Policies & Rules

Welcome to fourth grade at Wayne Thomas and 4-Steinbach!  We have a very exciting year planned, and I am looking forward to working as a team to provide the best educational experience possible for your child.  I look forward to doing everything I can to help maximize your child’s academic, emotional, and social growth, and to make the school year as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible.  I am sending this letter home in an effort to inform you of some of the important things that will be occurring throughout the school year.

About Mr. Steinbach

While I may be a new face in the Wayne Thomas community, this will be my fourth year in District 112 (and seventh year teaching overall).  I previously taught both 4th and 5th grade at Indian Trail.  This past year I took on the role of a district technology coach, working with Braeside and Wayne Thomas.  In this position I helped teachers integrate technology into their classrooms.  I worked with a majority of your children on their life cycle PowerPoint projects and the Highland Park Wiki project.  I am very passionate about technology and plan on making it an integral part of our classroom experience this year.

Reading

In 4th grade, your child is expected to read independently for a minimum of twenty minutes, five out of seven days each week.  Please take the time to help your child keep track of his or her reading at home. Even on those days when your child tells you, “There is no homework!” you will know he or she should be reading.  This independent reading will help your child develop self-selection skills, an increased appreciation for literature, and also a greater sense of responsibility.  Students will receive a reading log each month to help them keep track of their reading.

Math

Our district uses a math program by Harcourt Publishers called HSP Math.  We will use this program, along with other enrichment, for the majority of math instruction.  In order to best meet the needs of each student, we flexibly group in fourth grade for each unit.  Therefore, your child might be receiving math instruction from another fourth grade teacher.  To help your child develop confidence, try to find about 10 minutes per day, 3-4 times per week, to practice basic math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).

Science

This year we will begin using a newly adopted science program by Scott Foresman.  Along with the textbook adoption, the district made slight adjustments to the content covered in each grade.  In fourth grade we will focus on three main concepts: ecosystems, electricity/magnetism, and rocks/minerals.  We are excited to dive into all of the great new resources available.

Technology

Our class will be utilizing a variety of technology resources throughout the school year. Students will have access to laptops, online Web 2.0 tools, Flip cameras (as part of a 112 Foundation Opportunity Grant) and much more.   This week I will be sending home a Web 2.0 permission slip for you to sign.  This is the same form that you may have received last year in 3rd grade.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Homework

Each day, your child will be using their assignment notebook.  It is an essential tool that will help your child to be organized in getting his or her work in on time.  Please help build this routine by signing your child’s assignment notebook daily to see how it is being used.  In addition to the nightly twenty minutes of reading, homework should usually take no longer than about 40 minutes a night to complete.  There may occasionally be long-term projects that require a little more time.

Your child is expected to complete the homework by the due date.  However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, a note from you explaining the reason for incomplete work is acceptable.  Developing this sense of accountability and organization usually happens naturally during the course of the year.  Many children organize themselves and feel responsible for their own homework without putting forth much effort.

Water Bottles

I encourage you to send your child with a water bottle.  A sport-top bottle is recommended to help prevent spills.

Snack Policy

Our class has a daily snack time at 10:50.  Per District nutritional guidelines, students are only allowed fresh fruits or vegetables for their snack.  Dips are not allowed.