2025-2026 Syllabus
Welcome to 4th Grade!
Contact Info:
rsylvest@greenville.k12.sc.us
(864) 355-4964
Schedule:
Time
Schedule
7:45 - 8:00
Morning Work & News Show
8:00-8:15
Leader In Me
8:15-9:00
Writing
9:05-9:50
Related Arts
9:50-10:00
Bathroom Break
10:00-10:45
Reading
10:45-11:10
Grammar
11:10-12:00
Recess/Lunch
12:00-12:10
Bathroom Break
12:10-1:10
Math
1:10-2:10
Science/Social Studies
2:10 - 2:15
Pack Up
2:15
Dismissal
Fourth Grade Goal:
The overall goal for fourth grade is to improve students' understanding of the world around them and to strengthen their desire to be a life-long learner.
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Math
Math is...
Generalize Place Value Structure
Addition and Subtraction Strategies
and Algorithms
Multiplication as Comparison
Numbers and Number Patterns
Multiplication Strategies with Multi-Digit
Numbers
Division Strategies with Multi-Digit Dividents
and 1-Digit Divisors
Reading
What Makes Us Who We Are?
Come to Your Senses
Rise to the Occasion
Heroic Feats
Art Everywhere
Marvels of Nature
Writing
Cultivating Writers
Narrative: Personal Narrative
Informational: Description
Argument: Opinion Essay
Narrative: Story
Informational: Expository Essay
Correspondence: Letter
Science
Safety and SEP skills
Energy Resources
Changes in Geosphere
Waves in Action
Social Studies
Settlement of the United States
Colonies Unite
A Nation Emerges
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
Math
Fraction Equivalence
Addition and Subtraction Meanings and
Strategies with Fractions
Decimal Fractions
Units of Measurement and Data
Geometric Figures
Proficiency with Power Standards
Reading
Tricksters and Tall Tales
Food for Thought
Global Guardians
Communication Nation
Genre Study: Nonfiction
Genre Study: Literary Texts
Writing
Narrative: Imaginative Story
Argument: Opinion Essay
Informational: Research Report
Informational: Expository Essay
Poetry: Poem
Argument: Editorial
Science
Waves in Action
Energy in Motion and Collision
Senses and Survival
Social Studies
Motivations to Expand
Effects of Expansion
A Nation Divided
Rebuilding a Nation
Supply List:
Essential Supplies:
Wood Ticonderoga #2 Pencils (qty 24)
Expo Black Dry Erase Markers (qty 4)
Elmer’s All Purpose Glue Sticks (qty 12)
Crayola Markers: 8 Count
Crayola Color Pencils: 12 Count (qty 1)
Kleenex (qty 2)
Flat Pink Erasers (qty 2)
Notebook paper (qty 2)
Earbuds or Headphones
Pencil Pouch
Marble Composition books (qty 6)
Pocket Folders with 3 prongs (qty 2, plastic)
Wish List Supplies:
Personal backpack with padded Chromebook compartment
Additional dry erase markers (any color)
3 x 3 Post-it notes
Hand sanitizer
Disinfectant wipes
Sharpie markers
Scotch tape
Crayons
Copy paper
Quart & gallon sized Ziploc bags
Please keep in mind students may need an additional set of earbuds/headphones as they tend to break. ~Thank you!
Classroom Essentials:
Listen to the Speaker
Active listening and working
Use materials appropriately
Be kind, always!
Keep your body in control
Homework Policy:
It is important for students to attempt any assigned homework as this is practice of newly learned skills. Please know, all homework assignments will be minimal and will always be sent home in your student’s agenda. It is your student’s responsibility to record his/her homework in his/her agenda daily. We will not have any homework on Fridays!
**Please sign/initial your student’s agenda every evening. Students will bring their agenda home for you to sign on a daily basis. This will help us work together to support and encourage positive academic and behavioral choices.
Homework is a tool for practice. Math homework will be checked in class, but not recorded as a grade. All homework should be completed and returned the following day. Any incomplete homework will be completed with the teacher or during recess time.
Grading :
Spelling tests will be given each Thursday. Each test will consist of words that have been learned and practiced throughout the week.
All major tests will be announced in the Monday Memo. All minor grades will be from activities completed in class. All grades will be posted in Parent Backpack weekly.
A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79 D 60-69 F 0-59
Newsletter:
The “Monday Memo”, our weekly newsletter, will be sent home every Monday via your child’s homework folder.
Student Records:
Student grades can be accessed via Parent Backpack.
Progress Reports will only be sent home if students are making low academic progress.
Report Cards will be sent home every nine weeks.
Attendance Requirements:
In accordance with the State Compulsory Attendance Law, uniform rules for all schools in South Carolina have been adopted to assure that students attend school regularly. Students are counted present only when they are in school, on homebound instruction, or present at an activity authorized by the school principal. Any absence in excess of ten days may cause the student to lose credit for the year. The Guidelines for Lawful and Unlawful absences are listed in the Ellen Woodside Elementary School Handbook.
Missed Work/Make-up Policy:
Missed assignments are given to students upon returning to school after an absence. Students have the same number of days to complete the work as they were absent (unless previous arrangements are made with the teacher).
Money:
If money is sent to school with your student, please make sure it is in an envelope with the student’s name, teacher’s name, the amount of money enclosed, and what the money's for written on the envelope.
Dismissal:
If your student needs to be dismissed from school in a different way, please notify the teacher or school in writing. Please put your name and phone number in case we need to contact you for any reason.
Transportation changes may not be made by phone or e-mail. This rule is enforced for the safety of our students. If your student does not have a note concerning dismissal, he/she will be dismissed in their usual way.
Please also remember that all early dismissals occur before 2:00pm.
Birthdays:
Birthdays are fun for us all, but we need to remember to be fair. If your child is
having a party, you may distribute invitations in class only if everyone receives
an invitation. If your student brings treats to lunch for their birthday, please be
sure that it is store-bought, small portions and NUT FREE.
Medication:
Greenville County School District does not allow any medication to be kept in
the classroom. If your child needs medication during the school day, please
follow the school district’s guidelines. These are listed in the Ellen Woodside
Student Handbook, or you may call the school nurse with any questions or
concerns.
Parent/Teacher Communication:
I believe that a positive relationship between home and school is necessary to help students reach their full potential.
In order to communicate effectively throughout the year, the following will be done: 1. A Monday Memo will be emailed each week stating what we will be learning during the week. All major tests will be listed on the memo.
2. Communication will take place through telephone calls, email, and letters sent home regarding progress or behavior.
3. Invitations to special class or school events will be sent home.
4. Our class website will be updated and will include valuable information throughout the school year.
5. Grades can be viewed on the Parent Backpack. Make sure to sign up!
6. Report Cards will be sent home each quarter.
7. Agendas will be sent home daily. (Remember to sign/initial daily!)
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns!
Parent Participation:
Your support of school activities makes your student feel important and sends
the message that you value school! Parents are encouraged to share special
skills and talents relating to jobs or hobbies, serve as classroom volunteers, assist
with field trips and special activities, collect materials for classrooms, and
network with other parents and community leaders. Parents are also
encouraged to become active members of the Parent Teacher Association
(PTA).
**A volunteer form and your ID must be presented to the office before you are allowed to volunteer.
I am so happy to be part of the Ellen Woodside TEAM with you, and THANK YOU for entrusting your beloved student with me. I am looking forward to an exciting year full of growth and accomplishments!