Welcome to
Back to
School Night!
Caren Cherveny
4th Grade
All About Me
Welcome to our classroom!
This is my 17th year teaching 4th grade at LCM!
I grew up in Wisconsin, graduated from the University of Iowa, and have lived in San Marcos since 2001.
My husband and I have 3 amazing adult children
We are huge sports fans. We cheer for the Padres and the Packers!
When I am not at school, I enjoy walking my dogs, traveling to see our kids, spending time with friends, reading, shopping, and relaxing.
I feel that school should be a place of daily learning and fun.
I promote a positive classroom community where all are expected to work hard and treat others with kindness and respect.
Expectations
Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, Be Kind
Right now, learning is your child’s “job”.
*Allow All to Learn
*Be in School (Attendance is Important)
*Come to School Prepared Every Day
(Planner, Homework Folder, Book, and Charged Chromebook)
*Make smart choices when using technology.
*Work Hard/Put Forth Great Effort
*Use the Planner, Complete Work on Time
*Treat Others with Kindness
Chromebook Insurance
Attendance
We have a lot of learning to do this year and I don’t want your child to miss out!
Please refrain from making appointments for your child during school hours when possible.
If your child must arrive late to school or be picked up early, please email me at least 1 Day in advance so that I may prepare materials for their absence.
Please note that most learning happens through discussion and collaboration in class.
Unexpected classroom callouts are challenging for all.
Rewards > Consequences…and every day is a fresh start!
Many ways to celebrate success!
*Praise! (verbal and written)
*Classroom Economy (classroom cash and coupons)
*Individual Raffle Tickets, Sweet Success Lunches
*Collaborative Classroom Reward Parties
A few ways to learn from mistakes:
*Verbal Warning
*Fix-It Tickets/Reflection Letter (May be sent home)
*Just Depends…. (Work or Behavior Issue=Further Intervention, Team Approach)
*
Communication
Your child will thrive when they know we are working together as a TEAM!
Please be in the “know” as far as what is happening at school:
*Sunday Email/Weekly Newsletter
*Dolphin Envelope (graded work and school communication)
*PTO Events/Fundraisers (PTO Website)
*Volunteer Opportunities
*Student Planner (Daily Communication)
*Please reach out to me with any questions, concerns, celebrations, etc.
READING
The Number One Contributor to Your Child’s Success in School is READING!
We use diagnostic assessments throughout the year to determine our students’ independent
reading levels and growth.
Reading Instruction:
*Whole Group
*Differentiated Small Group
*Reading Projects
Accelerated Reader:
*Independent Reading Levels and Semester Goals
*Students Complete a Book and Take an AR Comprehension Quiz
*Daily Reading Accountability/Book Conferences
*Effort in Independent Reading is Reflected on Report Cards
Math
Larger Numbers and More Steps to Solve
*Addition and Subtraction Standard Algorithms
*Multiplication and Division Concept Building Strategies
*Fractions, Decimals, Measurements
*Multi-Step Problem Solving Using All 4 Mathematical Operations
Math Instruction:
*Whole Group
*Differentiated Small Group
*Math Projects
*Grade Level Regroup for Intervention and Enrichment
It is essential that your child knows their basic multiplication facts!
Please work on this at home.
Math is EVERYWHERE!
iReady Reading and Math
SMUSD Curriculum
*District Diagnostic Assessments Given 3 Times/Year
*My Path Reading and Math
Assigned Weekly and Completed in Class and as Homework is Student Work is Determined by Performance on Diagnostic Assessments
Personal Headset/Earbuds are a MUST for School
Homework
1. Reading, Independent Goals AR Reading Range
(Make a Plan for Reaching AR Goals, Semester Long Goals)
2. Multiplication Fact Practice, (Monthly Check-Ins)
3. My Path
(30 min/week Semester 1 and 45 min/week Semester 2)
*Most importantly, 2 lessons in ELA and 2 lessons in
Math are passed per week. Checked on Friday Morning
4. Worksheet Wednesday (Math or ELA Review, Practice)
5. Any unfinished classwork after appropriate time given in class.
Please help your child establish work habits at home.
Using their planner as a nightly checklist is a MUST.
Grading
4 Point Grading System
*Standards-Based Instruction =
Seeking Proficiency by the END of the School Year.
4 (100-90%), Advanced
3 (89-75%), Proficient
2 (74-60%), Basic, Approaching
1 (59% and Below), Below Basic, Emerging
Birthdays
Your child will be celebrated in class!
No birthday snacks, please.
Supplies
Thank you for your donations!
Amazon Wish List
Please help us keep our classroom as distraction-free as possible:
No Pencil Boxes
No Pencil Sharpeners
No Cutesy Play Things
Please check my weekly newsletter for items needed for our classroom.
Your generosity is appreciated!
How to Get Involved…
Please Support our PTO!
Our PTO works tirelessly to support student learning! All students benefit from the funds that are raised! Please look for opportunities to get involved!
Thank you, PTO for:
Supplies, Teachers, Teacher Planning Time/Training, Playground Equipment, Assemblies, Books, Technology, Field Trip Scholarships, and so much more!
How to Get Involved…
At School Volunteers
If you are interested in helping at school, please see the sign-up sheets in the back of our classroom. Field trips are always another great opportunity for volunteering.
Field Trips
*Gemological Institute of America (GIA),
Rocks and Minerals
*USS Midway, Electricity and Magnetism
*Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission Period
*Leo Carrillo Ranch, Rancho Era
For dismissal safety, we encourage you to download and use the iSchoolRide PickupLine App when picking up your child (walking or driving).
iSchoolRide PickupLine App… please use!
Thank you for coming!
I am here for you and your child and look forward to working with you!