- Mrs. Graves is a new 4th grade teacher at Spalding Elementary School in Boise, Idaho. She provides her contact information and links to her classroom blog

2. e-mail:
kaseygraves@mycwi.cc
phone:
(208)602-3300
blog:
mrsgravesandherfourth
graders.blogspot.com

3. I am thrilled to be working with
you and your children over the
A Little next few months. As fourth grade
About me, students I expect my students to
and my show respect in my classroom.
Expectation What does this mean? I expect
s: that my students will be courteous
to all children in our class; raising
their hands, not interrupting and
Hello parents and students! Thanks for so forth. If a student needs to be
joining us for Back to School night. I am excused from class I understand.
Mrs. Graves and this is my first year However, what I do ask is that
here at Spalding Elementary. I am an they do so in a way that will not
Idaho native born and raised here. interrupt their fellow students.
Which is why I love the 4th grade as Also absolutely NO violence,
much as I do. (It's all about Idaho bullying or anything related.
History) I have a beautiful little girl who
keeps me entertained when I am not in
class. I spend my spare time as a
foodie. I love to eat it, make it, share
it, and critique it. I look forward to
working with all of you and your children
through the year. Enjoy !

4. I want to stress that our school has
a zero tolerance for drugs, weapons,
and bullying. I will also strongly
enforce those rules in my
classroom. School is a safe
environment for every student.
Every student has the right to learn.
If you or your child ever feel that we
are lacking in either of those, please
contact me or the school
immediately. I have an open door
policy. I would love your feedback,
and I am always open to
suggestions.
Principal is notified.
Parents are contacted. Determines what is
I have a one on
Come to a mutual next.
one with student.
agreement. (suspension, expuls
(WARNING)
ion)

5. By the end of the year my goal is that
all students will be able to recognize
whole number with decimals, and
that they will successfully be able to
add and subtract them. To make this
concept more realistic for each
student we will be learning this
though the use of fake money. We will
be playing games that will require
student to buy things, and give back
change.

6. Throughout this year we will read different
stories. My goal is that the students will be
able to recognize the different characters,
a plot, what the author’s purpose is in the
writing, and to be able to draw their own
conclusion. In addition to the reading we do
in class I ask each student to read a book of
their choice for 30 minutes every day. I will
send home a log, and as that you sign it and
send it back on Mondays.
I recommend
anything by
Andrew
Clements.
Frindle is great!

7. It is important at this age that children can understand
the growth of plants and animals. It is also important
that they develop the ability to observe these things in
action. At the beginning of the year we will all plant our
own flower. Through the course of this year the children
will make observations on its growth.
We will also spend time observing our solar system.
Including the planets, asteroids…and more!!!
In order to better understand
the solar system we will be
performing the following
webquest:
http://mrscienceut.net/Classif
yingtheSolarSystemWebQuest.
html

8. A big chunk of our work in this area will be
pertaining to Idaho History. Our students will
recognize the founding of Idaho, the role the
Native Americans played, and the tribes that
Idaho recognizes today. The students will
also be completing a classroom presentation
to share with the class their favorite concept
pertaining to Idaho history.
Be sure to check out the class blog during track break. On the blog is
an assignment for Idaho History. I have included links to many
resourceful websites that will assist the students in their research.
Also be sure to check out the miniseries of video I created on
YouTube. There are about our video and should take no more than 20
minutes to complete this portion of the assignment.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA8959A6D1443A7B1

10. • Field Trip to Celebration park in September
• School Halloween parade-October 31st
• Solar System Skit –November 11th
• Fall Ball and Auction-November 30th
There are so many wonderful things coming up
this year, but here is just a preview of my
favorites:
• Salt Dome Idaho maps
• Our Class Book…Where they see themselves
in 20 years (Parents can order a copy for
$18.00)
• “Lost my Homework” Excuse
• Care taking of a plant, or flower

11. I encourage all parents to be involved in their child’s education. (I know not
everyone has the time/or desire to join PTA) But there are other things you can
do. During the school year I would love to have additional faces in my
classroom. Please sign up to volunteer on our class blog. I also ask that each
parents signs a reading sheet at the end of every week and sends back to school
with their child so I know your child is doing the out of class reading that I
require. There are other things you can do as well, or instance every time you
purchase an item with a BoxTop, cut it out and send it to class with your child. I
also cannot stress the importance of parent teacher conferences. I will send out
a time slot with your child. If there is every a scheduling conflict just notify me
and we will make up for it.

12. 12311 W. Braddock Drive
Boise, ID 83709
Phone: (208)350-4305
Fax: (208) 350-4314
Principal: Jamie Dobson
Enrollment: 690
Capacity: 675