Contact Information:
rachel.patterson@vigoschools.org
I will always try to get back with you as soon as I can. A lot of times I am not able to check my emails until lunch or at the end of the day. If you need to get important information to me during the school day concerning your child’s transportation or an appointment, call the office and they will relay the information. All notes sent with your child will be sent to the office and returned at the end of the day to me.
Daily Class Schedule and Specials:
8:00-8:30 Homeroom
8:30-9:05 IE (Switch Classroom for Group Work)
9:05-9:50 Math
9:50-10:30 Specials ( M-Computers, T-Library, W-PE, TH-Music, F-Art)
10:30-11:15 Spelling/Grammar
11:15-11:55 Lunch/Recess
11:55-1:30 Reading/Writing
1:30-1:50 2nd Recess
1:50-2:40 Science/Social Studies
*I will update the schedule information if any changes occur.
Absences:
It is so important for your child to be at school, but I understand that illnesses and appointments come up! I will try to send any assignments done at school on the day missed to your child via gmail. If you are aware of an absence in advance, please let me know and I will send assignments with your child prior to the absence.
Chromebooks:
We will be using Chromebooks during class and for testing. For this reason, please remind your child to charge them every evening and have them at school every day. Most of our work will be via pencil and paper, but the Chromebooks are very useful tools that we will need available at all times. Chromebook charging is a requirement and considered your child’s homework. The school provides headphones for each student. If your child prefers to bring their own, they may do so. Their headphones will need to stay at school. I will label them to ensure they are being used by only your child.
Homework:
Normally, homework in our class will consist of practicing spelling words, reading the weekly story, and studying for upcoming tests. Assignments are not sent home unless a student does not finish their work during class. I give ample amount of time to complete assignments during class, so this should not be an issue.
Classroom Expectations:
Every student is expected to meet these conduct expectations which are on our report cards: Displays sensitivity and respects others, Respects property, Works cooperatively with others, Displays appropriate behavior, Respects authority, Follows directions, and Accepts responsibility. I will communicate with you should there be any struggles in any of these areas. We will work together to find a solution to assist your child. Students that struggle or do not meet expectations will also fill out a behavior correction form. I feel it is important for them to understand that we all make mistakes. Students can not only self-regulate, but identify their mistakes and learn from them. This form will help them through this process and allow them to share their point of view.
Friday Folders:
Every Friday your child will bring home all of their work from the week. Please look this over and sign/date that you received it. If you have a comment or question, please write in the appropriate box and I will respond via email as soon as possible. Please return your child’s Friday Folder on Monday of the following week. The “Patterson Press”weekly newsletter will be posted in Canvas, on the school website via my page, and on ParentSquare each week. This will keep you updated on the week’s activities, lessons, and upcoming tests.
Grades:
Skyward is available to you for viewing your child’s grades. I will do my very best to have the week’s scores in by Saturday of each week. If you have any concerns, please email me and I will get back to you as soon as I can. It will likely be after school hours. My email: rachel.patterson@vigoschools.org
Rewards and Goal Setting:
I love to give rewards for hard work and effort! I will explain my expectations in/out of our classroom and the ways to earn special rewards on the first day of school.
Class Supply List Information:
Our classroom list is located on my teacher page of the Riley Elementary School site via VCSC. There was also a list sent home in your child’s report card envelope, but I have made a few adjustments to it according to what we use in our classroom. Your child will need a 1 inch binder with a clear pocket on the front. The binder can be any color. Your child will also need 1 package of page protectors. These items will be used for a memory book the students will work on throughout this school year. They can be sent to school at any time.
**If you cannot get an item on the supply list, please let me know, I usually buy extra.
Toys and Distractions:
I want to ensure your child is focused during class and not distracted. Therefore, I recommend that toys and fidgets are not brought to school. I completely understand that there are students that have doctor notes that permit these items, but without a doctor’s approval/school counselor’s recommendation, I cannot allow them in the classroom. We will have many brain brakes and classroom appropriate items to keep learning fun for all of the students! I appreciate your assistance with this.
Water Bottles
Students are allowed to bring water bottles to class. Please ensure they are only bringing water. Spills in the past have stained carpets when a student has brought items other than water/clear liquids. All bottles will be kept in their closets during class. We will have water breaks throughout the day as needed. Many times the bottles become a distraction due to being knocked off their desks or being spilled. (Not to mention many more restroom breaks 🙂)
School Breakfast/Lunch:
School breakfast and lunch are no longer free to all students. Please ensure your student has appropriate funds in their accounts.
Appropriate Clothing:
Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather and according to the corporation’s dress code. When fall and winter arrive, students will be playing outside and they may need a heavier jacket/coat.The office has a very small supply to lend, so it is important to make sure your child is prepared for the changing weather.
Field Trips
This year your child will have two or three field trips to local establishments. We also have in-school field trips provided by the VCSC and Riley’s awesome PTO. I will send information for both in advance. There should be one outdoor field trip (Fowler Park) which parents are able to attend. Please make sure you have a background check on file with the office.
Classroom Volunteers
Generally, in 4th grade we do not have classroom volunteers except to assist with running weekly copies or during special events. I will send out emails should we need an extra hand or two! I truly appreciate the willingness of Riley patents to pitch in!!
Birthdays and Celebrations
Birthday snacks can be sent for your child on the last Friday of the month of their birthday. This is sticking with the school’s policy. We will celebrate Christmas and Valentine’s Day with a party and I will ask for volunteers to provide snacks/treats/activities for both. For other holidays, I usually plan my lessons around educational activities to recognize the holiday and its traditions.
I cannot wait to meet everyone and have a fantastic year in fourth grade! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at rachel.patterson@vigoschools.org or contact the school. See you in August!
Welcome to the Patterson Press!
This weekly classroom newsletter is your one-stop shop for all the latest updates, important dates, and exciting happenings in our 4th grade classroom! From learning highlights to upcoming events, the Patterson Press will help keep you connected and informed.
Check back here closer to the start of the school year — I can’t wait to begin another amazing year with you!