Dear Parents,
It will be my pleasure to work with your fourth grader for the upcoming school year! Together we can
make this a wonderful year for your child, by keeping an open line of communication between parents, teacher,
and student. I welcome each of you to be actively involved in your child’s learning experiences for this year.
Please feel free to visit the classroom at any time to get a first-hand view of what is going on, and call or email me
at school at 816-671-4130 or [email protected].
Reading:
We will continue to use an integrated reading and language arts program. We are implementing a new
“Wonders” reading curriculum within the Saint Joseph School District. A multitude of resources are at hand to
promote your child’s growth and success in reading this year.
What is Reading Counts (RC)?
Reading Counts is used as a reward system at Field for reading throughout the school year. It also gives
teachers information on students reading comprehension.
Reading Counts will continue to be used as a reward system to those students who are reading and taking
quizzes on their books. Reading counts quizzes are only to be taken at school, and there will be multiple
opportunities to take quizzes throughout the week. If you notice your child is not attending the reading counts
incentive, please talk with them about how many quizzes they have taken per quarter. I am always willing and
available to chat about this as well.
Here are three ways to help ensure that your child is getting their reading counts points per quarter:
1.) Read books that are available on RC (reading counts). All library books from Field are marked with a
PINK sticker that shows the number of RC points. Books from my library are also marked.
2.) Students should be checking on their chrome book to see if the book they are reading is available on
RC, BEFORE they begin reading it. I always hate it when I have students who take several weeks to
read a book, and then sadly find out that it isn’t available on RC for a quiz. 
3.) Read the entire book before taking the quiz. It makes sense that if only parts of the book are read,
then some questions on the quiz will be missed. Trust me, this happens more than you’d think. (haha!)
4.) Lastly, students should try to take quizzes throughout the quarter. It is always hard to get all of the
points needed, when they rush the last week with trying to take quizzes on time.
What is the SRI, and what does my child’s score mean?
Basically, the SRI test is a standard reading test that determines your child’s reading Lexile level. The
reading test is based on reading comprehension for students at their age group. The higher the SRI score, the
more advanced the reader. Fourth grade reading proficiency is from around 700-830. Advanced is anything above
830 Lexile.
We take the SRI once per quarter, and I have students track their growth each time they take it. It is amazing to
see how much each students grows throughout the year in reading!
Spelling:
This year the SJSD is implementing the new Wonders Spelling curriculum. I am very excited about this
new change! The weekly words will go hand in hand with reading and writing within each unit. You will be seeing
a weekly word list that will be sent home on Mondays! Spelling tests will be given each Friday.
Math:
In 4th grade, Math will be assessed on the MAP test, as well as in reading. We will be doing lessons
involving class activities during math time. When time permits, homework can be done in class. Students can have
math homework sent home Monday-Thursday (see homework policy for more information).
Below is a brief overview of what we will be studying for 4th grade Math:
Units 1-8: place value, rounding, addition and subtraction of mixed numbers, comparing whole numbers,
multi-step word problems, measurement, multiplication, division, measurement conversion, area and perimeter,
line plots, fractions, decimals, measuring degree of angles and figures in geometry.
Writing:
Writing and language will be implemented in both reading and spelling programs. We are continuously
working toward correct sentence structure, paragraph construction, punctuation, capitalization, parts of speech,
and word usage. We will be doing multiple writing projects throughout the year.
Social Studies:
Students receive a grade in social studies for social studies assignments, which can also be integrated in
other content areas, and scholastic news. If homework is sent home in social studies, then the book will be sent
home as well. Please make sure to send the Social Studies book back to school the following day. Please send
$5.00 scholastic news subscription for your child on the first day of school.
Science:
The SJSD has adopted a new science curriculum, and I am very excited about the new updated materials
and resources that will be available this year. Teachers have received professional development in Science this
year, to insure the best practices within our classrooms! Students will be graded in science, which includes:
assignments, activities, and science benchmark tests. Study guides will always go home before a science test.
Book Reports:
To achieve the Missouri State Reading Circle Certificate, 4th students need to read 14 fiction and 6
nonfiction books on their reading level. The Field expectation is for all students to complete the Missouri State
Reading Circle Certificate. Upon completion of a book, a book report or Reading Counts quiz needs to be
completed. These forms are available to the students.
Handwriting:
Students are expected to use their best handwriting on all assignments. Work will be handed back to re-do
if it is not legible.
I look forward to a very successful year with your child!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lager
Homework Policy:
Time at home is filled with precious family time and extra activities, which is why I try not to send
home an abundant amount of homework each night. In math, you will most likely see nightly
homework Monday-Thursday, unless your child is getting it finished in class. I have had some
parents in the past have students bring completed homework home to check over, before turning
in the next day. This can be helpful with knowing what your child is struggling with, and what they
are understanding well.
Nightly reading is always encouraged, especially if your child’s lexile is below proficient for
fourth grade. I recommend 20-30 minutes each night, which can be done right before bedtime if
needed. Personally, I love reading before I go to sleep at night. It helps my mind to relax, instead
of staring at a television or computer screen before bed.
Homework assignments will always be sent home in the BLUE homework folder, on the
“return to school” side. All other notes and information will be sent home on the “leave at home”
side.
Homework is to be returned the following school day. If your child is absent, the
assignment will be accepted the day after your child returns. If a homework assignment is not
turned in, it will be recorded as a zero in the gradebook. I am flexible to some extent, as I know
accidents happen. However, if a student is continuously forgetting homework, then I will be
contacting you to chat about what we can do together to help your child succeed. I will deduct
points from the total amount on all late work turned in.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lager
Please sign that you have read and understood the homework policy:
Student Signature: ____________________________________________
Parent Signature: _____________________________________________
Discipline Plan:
Each week our classroom works toward an extra recess, awarded on Fridays. To earn this extra
recess, the class has to receive 20 marbles by Friday. Marbles are earned by cooperative behavior,
showing kindness to others, walking quietly through hallways, participation in class discussion,
completing homework, and overall outstanding behavior.
To hold each student accountable for his/her behavior, students will move up and down on a
behavior chart. Each day, students will begin their day on “ready to learn”, and throughout the
day they will move down for unfavorable behavior, or up for positive behavior. If your child lands
on parent contact for the day, then a note will be sent home making you aware of the incident.
Please sign and return the note the following day. Recess time will be taken away if a student
behaves poorly after several warnings.
Thank you,
Mrs. Lager
Please sign and return showing that you have read and understand the discipline policy.
Student Signature: ___________________________________________________
Parent Signature: ____________________________________________________
Eugene Field PTA
Membership Form
Individual Membership: $5.00
Business Membership: $8.00
At Eugene Field, PTA strives toward 100% membership for all families, which is 1 membership
per student. Our PTA is acknowledged for their outstanding support to our students and staff.
They work hard to provide our students with wonderful events and support! We want to show
our support for all of the hard work and volunteer hours they put into each school year! Please
consider purchasing a membership to cover your child at Field. 
Circle membership category:
Individual membership ($5)
Business Membership ($8)
Staff Membership ($5)
Name: _________________________________________________________
Phone:_________________________________________________________
Email:_________________________________________________________
Student names/ Teacher
PAID (cash/check)
________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________
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HELP WANTED
Dear Parents,
We will be involved in a variety of projects for this school year, and would appreciate your
help. Many things we do in the classroom would not be made possible, if it were not for
volunteers like you! If you are interested in helping out in our 4th grade classroom, then please fill
out the information below and send it with your child on the first day of school.
We are also going to be having a Fall and Spring class party. If you would like to be the
lead organizer for either of those parties, or would like to come volunteer your time, then please
let me know. I always appreciate the extra help for our classroom celebrations! 
Thank you,
Mrs. Lager
Name: __________________________________ Student’s Name: ____________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________________________________
_____
I am willing to help out on a weekly basis
_____
I am willing to help out on a monthly basis
_____
I am willing to help out by doing jobs at home
The best time for me to help in the classroom is on:
Mondays
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Fridays
at ______________ o’clock.
Please note below any special interest, talent, hobby, or occupation you would like to share with
the class.