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.n
et
adam.clements@okemosschool
s.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 fixallof our problems. Well, I dont
know if this will deliver on that, but I think it is a very
useful tool it is calledRemind. It is a free texting
service (standard messaging rates still apply for all
messages received) that allows me to communicate

What is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?

How do I sign up?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?

How do I sign up?

Just grab
your
phone
and text
@room4
30 to

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

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

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

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."

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

(Now with up
technology like
growing

4th Grade Mr. C (98-

facebook, it has been incredible

getting to reconnect with them
and share my experiences very
full circle.)

Who is this

I attended Michigan State

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

Had AWESOME time learning

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

Who is this

I was built for teachin

(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

Who is this

I was built for teachin

(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

Cumberland (Lansing)
3rd Grade

Turfhall Primary (Cape

Town SA)
3rd Grade

2012 - 2013
Attwood Elementary
(Lansing)
5th Grade

My
Experiences
2013 - 2014

2014 - 2015

Hiawatha Elementary School (Okemos)

4th Grade

Hiawatha Elementary School (Okemos)

4th Grade

The 4

th

Grade Dream Team

Adam
Clements

Karen Casler

706-4538

karen.casler@okemosk12.
net

adam.clements@okemosk1
2.net

706-4535

Robb Shubel
706-4530
robb.shubel@okemosk12.
net

Kori Cramer
706-4549
kori.cramer@okemosk12.n
et

Room 430
Subjects
(Reading
Strategies)

(Writing)

(Spelling / Vocab)

(Math)

(Science)

EXPLORER
S
(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

Specials start at
9:00
P.E.

hip-flexibility
shoe basket donations
welcomed

ART

voice level and effort

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
Healthy

Not

(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

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

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 pre-view material. (More on this a
bit later...)

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
Curriculum: Reading Street
Strategies)
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.

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

Reading Street at a
Glance
Main
Selections
Skills and Strategies
Sequencing
Authors Purpose
Main Ideas and Details
Summarize
Character/Setting/Plot
Cause and Effect
Drawing Conclusions
Fact and Opinion
Inferring
Graphic Sources

Because of WinnDixie
Paul Bunyan
Navajo Code Talkers
My Brother Martin
On the Banks of
Plum Creek
Moonwalk
Eye of the Storm
Coyote School News

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 /
Curriculum:
Reading Street
Spelling)

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

(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

(Science)
with Mrs. Casler

Hands on activities
Lab experiences
Unit Assessments

TOPICS COVERED
Plants and Animals
Earths Changing Surface
Force and Motion
Energy

MSU Children's
Garden

Dates: Sep. 28, Oct. 5,

Sponsored By

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

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.

School ends at
3:50.
Students leave for
the bus circle,
sidewalks, or carline.
They should be
bringing home their

Brain Break

Canyoufind
acrown
theletterL
aDisneycharacter
adinosaur
somestring
awhistle
abone
apieceofcandy

HAWKS
Show RESPECT
Take
RESPONSIBILITY

 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

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,

[$0 - $7] Clothespin

Chart

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

[$0 - $7] Clothespin

Chart

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

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,

[$0 - $7] Clothespin

Chart

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

[$0 - $7] Clothespin

Chart

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

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

[$0 - $7] Clothespin

Chart

[$0 - $7] Clothespin

Chart

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

[$0 - $7] Clothespin

Chart

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

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

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.

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

What does a week of 4th

grade homework look like?

Monday

Tuesday

Wednes
day

Thursda
y

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 20152016 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

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

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
School gets out at 1:50 on Early
March 23
Release days.
April 20
Child Care is available. Contact the
May 18
office.

Room 430
Online
http://hiawatharoom430.wee
bly.com

THANK YOU!