Welcome To

Curriculum Night!
Thank you for coming tonight. I know how busy the beginning
of a new school year can be, so I really appreciate you taking
the time to come and learn more about your hawks teacher,
classroom, and what they will be learning about this year.
Try to find your hawks desk based on the Draw Your Family
worksheet on each of the desks. They also wrote you a note
preparing you for the awesomeness that is Room 430.

1-517-706-4538
adam.clements@okemosk12.net
adam.clements@okemosschools.net
www.hiawatharoom430.weebly.com

There is so much great technology out there that helps us do the

everyday a little bit easier, and every day it seems there is some
new technology that promises to fix all of our problems. Well, I
dont know if this will deliver on that, but I think it is a very useful
tool it is called Remind. It is a free texting service (standard
messaging rates still apply for all messages received) that allows
me to communicate quick reminders (one way) to room 430
families! It's very safe and easy to use.

What is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMYoSLDTFTE

How do I sign up?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFihhkKqmp4

How do I sign up?

Just grab
your phone
and text
@room430
to 81010

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwlhUcSGqgs

Please pull
out the sheet
on your desk
that is titled
Its OK to be
AWESOME.

What does it mean to be

an AWESOME student?

Curious. They work beyond the minimum. Cooperative. Reliable."

They are smart and pay attention to the teacher."
"Has fun. Gains insight. Keeps an open mind to learning. Listens."
"Caring. Wisdom."
"Respectful of their teacher's time and knowledge. An awesome student listens."
"Observant, curious, and focused."
"A good listener. Creative. Willing to learn."
"Good listener. Kind to everyone. Pays attention. Respectful. Learns new things. Knows it is okay to make mistakes."
"Tries their best. Finishes what they start. Kind. A good listener. Knows it is okay to make mistakes."
"Wants to learn and take chances. Listens. Knows it is okay to make mistakes."
"Works hard. Tries their best. Is kind to others. Listens to others."
"Learns new things. Listens. Tries their best."
"Always tries their best. Is a good listener. A good teacher and role model to others."
"Follows directions. Organized."
"A good listener. Tries hard. Is prepared and admits when they are wrong or doesn't know something. They are also kind patient and
approachable."
"They are interested and love learning. Engaged, prepared, and hard working. They are a good listener and always try their best."
"They try their best and they listen when others are speaking. They share their ideas with others and are respectful of other people's
ideas. They remain curious."
"They are a good listener, and study."
"They work hard and love learning. They always try their best and are prepared."
"They are ready to learn. They listen, are kind, and work together."

What does it mean to be

an AWESOME student?

Write it!

What does it mean to be

an AWESOME student?

What does it mean to be

an AWESOME teacher?

"Creative. Empathetic. Organized. Energetic and passionate."

"Helps kids learn how to listen."
"Fun. Structured. Dependable. Prepared. Motivating. Open minded. Adaptable."
"Is a great role model. Loving. Is patient and observant."
"Enthusiastic about their work."
"Recognizes the need of each student. Willing to inspire."
"Understanding. Knowledgeable. Kind. Doesn't yell. Intelligent. Patient. Inspiring. Motivating."
"They are kind and speak clearly. They know their students. They listen to their students. They are intelligent and patient. They
inspire their students to be and do more."
"They listen to the students. They are patient but expect respect and are flexible. They are engaging and create an exciting learning
environment and are willing to inspire and motivate."
"Listens. Flexible. Caring. Entertaining. Patient."
"Caring. Listen. Patient. Motivating. Inspiring."
"Listens. Patient. A good role model."
"Listens to their students and explain work in a way that is easy to understand."
"A good listener. Tires hard. Prepared. Admits when they are wrong or doesn't know something. Kind, patient, and approachable."
"Knows their subject matter. Knows how to convey subjects in a way that students will understand. Is able to get the message across.
Motivating and inspiring.
"Understanding. Motivating. Caring. Has a sense of humor."
"Uses positive reinforcement. Teaches and motivates."
"Understands different learners and different ways of learning. Teachers in a way that is helpful to all different types of learners.
Patient, enthusiastic, and motivating. They want to inspire."
"Is always ready to instruct. Creative and tries new things. Listens to their students and is always prepared.

What does it mean to be

an AWESOME teacher?

Write it!

What does it mean to be

an AWESOME teacher?

What does it mean to be an

AWESOME Room 430 parent?

"Loving. Encouraging. Patient. Resourceful. Fun. Listens. Empathetic."

"Helpful. Is a good role model. Responsible."
"Is dependable, adaptable, and patient. Is a good listener and involved/supportive of their child's learning."
"Involved in their child's learning. Able to give tough love when needed."
"Supportive. Helpful. Patient. Interested. Is involved with their student's learning process."
"Patient. Reinforces the lessons that are taught at school."
"Patient. Understanding. Motivating. Kind. Knowledgeable. Inspiring. Involved."
"Involved. Understanding. Organized. Patient. Helpful. Encouraging. Comforting. Is a teacher."
"Listens. Supports out of school learning for their child. Provides a loving and accepting home. Involved in their child's life in and out
of school."
"Supportive. Encouraging. Listens. Helpful. Cares."
"Shares their time. Is supportive and patient. Encouraging."
"Supportive. A good role model. Listens. Patient. Organized. On time. Communicates."
"They check their child's work every day. Ask their child what they did in school and helps them continue the learning process at
home."
"Prepared. Knows what is expected and when. On time. A partner in their child's learning experience. A team player.
Communicates."
"Helps with homework. Ask about what their child is learning. Inspires their child to do their best. Helps them when they need it."
"Patient. Is a good listener and a good role model. Helps out with problems. Motivates their child to complete their best work. Is
loving and caring."
"Helps in class when needed. Is a good listener and asks them about their day. Sets goals and helps them achieve them."
"Communicates. Supportive. Engaged with their student's class work. Patient and involved."
"Knows what is going on in the classroom. Volunteers when they are able. Is there for their child."

What does it mean to be an

AWESOME Room 430 parent?

Write it!

What does it mean to be an

AWESOME Room 430 parent?

Who is this

Who is this

I grew up in Midland, MI
(Your hawks have told me that many of you
have visited to play soccer tournaments at the
soccer complex up there.)

Had AWESOME teachers growing up

(Now with technology like facebook, it
has been incredible getting to reconnect
with them and share my experiences
very full circle.)

4th Grade Mr. C (98-99)

Who is this

I attended Michigan State University

(Graduated with High Honors from the
Honors College with a degree in
Elementary Education with teaching
majors in Math and Language Arts.)

Had AWESOME time learning there

(MSU gave me many great opportunities
to learn about myself as a person and as
a teacher.)

Who is this
I was built for teaching.
(I have the best and most
supportive parents.)

Mom is a clinical social worker.

Dad is recently retired from
Consumers Energy and is now
full time Mr. Handyman.

Who is this
I was built for teaching.

(I also have the best and most

supportive older brothers.)

Nick is my on-call tech support.

Chris reminds me to smile.

My Experiences

2011 2012

Summer 2012

2012 - 2013

Cumberland (Lansing)
3rd Grade

Turfhall Primary (Cape Town SA)

3rd Grade

Attwood Elementary (Lansing)

5th Grade

My Experiences

2013 - 2014

2014 - 2015

Hiawatha Elementary School (Okemos)

4th Grade

Hiawatha Elementary School (Okemos)

4th Grade

The

th
4

Grade Dream Team

Adam Clements

Karen Casler

Robb Shubel

Kori Cramer

706-4538

706-4535

706-4530

706-4549

karen.casler@okemosk12.net

robb.shubel@okemosk12.net

kori.cramer@okemosk12.net

adam.clements@okemosk12.net

Room 430 Subjects

(Reading Strategies)

(Spelling / Vocab)

(Math)

EXPLORERS
(Writing)

(Science)

(Social Studies)

taught by Mrs. Casler

taught by Mr. C

Daily Schedule

School starts at 8:50.

Students are marked
tardy at 9:00 and
should check in at the
office before coming
down to Room 430.

Specials start at 9:00

P.E.
hip-flexibility
shoe basket donations welcomed

ART

voice level and effort

Music
Haunted Music Room (10/30)

Community Builder
Lift-Ups
Good News and
Announcements
Daily Schedule

SNACK: Students may bring a healthy morning snack

with them to eat during Morning Meeting.

Healthy

Not Healthy

(Math)

Curriculum: Everyday Math

Expect a study link (one sheet of

homework usually 7-10 problems)
almost every night.

The pace of EDM is very fast so

getting behind can cause a lot of stress
on students (and teachers).

Problem Solving Puzzle Challenges will

be incorporated every few weeks.

Everyday Math Units at a Glance

Unit 1 = Naming and Constructing Geometric Figures

Unit 2 = Using Numbers and Organizing Data
Unit 3 = Multiplication / Division & Number Sentences
Unit 4 = Decimals and Their May Uses
Unit 5 = Big Numbers, Estimation, and Computation
Unit 6 = Division, Map Reference Frames, and Angles
Unit 7 = Fraction and Their Many Uses, and Probability
Unit 8 = Perimeter and Area
Unit 9 = Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
Unit 10 = Reflections and Symmetry

EDM Family Letters

Important please read them with your hawk.

Can make a big impact during lessons. When

students are exposed to vocabulary and
concepts before direct instruction, their ability
to process and understand improves greatly!

The website is also another great place to preview material. (More on this a bit later...)

Example problems and answers to study links

are included as well as review games.

How Can YOU Help Your Hawk

Multiplication Math Facts - More and more

accredited and peer reviewed research is
coming out that shows a strong correlation
between a strong foundation and automaticity
of math facts and greater success in math.

WAYS TO HELP:
- Flash Cards
- A Fact In the Door and a Fact Out the Door
- Multiplication iPad Games

(Reading Strategies)

Curriculum: Reading Street

Expect a comprehension skill/strategy,

spelling, or vocabulary review and
practice sheet once or twice a week.

Reading Street emphasizes reading

skills/strategies, vocabulary, word
analysis, big ideas, and critical thinking.

Title Talks will be incorporated every

month.

Reading Street at a Glance

Reading Street SWYK

Almost every Friday (sometimes we take 2 weeks)

Assesses:
- assigned vocabulary knowledge
- word analysis (suffixes / related words)
- comprehension of short selection

Use Reading Street online based software to

complete assessments faster, immediate
feedback, tracks patterns, practice for MEAP

Reading Street at a Glance

Skills and Strategies

Main Selections

Sequencing
Authors Purpose
Main Ideas and Details
Summarize
Character/Setting/Plot
Cause and Effect
Drawing Conclusions
Fact and Opinion
Inferring
Graphic Sources
Visualize

Because of Winn-Dixie
Paul Bunyan
Navajo Code Talkers
My Brother Martin
On the Banks of Plum
Creek
Moonwalk
Eye of the Storm
Coyote School News
The Man Who Named
the Clouds

How Can YOU Help Your Hawk

Reading Fluency It doesnt take a rocket

scientist to figure out that the best way to
become a better reader is to read more! I want
your hawk to be excited about reading so as
long as they are reading that works for me.

WAYS TO HELP:
- Let them choose the books (book orders)
- Regular Reading Routine
- Reading to a neighbor or a friend

(Vocab / Spelling)

Curriculum: Reading Street

Expect a comprehension skill/strategy,

spelling, or vocabulary review and
practice sheet almost every night.

The 20 word list is given out on Monday

and the SWYK is on that Friday.

Spelling Scramblers: Interactive ways to

study spelling words. (Optional)
Make sure you sign the bottom slip.

(Writing)

Strong emphasis on conventions

Guided practice with the writing

process

TOPICS COVERED

Persuasive Writing
Realistic Fiction
Expository Text
Poetry

LUNCH

Students eat lunch from 11:50 12:30

4th graders keep their lunch in their

lockers, and then when they are
dismissed, grab it and head to the lunch
room.

If you arrive after 9:00, students receive

a FUN lunch: whole grain item, yogurt,
and string cheese.

LUNCH

Pizza day is on Tuesdays.

Milk is offered with each meal.

You can add money to your childs meal

account or check their balance online
at www.sendmoneytoschool.com

RESET
This is how I explain it to the kids.

Have you ever played a video game and all

of a sudden something goes wrong. The
screen freezes, or it gets fuzzy. So the
best way to fix it is to reset the game and
start again. Well in learning, this can
happen too. Sometimes we get too
excited, or too frustrated, or too silly to
keep learning. So we need to reset
ourselves so that we can continue learning.

(Science)
with Mrs. Casler

Hands on activities
Lab experiences
Unit Assessments

TOPICS COVERED

Plants and Animals

Earths Changing Surface
Force and Motion
Energy

Sponsored By

MSU Children's Garden

Dates: Sep. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 19

RECESS
Recess is everyday from 2:00 2:30
Students have almost earned their recess
equipment! The paperclip chain has to get
down to the floor.
They earn a paperclip each time the freeze
when they hear the freeze bell.

(Social Studies)
with Mr. C

Hands on activities
Interactive assignments
Integrating technology

TOPICS COVERED

Economic Explorers (Economics)

Community Explorers (Government)
Earth Exploders (Geography)
Time Traveling Explorers (History)

COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP
Every student has a classroom job.
At the end of the day, students take a few
minutes to make sure their desk area is
clean and organized, their table bucket
and area is clean and organized, and the
room is clean and organized.
Jobs switch every month-ish.

School ends at 3:50.

Students leave for the bus
circle, sidewalks, or
carline. They should be
bringing home their
planners and homework
folder everyday!

Brain Break

Can you find

a crown
the letter L

a Disney character
a dinosaur
some string
a whistle
a bone
a piece of candy

HAWKS
Show RESPECT
Take RESPONSIBILITY
Act SAFELY

 Every 4th grader is a part of the Hiawatha Leadership

Club.
At the end of the year, as a thank you for all the hard
work they will have done, the 4th grade goes to a
Lugnuts baseball game.
There are 5 parts:
- Recycling
- WHIA Hawk Radio
- Washing Lunch Trays
- Gardening
- Kindergarten Buddies

 During recess, a group of 4 students will head to each

pod and collect the paper and plastic that those
classrooms are recycling.

Recycling is collected every other week.

Recycling comes up as a topic of discussion Science
(plant unit) and in Social Studies (government and
civic responsibility).

 Each morning at about 8:55, two students will go

down to the office to lead the school in the pledges.
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Hiawatha School Pledge

On Fridays, the two students will perform the WHIA

Radio Show. They will need to write it by Wednesday
of that week, and practice on Thursday to be ready to
preform in on Friday morning.

 Every afternoon, about 10 minutes before our lunch,

two students will leave class early and head to the
cafeteria to help clean off lunch trays.
Gloves and aprons are available to help keep them
clean and dry while they work.
This is an important way to help reduce our usage of
materials and reuse instead!

 During the fall and spring seasons, once a week, the

whole class will go outside and help weed the sidewalks
that surround the school.
During the winter season, each week a pair of students
will water newly planted paper whites (small white
flowers) that will be in the alcove window areas.
This is an exciting new project for 4th grade and they are
the first year to do it!

 Each 4th grade class is matched up with a

Kindergarten class. Within each paring, every 4th
grader is paired up with a Kindergartner.
Some kindergartners may need some extra help and
will have two 4th grade partners.
Some of the projects we will be doing this year
include, Welcome to Hiawatha Kindergartners,
Penguin Facts, Elephant Facts, KB Reading, K-Helpers.

Classroom Economy

Students get paid bi-weekly.

Their behavior determines their paycheck.
They pay taxes.
They pay rent. (second semester)
Students can earn bonuses and get fines.
Room 430 store is open once a month.
Auction is three times a year.
(Room 430 is always looking for donations!)

Classroom Economy

[$0 - $7] Clothespin Chart

I strongly believe in helping students not only
grow as learners but as people. Part of this
development is understanding their feelings,
being able to better examine their choices and
behaviors, and reflect on how to always improve
for next time.

[$0 - $7] Clothespin Chart

$5

Ready To Learn
All students start each day with $5
hawk bucks.
It is expected that students come to
school each day with a positive
attitude and ready to learn and take
positive risks. If they can do this
consistently, their clip gets moved UP!

[$0 - $7] Clothespin Chart

$6

Working Hard
As students are working, if they are
keeping a zero during silent work
time, trying really hard on an
assignment, or showing
perseverance, focus, or a great
effort they will be asked to move
their clip UP.

[$0 - $7] Clothespin Chart

$7

AWESOME
Students will be asked to move their
clip all the way up to the top when
they show a full days worth of
consistent, effort and

awesomeness!

[$0 - $7] Clothespin Chart

$5

Ready To Learn
The chart resets everyday and all
students are moved back to $5.
If a student is showing a lack of
focus, effort, and/or participation,
or is simply not being respectful,
responsible, or safe, their clip may
be moved DOWN.

[$0 - $7] Clothespin Chart

$4

First Warning
The student is asked to stop and
slow down. He/She has just had a
misstep and only needed a simple
reminder to correct his/her
behavior. He/She can easily turn it
around.

[$0 - $7] Clothespin Chart

$3

Second Warning
The student is asked to think about
the choices he/she is making. Are
they helping themselves or our
Room 430 family be successful?

[$0 - $7] Clothespin Chart

$2

THINK SHEET
The student needs to carefully and
deliberately reflect and introspect
about his/her behaviors with a bit
more focus and help. He/She will go
to the think sheet or in the hallway
to fill out a think sheet and we will
talk about it at recess together.

[$0 - $7] Clothespin Chart

$2

[$0 - $7] Clothespin Chart

$1

Restitution Letter
The student has had 3 chances to turn around
his/her behavior. He/She has now really affected
not only their ability to learn, their teachers
ability to instruct, but also their classmates
learning environment. He/She needs to take
care of the situation and show responsibility for
his/her actions. He/She will write a letter to
whomever was affected by their actions about
how they will make it up to them.

[$0 - $7] Clothespin Chart

$0

Office & Parent Contact

The student has had a really rough day and I
need to let Mr. Kinzer or their family at home
know about it. These people will be able to
continue to help him/her think about their
choices and how they can make better ones.

HOMEWORK
+

Student completed the assignment with

thoughtfulness and quality.

Student completed most of the assignment, but

quality was lacking.

Student showed little effort or quality in

completing the assignment.

Student made no effort on the assignment.

I want to bring in a special treat for

my childs birthday. Is this okay?
When should I do this and what is
an okay snack to bring in?

Birthday treats are a great way to celebrate your hawk turning 9 or

10. Room 430 loves to celebrate birthdays. If you would like to
provide a treat for your hawk and his or her classmates, contact me
two or three days before just to double check any details. Snacks
can be delivered anytime during the day but 2:00 PM is perfect
because that is when students go out for recess. In the morning
before school is perfectly fine too. Please make sure it is easily
served. (No cutting or prep necessary.) Some great ideas are
cookies, cupcakes, doughnuts, etc. NO PEANUTS or NUTS please!
Room 430 has many nut allergies this year and we want to make
sure everyone stays safe and feels included. This year we have 26
students + 6 teachers = 32 treats.

This is a really cool room! I want to

be a student in Room 430! Can I
come volunteer everyday?!

That is very kind of you. I have spent a lot of time making sure
Room 430 is an inviting, comfortable, and organized placed to
learn. As your hawk is now in 4th grade, we really work to build
their independence this year. 5th grade at Kinawa is a big change
and we want to do our best to prepare them and help them be
successful during the transition. So unfortunately there arent
any volunteering spots open for everyday activities or centers.
HOWEVER, we love volunteers for exploratory learning trips (aka:
field trips) and can always use lots of help for the Halloween,
Winter, and Valentines Day Celbrations. Volunteering options
will be available this year online through www.signupgenius.com

Im looking forward to talking with

you later in the year about how my
child is doing in your class. Will I
have an opportunity to do that?

Absolutely! Aside from continually updating you on your hawks

progress by communicating through newsletters, e-mails, remind,
and visiting after school fall parent-teacher conferences will be on
November 2nd, 3rd, and 5th. We will be able to talk about your
students progress in his or her mathematical abilities, reading
comprehension, and student skills like organization, and
responsibility. Also, the spring conferences are student led.
Please know that if you ever have any questions, comments,
concerns, or compliments about your childs learning and progress
my door is always open. Unless its 8:00 PM in which case I hope I
am out of here by then this year!

We are going to be taking a long

vacation overseas this year and my
child is going to miss a week of
school. What do we need to do?

First, make sure the office is aware and that they know this is a week
of excused absences.
Second, come see me about a week before you plan on leaving. (The
more reminders ahead of time the better!) I will gather all of the
homework and lessons that your child will be missing and put them in
a folder. He or she should TRY to do as much of it as they can and be
ready to turn most of it in when they get back. If there are one or two
concepts that are confusing and they cant quite seem to figure them
out that is okay and I will help them when they get back.
Lastly, if you are able, keep checking the website while you are gone to
make sure you are away of any important reminders or updates.

What does a week of 4th grade

homework look like?

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Study Link

Study Link

Study Link

Study Link

Study Link

RS Review

RS Review

Spelling
Scrambler

Study Vocab

20 min DEAR

20 min DEAR

20 min DEAR

RS SWYK
or
Spelling SWYK

20 min DEAR

20 min DEAR

My child keeps bringing

home a planner. What are they
supposed to be doing with it?

This year your hawk was given a brand new 2015-2016 school
year planner. We have built in a time during the end of our day
to fill out our planner and we will be writing all the homework
assignments that are due in it so they can remember when they
get home.
If they forget or need more detail, be sure to check out the
Room 430 website and click on Daily Planner.
Your hawk should be bringing their planner to and from school
everyday! If they dont have it it could end up being a fine..
This helps to improve their responsibility skills.

Some nights we get really busy!

What happens if my child doesnt
finish their homework?

Believe me I understand just how busy life can get! Missing a

homework assignment is not the end of the world or your hawks
4th grade career. If they forgot it on the counter, or didnt have
time to do it I ask that you just send me a quick e-mail to let
me know and that they bring it in the next day.
As an incentive to help build their responsibility skills, Room 430
has a Homework Club. If a student is able to turn in all their
homework on-time they stay in the Homework Club. If at the
end of the month they are still in the Homework Club they
earn $50 hawk bucks! Everyone is welcomed back in to the
Homework Club at the beginning of each new month.

I heard 4th graders do a lighthouse

project. What is that all about?

Yes! 4th grade at Hiawatha has had a longstanding tradition of

doing the Lighthouse Project. In March, students will be
assigned their lighthouse. That is when phase one beings: the
research. Phase two the building of the lighthouse is done at
home and is not due until April.
We will be sending home much more detailed instructions and
directions as spring gets closer.
It is a fun project and the kids learn a lot about a unique
Michigan characteristic.

Ive heard that 4th graders do

Encampment? What is that?

Encampment is an awesome experience that your hawk will

remember forever! We go to Encampment at Lake Lansing in
May. Students will meet an American Indians, a Metis, and a
Voyageur as they experience what it was like to live in Michigan
in the early years.
We count heavily on our parent volunteers to help make
Encampment a success so keep an eye out for e-mails as spring
gets closer.

When are the 2-hour

early release PLC days?

2015-2016 Early Release Days:

September 30
October 14
November 11
December 9
January 13
February 24
March 23
April 20
School gets out at 1:50 on Early Release days.
May 18
Child Care is available. Contact the office.

Room 430 Online

http://hiawatharoom430.weebly.com

THANK YOU!