Welcome to Curriculum Night

1. Welcome to Curriculum Night Presentation times: 6:30-7:15 & 7:15-8:00

2. Teachers • Mrs. Boulukos-Grade 4 Teacher • Ms. Brylewski-Student Teacher • Mrs. Mahler-Student Aide • Find us on the Dist126 app

3. Hazelgreen Elementary School Compact This compact outlines how the parents, staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. It outlines the way in which Hazelgreen staff, parents, and students will build and develop partnerships that will help students achieve the Common Core Standards. Please read, sign, and return the third page only of the document. If you have questions about the compact, please see Mrs. Humphrey-Mason in the main entrance of the building.

4. Behavior Systems

5. The Big 5 These are the same rules for every classroom across the district • Follow Directions. • Respect Others and Yourself. • Make Responsible and Safe Choices. • Be Ready and Prepared. • Do Your Best Work.

6. Behavior Expectations • Behavior is a choice and maintaining a safe learning environment for all students is a top priority at Hazelgreen. Therefore, we have a tiered approach to discipline. Level 1 • Focus on individual student responsibility with a classroom “Clip-up” system. Clip-up System • Purple- “You Rock!” – earn an additional ticket/point, choice from treasure chest/prize bin & note/e-mail sent home to parents (without clipping below yellow that day) • Blue- “Glow On”- earn an additional ticket/point (without clipping below yellow level that day) • Green- “Ready to Learn”-everyone starts day here & earns a ticket/point (without clipping below level yellow that day) • Yellow- “Warning”-consequence is clipping down • Orange- “Make Better Choices”- consequence is Red Light Slip (3 Red Light Slips = DAF) & lunch/recess detention even if you move back up and redeem yourself • Red- “Make a Change”-consequence is DAF & lunch/recess detention even if you move back up and redeem yourself Level 2 • Through Hazelgreen’s Positive Behavior System or PBS, positive behaviors are rewarded with Caught Being Good tickets (grade 4) or points (grades 5 & 6). These tickets/points are then redeemed for various incentives. Grade 4 incentives are redeemed monthly and grades 5 & 6 incentives are redeemed at the end of each trimester. • In the PBS system a DAF form is used to communicate on-going behavior concerns or severe behavior. These need to be signed and returned to school and are tracked by the office. • Our universal “Stop, Walk, Talk” program provides students with a tool to address conflicts with peers. This allows for students to advocate for themselves and teaches the difference between mean behavior and bullying. Level 3 • This level is designed for students that need more support. An individual behavior plan that includes goal setting and consistency between home and school will be created by the Problem Solving Committee and teacher.

7. Curriculum, Interventions & Support Services

8. Math • We use the Everyday Math program in grades k-5 • Math is taught for 60 minutes 5 days a week • Math is taught in whole group and with small group instruction • Games are played daily to support the learning of facts and new math concepts • The focus is on problem solving and the process, not just the final product • We have 12 units of study • EDM online-all students have been provided with their username & password • https://www.everydaymathonline.com/student_login.html

9. Balanced Literacy • Taught through our Benchmark Literacy program • 90 minutes of instruction each day • Taught through: • Whole Group -teach, model, practice comprehension skills through read-alouds • Small Level Reading Groups -teach, model, practice comprehension skills in a leveled book • Centers Groups -practice a previously taught literacy skill & practice independent reading

10. Writing • We use the Being A Writer program • This program is an author’s study approach • We will cover the following units: • The Writing Process • Personal Narratives (a story of a single experience) • Fiction(story…real or make-believe) • Expository Non-fiction (research of a country) • Persuasive Non-fiction • Poetry • Functional Writing

11. Word Study • Teaches patterns, not rote memorization of a words list • Practice each day in class through whole group lessons, small group, buddy sorts, individual worksheets • Homework page 1-2 times each week • Assessment on Friday-always out of 20 points (not traditional spelling tests)

12. Science Topics • Solar System • Planets, orbit, rotation, revolution, relative size/distance • Human Body • Bones, muscles, nerves, coordination • Magnetism & Electricity • Objects that are magnetic • Direct current, making a circuit • Food Webs/Chains • Omnivores, herbivores, carnivores • Consumers vs. producers • adaptations

13. Social Studies Topics • Map Skills • Midwest Regions • Learn about the historical significance of the Midwest • Learn that the Midwest is made up of the great lakes states & the plains states • Learn the historical significance, geography, economy, agriculture of the great lakes states and the plains states • Illinois • Geography • History

14. Assessments • Students are assessed formally and informally • Formal assessments include: • MAP (3 times a year) • PARCC ( 3 times a year & replaces ISAT’s) • CSA’s(3 times a year) • Reading Comprehension Progress Monitoring (4 times a year) • Unit tests • Informal assessments can be constructed written responses, graphic organizers, exit slips, math box pages, unit CSA’s, etc.

15. Technology • This year, grade 4 is integrating technology into the daily curriculum through the use of Netbooks. • We have a 2 to 1 ratio of Netbooks. • All students will have an opportunity to use the Netbooks throughout the year. • District app

16. ESL Services • Students that speak another language or have another language spoken at home receive extra support to strengthen their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. • We use a science based National Geographic series and Benchmark Literacy materials. Students are taught the same comprehension strategies that are being used in the classroom as well as receive support using the same writing processes that are being taught within the classroom. • Some students also receive literacy support using our computer program Imagine Learning (IL). IL is an engaging technology tool that strengthens language and literacy skills for students in grades pre-k through 8th grade. • When applicable, a student’s learning is supported in their native language. • All students within the ESL program take the state mandated ACCESS test every January. This assesses a student’s reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. • Any questions, please contact Mrs. Rodriguez at 293-2225 or drodriguez@dist126.org. Welcome ! ¡Bienvenido! مرحبا! SveikiAtvykę! Powitanie!

17. Reading Intervention Programs • EIR Early Intervention in Reading offered in grades 1 -4 offering support for comprehension, decoding, and vocabulary. • Expert 21 Support Small group intervention offered to 6th grade students to reinforce comprehension strategies, vocabulary, and writing instruction. • KPALS/PALS One-on-one support for comprehension, decoding, and reading fluency for early readers in grades K-1. • Read About Computer based intervention offered in grades 4 – 6 to support student comprehension skills.

18. System 44NextGeneration • System 44 Next Generation is a new foundational reading program for the most challenged readers in Grades 3-12+. • System 44 Next Generation is proven to help students master the foundational reading skills required for success with the Common Core through explicit instruction in phonics, comprehension, and writing. • System 44 Next Generation is respectful and engaging for struggling readers of all ages and provides strategic reading intervention for students in the elementary and secondary grades, as well as for use with all three Stages of READ 180 Next Generation. • This intervention is taught by Linda Vucko

19. Read 180NextGeneration • Read 180 is a comprehensive, research-based intervention proven to accelerate reading levels for students in Grades 4-12 • Read 180 delivers individualized reading instruction through various media types, provides valuable skills practice, and motivates students to become confident readers • Read 180 is respectful and engaging for struggling readers of all ages and teaches students to apply reading and writing strategies to other subjects such as science, social studies and math

20. Student Support Services Speech-Language therapy is available for students who have special needs in the areas of articulation, language, fluency, voice and pragmatics when they adversely affect academic performance. -The Speech-Language Pathologist at Hazelgreen is Mary Fahy Social Work services are available to support students whose social, emotional, and/or behavioral issues may be significantly impacting their ability to progress academically. Additionally, the Social Worker is available as a support to students and families during major life events and to assist in linking families with agencies or professionals in the community that can provide a fuller range of supports for families in times of need. At times, the Social Worker may also come into the classroom to provide whole group instruction on a variety of social skills. The Social Worker at Hazelgreen School is Mrs. Robinson.

21. Co-Teaching This year we will be Co-Teaching with Mrs. Dorothy Petrik-Simmon for Reading Mrs. Linda Vucko for Math.

22. Hazelgreen Co-Teaching • What is Co-Teaching? Co-Teaching is a service delivery option. What this means, is co-teaching is one of many ways we meet the needs of our learners. This year, we have the need for a co-teaching model in 3rd-6th grades in the areas of Reading and/or Math. • Why Co-Teaching? Co-teaching is a researched, best practice, service delivery option for a variety of reasons. The following are four important reasons that the Intervention Team used to make this switch in delivery: • Increases Educational Opportunities • Decreases Educational Fragmentation • Reduces Stigma • Creates a Professional Support System • (The Rationale for Co-Teaching, 2014) • What does Co-Teaching look like this year at Hazelgreen? Co-teaching is where certified teachers share the workload for educating students with diverse needs in the general education environment. This school year, most students identified as having specialized needs or where we are implementing Response to Intervention (RtI) will be in co-taught classrooms for math instruction and some for reading.

23. Hazelgreen Co-Teaching

24. Homework Students will have a list of words in their Planner on Mondays. These words follow a particular pattern for our Word Study program. Students are to study the pattern on Thursday night to review for the assessment on Friday. For shorter weeks the assessment will be given on Thursdays.

25. Math Homework • There will be Math homework each night. • If your child is having difficulty with math homework, write a note send an e-mail or give me a phone call & I’ll assist your child at school.

26. Independent ReadingHomework • Each student is required to Read for 30 minutes each night. • There may be a reading response assignment or graphic organizer sent home for reading homework.

27. Study Guides • Study guides will be sent home for ALL Science, Social Studies & Math tests. • Students are expected to use the study guides to be prepared for the tests.

28. Specials Monday-PE and Music Tuesday-PE Wednesday-PE and Music Thursday-PE and Art Friday- Library

29. A Year in Art: • There are no “art bags” this year. With the district’s generosity, all necessary supplies are provided. • Be prepared to send an art-shirt to school for messier project days. A notice will be sent home to let you know when it is needed. Art-shirts will not be stored in the art room. • Students will explore various techniques and styles of influential artists from Master to Modern movements. • Students k-6 will develop and grow their understanding of the Fine Arts discipline. • Join us for the Art Show in April! A reminder will go home as the date approaches. Please come to see our hard work and talent on display. • Ask your students about the “Picasso Ninja.” Ms. Fahle

30. Music • All students K-6 participate in singing games and instrumental activities to expand our musical knowledge • Grades 3-6 also play recorders, which are small plastic flute-like instruments • This year’s performances: • 3rd and 4th grade: November 6th, 1:15pm in the Gym • K, 1st and 2nd grade: March 26th, 1:15pm in the Gym • 5th and 6th grade: May 14th, 1:15pm in the Gym • Chorus will take place on Thursdays after school and is open to grades 3-6—stay tuned for more information! • Contact Miss Stansbury for any comments, questions, concerns!  • 708-293-2234 • kstansbury@dist126.org

31. Hazelgreen P.E./Gym -Students will be active and learning new and fun activities, as well as how exercise and fitness benefit other aspects of life (energy levels, health, school work, etc…). -Information on current and upcoming Gym/P.E. happenings will be in the monthly Hazelgreen Highlights, in the NEWS FROM THE GYM section. You can also find additional information online or in handouts that will be sent home with your student. -GYM SHOES…students must wear appropriate footwear to participate in gym class. This is to ensure their safety (shoes flying through the air) and to prevent injuries (stepped on toes and slips). -Please feel free to contact Mr. Strange at anytime!

32. Media Center Mrs. King Each classroom has a fixed 30 minute library period weekly. Library skills and literacy skills are presented and reinforced, and students choose books for independent reading. K-1st graders check out one book for one week, 2nd-3rd graders check out two books for one week, 4th-6th graders check out two books for two weeks. Students choose books based on their Lexile Levels and interests. The classroom teachers help students determine their Lexile Levels by using a variety of assessments and MAP test scores. The student’s Lexile Level helps him/her choose books at an appropriate level of difficulty, and determines how well they will comprehend the text. Lexile measures can also be used to monitor a reader’s growth in reading ability over time. Visit the library page on our school website and choose links. Scroll down and open Destiny, our online catalog of resources. There are many useful websites listed on our Destiny home page as well as a link for determining the Lexile Levels of books you have at home.

33. Miscellaneous Information Before you leave please make sure that I have: a current phone number to reach someone at during the day if needed. A current e-mail address

34. Snacks & Water Bottles • Only water with sport tops to prevent spills • Snacks need to be healthy

35. Birthday Treats & Party Money • Party Money in the amount of $10 is collect from each student to fund the three classroom parties. Due by 10/17/2014 • Birthdays will be recognized over the announcements and in the classrooms. However, only snacks from the healthy snack list or non-food items will be accepted to pass out.

36. Extended Day Club • Hazelgreen offers many clubs that meet after school or at lunch time. • More information can be found on the “Clubs and Organizations” button on the Hazelgreen Website.

37. Parent Teacher Conferences Monday, November 24 from 4:00-7:00 & Tuesday, November 25 from 1:00-7:00 Please sign up today!