Dear Parent,

I am excited to have your child in my class this year. This is my 14th year at Highland as teacher and grade level art specialist.

As students in 4th grade, we are looking forward to new adventures in learning. This year we will be integrating arts and technology into our curriculum with several themes including Arizona, Native Americans, Arthropods, Weather, Animals, Family, Folk and Fairy Tales, and more.

The major emphasis for reading in our classroom will come through Literature Studies. Our goal is that students will become lifelong readers. Using real books students will become critical thinkers and analyzers by discussing and learning to share their thoughts in an individual and group setting.

Writing skills will be developed by participating in the Author's Cycle and Six Traits of Writing. As students work through the same process an author does they will see how parts and pieces of language fit together to express and communicate thoughts and feelings to an audience. Final projects will consist of competed books of poetry, personal narratives, iLife applications, myths, and fantasy.

Our Math curriculum will focus on critical thinking, problem solving, basic skills, and mastering standards that will prepare your child for success on the AIMS, and Standards Master tests.

Evaluation in each area of the curriculum along with standard district assessments will include sharing and expression through art, music, drama, and dance. With a curriculum that emphasizes teaching and learning through the arts, your child will be immersed in a wide variety of techniques and processes. Some of these will include color, line, shape, pattern, collage, paper making, origami, drawing, painting, pastels, printmaking, paper mache, clay, sewing, weaving, bookmaking, watercolor, sculpture, movement, rhythm, song, and dance.

Parent participation in the learning process of your fourth grade child is essential. We will have suggestions throughout the year on ways for parents to stay involved. We welcome your help and support here at Highland.

On Thursday, August 9th, we will have a Parent Meet the Teacher Night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. There will be three identical sessions, beginning at 5:30 p.m., the second at 6:00 p.m. and the third at 6:30. Please come to see what your child will be doing in 4th grade.

I hope to see you often this coming year as you become involved with your child in the learning process of life!

Sincerely,

Dixie Parrish