you feel, right? WRONG! The cop who wrote the ticket doesnt really care how it
made your child feel.
Sensible parents know that making your children feel bad and suffer the
consequences of their actions is good for them. Parents also recognize that the
benefits of this decision far outweigh the heartache that it may cause. Children build
responsibility and character being held accountable for their actions.
THE STUDENT WRITES . . . in grade school, Id forget my homework every
day. Id roll out of bed, lazily walk to class, open my binder to find my
homework was sitting on the table at home. Once I was done with my homework,
Id just go to bed. I was not responsible enough to put the work straight into my
book bag. So, every day, Id call my mom to ask her to go home, get my homework,
and bring it to school. Shed drop work, drive 30 min. home, get my papers, drive
another 15 min. to school, go back to work, then work through lunch so she could
make up the time she missed getting my work. In short, she was teaching me I
didnt have to be organized or responsible because she would always fix my
problem in an hour or less at no cost to me.

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I have watched people around me grow up into irresponsible, spoiled rotten brats.
Unfortunately, some parents continue to save their children from the evils of life.
But, the day I called my mother to make my usual request, and she flat-out said,
NO, I knew I had to step up to the plate. She put her foot down, no longer
catered to my demands, and became the parent. At the same time, I became
responsible.
Children crave discipline, the time-outs, or the go to your rooms. Kids test
the boundaries That is why you have to teach your kids that they cannot get
anywhere by speeding around in a car and risking lives. My mom demanded more
of me and it felt good. I felt closer once she established the rule. I made good
grades and was proud to have my homework in my binder, right where I put it the
night before.
Youre not always going to be there for your child. Teach them to be responsible
for themselves so they can handle the big, bad, and ugly. By the time they are your
age, they might not have you to run to every time something goes wrong. Teach
them to be responsible now, not later.
No one pays your traffic tickets!

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