syllabus
syllabus
2026-2027 Syllabus
Mrs. Tracy Gaylord
Hollis Academy
4th Grade
Table of Contents:
Curriculum Standards
Units of Instruction
Materials and Resources
Assessment Procedures
Code of Conduct, Consequences, Behavior Contract, Rewards
Procedures of Non-instructional Routines
Presentation of Rules
Communicating with Parents
Attendance and Tardy Policies
Homework Policy
Makeup Work Policy
Student Records
Appendix: Curriculum Standards, Units of Instruction, Orientation Letter to Parents
III. Curriculum Standards
See appendix
IV. Units of Instruction
See Appendix
Materials and Resources
The district texts for fourth grades are:
ELA: HMH Into Reading
Math: McGraw-Hill
Science: Carolina Science
In addition to the textbooks, the teachers incorporate the following resources:
Number Talks
Math manipulatives & centers
Promethean boards
Document cameras
1-to-1 Chromebook Cart
Discovery Education Videos and Resources
Science kits
Leveled Classroom Libraries
Assessment Procedures
Math, Science, & Social Studies- Tests will count for 40% of the grade and will be common assessments only. Quizzes and teacher made assessments will count for 60% of the final grade. Students will be given at least one assessment per week. Students will have nine or more grades per each nine weeks with at least two of the grades being test grades.
Reading- Reading skills and strategies will count for 60% of the grade. Tests will count as 40 % and will be common assessments only. Reading unit tests and projects will count as test grades. Students will have at least nine grades in reading each nine weeks with at least two of the grades being test grades.
Language Arts- Language arts is divided into writing assessments, language assessments, and spelling. The writing process and content counts for 30% of the grade. Students will have between 4-6 assignments or pieces of writing in this category each nine weeks. Conventions count as 60% of the language grade. Conventions are quizzes and teacher made assessments that deal with writing, punctuation, grammar, capitalization, verb usage, etc. There will be at least 4 assignments in this category each nine weeks. Finally, spelling counts as 10% of the language grade. There will be at least four spelling assessments each nine weeks.
Handwriting- Handwriting is graded with M or P. M means the student is making progress toward having good handwriting skills. P means the student has progressed toward good handwriting. This grade is based on the handwriting that is used in the classroom throughout the nine weeks. This grade is the teacher’s judgment as to whether or not the handwriting needs more work (M) or is acceptable (P).
District Grading Scale:
A = 90-100
B= 80-89
C= 70-79
D= 60-69
F= below 60
Code of Conduct, Consequences, Behavior Contract, Rewards
I am responsible for myself, my actions, and my choices.
I always come prepared to learn.
I will respect everyone in my school with my speech and actions.
I will follow directions politely the first time they are given.
I will keep my hands, feet, and all objects to myself.
Rewards: Positive reinforcement is important. When students are “caught” being good, they receive the following:
Praise & Recognition
Parent Contact
Small Treats
Procedures for Non-instructional Routine
Restroom: Each student is given the opportunity to use the bathroom before school begins, before/after lunch, and after recess. Students are not allowed to use the restroom during direct instruction. Students are informed on the first day of the restroom policy for our class.
Dismissal: Once the dismissal bell rings, patrols are allowed to pack up for the day. When announcements start, students will quietly begin packing up for the day. When the announcement is made for 4th graders to be dismissed, then the students will walk with teachers to various designated spots to meet up with the designated teacher.
Hallway Behavior: Students are expected to walk in the hallway quietly at all times. While walking up the steps, the students are expected to walk quietly. The students will walk to the right of the hallway at all times.
These procedures are taught during the first week of school and reviewed after every holiday break.
Presentation of Rules and Procedures
The rules and procedures for Hollis Academy are presented during the first two weeks of school. A safety tour of the school was given to go over safety procedures. Procedures for the classroom, as well as the school, are reviewed and practiced several times during the first week of school. Rules are posted at all times and reviewed as necessary. Rewards and consequences are also posted. Rules and procedures will be revisited and reviewed throughout the year.
Communication with Parents
The fourth-grade teachers at Hollis Academy feel it is very important to have a clear way of communicating with parents/guardians. We are able to be reached via telephone and email. The fourth-grade teachers also send out a weekly newsletter to parents. Each newsletter will contain information about the fourth grade as a whole and individual students and classes. Communications regarding important upcoming school and class events and announcements are also sent in the form of notes to parents. Please feel free to contact any member of the fourth-grade team or administration at any time with questions or concerns.
Attendance and Tardy Policies
The school day begins promptly at 7:45 a.m. Children should be in their classrooms and ready to begin work at this time. Students are considered tardy after 7:45 a.m. A pass will be given to the child to enter class from the front office. The exception is Safety Patrol. Safety Patrol is expected in their classroom by 7:50 a.m.
If a student is absent a note for the absence should be given to the front office.
If a student is absent their makeup work will be collected for him/her. When the student returns to school the teacher will give him/her the makeup work and the date that the work should be completed by.
For further information, please refer to the student handbook that was given out during the first week of school.
Homework Policy
Homework is an important part of the learning process. It teaches responsibility, builds skills we are working on in class, and shows us what skills your child may need more help on or has understood on his/her own. The following information is how homework will be assessed this year.
Homework will be assigned to any missed classwork. It is due the next day.
If a student has missed multiple homework assignments, the teacher may request a conference with a parent regarding this issue.
Students are always expected to make up incomplete work. When assignments are missed, it is very hard to catch up on the work. Please encourage your child to keep up with work daily so they do not have to worry about being behind.
Students are responsible for keeping up with the weekly homework sheet as well as the newsletter. Parents please look at their assignments and check behind your child to make sure they are doing their work as they should.
Makeup Work Procedures
When a student is absent from school, he or she needs to make up for missed work as soon as possible not to exceed five school days after the student returns to school. All makeup work will be provided for the student when he/she returns. The work is dated, and it will be collected and assigned the appropriate grade if it is not completed within the allotted amount of time.
Appendix
Class Incentives: Hollis Growls
When an entire class is caught being responsible, respectful or ready, the class can be given a Husky Grrrowl. Members of the Administration and Support Staff may issue an unlimited number of Husky Grrrowls based on the standards currently listed on the matrix.
Classroom Matrix
Respectful
Responsible
Ready to Lead
Be polite to others
Be an active listener
Keep hands, feet and objects to self
Manage your materials and belongings
Follow your teacher’s directions
Complete assignments
Enter the classroom quietly and on time
Line up quickly and quietly
ELA Standards: Pages 74-83
Math Standards: Pages 47-56
Science Standards: Page 68-84
Social Studies Standards: Pages 28-40