4th Grade Information

2025-2026  

Back to School Night Information

Here is the slideshow I shared last night

September Newsletter

Below you’ll find some important upcoming dates—including two you’ve already heard about, Digger Dash and iReady Math Assessment—as well as details about our curriculum across subjects. Please also note that the make-up Back to School Night will be held after school on Wednesday, September 10 at 4:00pm. Thank you for your understanding with the shift in date and time. If you are unable to attend, I’ll send out the presentation afterwards.

Important Dates:

• iReady Math Diagnostic: September 2–5 (during math block)

• Digger Dash: Friday, September 5

• Back to School Night (make-up): Wednesday, September 10 at 4:00pm

• No School (Teacher PLC Day): Monday, September 22

• Western Night (more info to come!): Friday, September 26

• Conference Week: September 29–October 3

Reading
We are beginning the year with the first two Benchmark reading units. Unit 1: “In the Wild” (Nonfiction) helps students build comprehension strategies such as asking questions, identifying the central idea, drawing inferences, and analyzing text and graphic features. They’ll also practice using context clues and resources to strengthen vocabulary. In Unit 2: “Characters in Focus” (Fiction), students will analyze story elements, describe how characters change, connect character actions to plot and theme, and consider the author’s message. Vocabulary study will continue with context clues and homophones.

Writing
In our “Writing as a Naturalist” unit, students will take on the role of naturalists—observers, educators, and advocates for the natural world. They’ll create active nonfiction pieces that both inform readers and inspire action. Using mentor texts, they’ll learn how to choose meaningful topics, organize ideas with clear text structures and features, and balance facts with helpful “how-to” advice. Through drafting, revising, and editing (with peer feedback along the way), each student will publish a polished piece that encourages others to care for and respond thoughtfully to nature.

Science
In our Plants and Animals unit, students are discovering how living things grow, survive, and work together in nature. Through hands-on experiments, activities, and videos, we’re exploring life cycles, plant parts, and animal adaptations. Students are also learning how plants and animals depend on one another for survival—all while building curiosity and teamwork.

Math
Our first unit is now under our belts and we are moving along with our learning.  Our next math topic is “Fluently Add and Subtract Multi-Digit Whole Numbers.” Students will use standard algorithms for sums and differences of larger numbers. They’ll begin by lining up numbers by place value, then add or subtract ones, tens, hundreds, and so on, regrouping as needed. In this unit, we will also begin our work on strategies for problem solving. My hope is that this strategy will expand into their work at home. The first strategy that we will use is "Three Reads." To help students become confident problem solvers, we’re practicing two strategies that guide them step by step:

Three Reads
This strategy helps students slow down and really understand a word problem before jumping into solving it.

1. First read: Students read the problem just to understand what it’s about (the “story” or context).

2. Second read: They read again to identify the important information and numbers.

3. Third read: They read a final time to focus on the question being asked and what they actually need to find out.                                   

By reading three times with a different purpose each time, students build comprehension and avoid rushing to solve too quickly.

CUBES
CUBES is a simple acronym that reminds students what to do when tackling a problem:

• C – Circle the numbers

• U – Underline the question

• B – Box important keywords

• E – Evaluate what steps to take and eliminate unnecessary information

• S – Solve and check your work

Both of these strategies help students break problems into manageable steps, strengthen comprehension, and reduce careless mistakes.

Please continue supporting your child at home by practicing multiplication facts and reviewing homework together. Homework will be sent home 3–4 nights per week and is due the following day. I use homework to help me analyze whether a child is understanding the concept I have taught and to help guide my instruction the following day.  If your child is struggling, please stop, jot me a note, and send it back—homework is meant to be a learning opportunity, not a frustration.

August Newsletter

What an amazing first week it has been! I have truly enjoyed getting to know your kiddos and the incredible humans they are. This week, we’ve shared stories about our vacations, discussed our needs as learners, and created a sustainable, energetic classroom environment—one that I know will help us grow together as a family throughout the year. I am so excited for all that’s ahead and can’t wait to dive into the curriculum!

Below, you’ll find our monthly newsletter. You can also find this on my webpage, where I’ll keep a running record of all curriculum-related communication. Thank you for reading to the end, as this month’s update is a little longer than usual.

Important Dates

• Digital Citizenship Week: August 18-22

• Back to School Night 

  • Date: Wednesday, September 10

  • Time: 4:00 PM

  • Why Attend: Learn more about our year, see the classroom, and hear about how I’ll be supporting your child. I look forward to connecting with you!

• Digger Dash Assembly: Friday, August 22

• Digger Dash: Friday, September 6th

Digital Citizenship Week (photo at end of letter):

4th Grade Digital Citizenship Spirit Week (August 18–22): This week, we’ll explore the pillars of being responsible, respectful digital citizens through themed days and engaging lessons.

Monday: Relationships & Communication – Wear your favorite sports shirt. Learn the “Rings of Responsibility.”

Tuesday: Digital Footprint – Crazy socks/shoes. Discover how our online actions leave lasting trails.

Wednesday: Creative Credit – Match outfits with friends. Learn the importance of giving credit.

Thursday: Internet Safety – Superhero shirts (no costumes). Explore safe online communication.

Friday: Privacy & Security – Wear GRE spirit shirts. Learn to protect personal information online.

Reading

We’re beginning the year by setting clear expectations for our 4th Grade Reading Workshop. Students are learning what a reading workshop looks and sounds like, how to select “just right” books, and how to be active, engaged readers. We’ll practice skills like asking questions, making connections, and sharing ideas respectfully. By building strong reading habits now, we’re setting the stage for a year filled with growth, discovery, and a love for reading!

Writing

This year, we’ll be diving into SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) to become stronger, more confident writers. Students will learn the POWER process—Plan, Organize, Write, Edit, Revise—and use the TIDE strategy to organize their ideas with a clear Topic, Important details, Detailed examples, and an Ending. Through modeling, guided practice, and feedback, we’ll build writing skills step-by-step, helping students write with purpose, clarity, and creativity. Get ready for a year of powerful and well-structured writing!

Science

In our Grade 4 Plants and Animals unit, students are discovering how living things grow, survive, and work together in nature. Through hands-on experiments, interactive activities, and engaging videos, we’re exploring life cycles, plant parts, and animal adaptations. Students are learning how plants and animals depend on each other for survival—all while building curiosity, critical thinking, and teamwork. Science has never been more exciting—stay tuned for more wild and wonderful discoveries!

Math

We are kicking off 4th grade Math with our first topic, Generalize Place Value Understanding. Students will explore place values beyond 1,000—up to 1,000,000. They will read and write multi-digit whole numbers in standard form, word form, and expanded form. We’ll also be comparing, ordering, and rounding numbers to any place value.

Please support your child at home by practicing multiplication facts and reviewing homework together.

We’ll talk more about homework expectations at Back to School Night, but here’s a quick overview:

• Homework: 3–4 nights per week

• Time: No more than 40 minutes total per night

  • Reading: At least 20 minutes

  • Math: Fact practice + worksheets sent home nightly

• Due Date: The following day

If you have any questions before Back to School Night, please don’t hesitate to email me. Your child will also receive these details in class—but I’m always happy to double-check with you!

I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead. I’m looking forward to greeting your children tomorrow morning with a big smile and plenty of enthusiasm!

Welcome Back!!

Hello and welcome back!! 

I am so excited to meet and see you all! My name is Kelly Broecker (pronounced Breker), and I am thrilled to be your child’s teacher for the 2025–2026 school year at Gold Rush. Many of you may know me as a 5th-grade teacher, and when you got this email, you probably thought, “Wait, my child is in 4th, not 5th!” This year, I was given the opportunity to switch grade levels—and I grabbed it! I am so excited to be returning to the 4th-grade classroom and curriculum. I cannot wait for this year to begin so that we can get to know one another and have a fun, successful year of learning.

Please read to the end, as this letter contains a lot of important information for you and your child.

Growing up in Colorado, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. Twenty-five years ago, I stepped into my first classroom and haven’t looked back. Education is my passion, and watching your children grow into strong, independent critical thinkers is why I teach.

I have a B.A. in History from Colorado State University, my Elementary Educator’s License from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and a Master’s in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction. Over the past 25 years, I’ve taught both 4th and 5th grades, as well as served one year as an instructional coach. This will be my ninth year at Gold Rush, and I couldn’t have asked for a better community and school to be a part of.

My family and I live right here in Parker. I love teaching in the community where I live—it allows me to stay connected to my students and to the greater Parker community. I am married to my husband of 25 years, and we have two wonderful daughters: Emily, 22, a newly graduated CSU alumna, and Abby, 19, who will be a junior at Colorado State. As a family, we enjoy traveling, playing pickleball, and spending time together.

My personal hobbies include reading, cheering for the CSU Rams, exercising on my Peloton, lifting at the Parker Rec Center, and walking outdoors to enjoy our beautiful weather and scenery.

As we begin this year, please know that working together as a cohesive team will ensure your child has a successful year. Communication is very important to me—and to your child’s success. Email is typically the best way to reach me. During the school day, I’ll be working with your child, so if I’m not able to respond immediately, I will do my best to reply within 12–24 hours.

I look forward to working with you and your child. I want this year to be a memorable and fun learning experience. I can’t wait for your child to experience all the exciting lessons and activities I have planned—including an adventure around Colorado that we’ll embark on throughout the year!

I also look forward to hearing all about your summer adventures! As a family, we traveled to San Diego twice—once for a weekend and then again for a week around the 4th of July. We spent time in Encinitas, Carlsbad, and San Marcos, hiked Torrey Pines, and spent the 4th at Dana Point Harbor hanging out on a boat.

I also traveled to Boston, Massachusetts for the first time with my daughter. We explored Fenway Park, the Freedom Trail, major events of the Revolutionary War, Boston Common, and sampled lobster and other famous Boston cuisine (of course in the North End, if you're familiar—that’s the Italian neighborhood!).

Last spring break, we visited Scotland and England to enjoy the rich history and beautiful scenery. I’m sharing this because you’ll quickly learn that I seek out history wherever I go. I love learning about the past—and it’s something I’m excited to pass on to you! 

I am looking forward to meeting you and your student at our Meet the Teacher event on Tuesday, August 12th.

Please CLICK HERE to sign up for a 15-minute time slot. You can sign up anytime from July 17–31 if you haven’t already done so. (Select Gold Rush Elementary and use the password: digger.)

Students will drop off their supplies that day and take their school pictures in the gym after our visit. You can click here to order pictures online. The Picture Day ID is EVTQD2R38.

If you could also take a moment to fill out this form (also found on my website) to help me get to know your child before the first day of school, I would greatly appreciate it! With the limited time we have during Meet the Teacher, this will give me an opportunity to learn more about your child privately beforehand.

Please remember to bring the majority of your supplies with you on this day (if possible) so students won’t need to carry them on the first day of school. We’ll be kicking off the year with our traditional Flag Ceremony, and students will meet me on the front blacktop by the cone labeled with my name.

For those of you who know me, my classroom has moved. I am now in Room B-202 (just across the hall from my old room).

Save the date!
Back to School Night will be held on August 27. The schedule is as follows:

• 4:15–4:30 – Principal’s Celebration & Goals
  
  

• Session 1: 4:35–5:05
  
  

• Session 2: 5:10–5:40
  
  

If there is an alternate email address you would like me to use, please let me know as soon as possible by replying to this email and providing your preferred contact.

Enjoy the rest of your summer! I can’t wait to meet you on August 12th and welcome your child for our first day on August 13th!

Best regards,

Mrs. Broecker

Classroom Webpage (if you want to see pictures of my summer and family)