September 13, 2010

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to school! We were pleased to meet your child today and would like
to welcome all of you to fourth grade! Fourth grade is a unique year, in that we team teach
many subjects. Your child will get the best of both teachers, as we each teach to our
strengths and promote a united grade level. Teaching your child is an exciting prospect and
we hope to work closely with you to ensure the best possible year for each individual child.
We encourage parent participation, in the classroom as well as interacting at home.
To give you some background on ourselves: Mrs. Davis received her Bachelor’s
Degree from Loyola Marymount University and her teaching credential from the District
Intern program. Mrs. TerVeer received her Bachelor’s Degree & teaching credential from
CSUN. We are both National Board Certified teachers and help with mentoring new
teachers within the district. Between the two of us, we have 4 daughters and 1 son: Mrs.
Davis has Keaton (4 years and Piper and Cody 2 years old) and Mrs. TerVeer has Deanna
(age 12) & Erin (age 8).
Along with the basics, our fourth grade curriculum is centered on science and social
studies. Our science program emphasizes the scientific process through hands-on
experiments and inquiry. Our social studies focus is California history. Students will read
not only the textbook (and learn how to outline key points), but will explore related
literature and participate in simulations. Social studies and science are subject areas for
teaching note taking, outlining and study skills.
Our reading series is SRA Open Court Reading 2002 system. This very structured
program is highly successful in teaching children to read with fluency and comprehension,
as well as how to spell more accurately. This reading program allows for differentiation of
skills, to meet the learning needs of all our students. Children will be challenged! To insure
alignment with and in preparation for the standardized test in May, test-taking skills will
be taught, as well as immersing the students in reading and writing throughout the
curriculum. Through daily Writer’s Workshop and directed writing lessons, students will
learn to revise their writing for clarity, organization, expression, strong leads and
conclusions. We will also have much practice in writing research reports, essays and other
domains of writing.
Vocabulary development will be strongly emphasized, as well as learning the meaning
of root words, suffixes and prefixes. Rather than memorizing spelling lists for a test (but
unable to spell the words later in writing), children will be taught directed lessons on
spelling strategies to help them become proficient spellers: discovering and applying rules
and patterns, phonics, proofreading and using the dictionary and other resources. The
goal is to have children be able to express themselves legibly, competently, and
confidently when writing. Remember that there is no reason to learn to spell if you
don’t write; writing must come first.
 Our mathematics program emphasizes problem solving and critical thinking. Our
math series by Scott Foresman is in alignment with the California Learning Standards.
Fourth graders should know their math facts quickly (addition & subtraction to 20 and
multiplication & division to multiples of 12). This rote skill becomes important as we learn
2-3 digit multiplication, long division, fractions and decimals. However, mathematics is
more than arithmetic. It is synonymous with problem solving if we take every opportunity
to ask rather than tell, guide rather than direct. Research has shown that children learn
best when they are actively involved in hands-on experiences with a variety of materials.
Children who can tell or diagram story problems to illustrate an operation, or explain to
others how they solved a problem are closer to understanding a concept that children who
labor silently over worksheets. We want our fourth graders to discover mathematical
concepts and relationships and learn to picture these concepts in their minds. We also
hope they will recognize the connections that exist between mathematics and their world.
Your children will be challenged this year!
Power Speaking for Kids is a program that teaches children public speaking skills.
Very few people are born with natural public speaking ability. But most of us are born with
the tools to be effective speakers. Students will gain confidence, poise, style, self-
expression and leadership skills.
Portfolios are an important aspect of assessment. Children will learn how to self-
evaluate, set goals and take responsibility for their own learning. The students will also be
participating in student-led conferences at the end of this fall semester.
We are looking forward to a wonderful year filled with lots of learning! Since you
are your child’s first and best teacher, please fill out the “My Child as a Learner”
survey and return tomorrow. This will help us to get to know each student. Our
Homework Policy will be sent home later this week and Volunteer Sign Ups will go home
after Back to School Night. Stop in and say hello!

Sincerely,

Katje Davis Charlena TerVeer

September 13, 2010

Dear Parents,
It was great to meet/see many of you over the past two days!
Your child will need a few items this school year.
An important aspect of our curriculum is keeping a portfolio to
document student growth and progress. The portfolio process teaches
children to evaluate their work, set new learning goals, then provides
concrete evidence of having met those goals. We will use portfolios
during conferences. Students will keep their work in a 1 ½ ” Clear
View 3-ring binder for easy access. They will also need one box of 50
top-loading sheet protectors for their portfolios.
Please bring the following items to school by Monday,
September 17th. Each student will need these items this year.
However, no child will be denied participation. Please send me a note if
these items will be a hardship. Thank-you for your support!

• One 1 ½” clear view 3-ring binder (white, with

plastic covering front and side to slide paper
into)
• one box/pack of 100 top loading sheet
protectors (clear, economy weight)

Sincerely,