Welcome to Fourth Grade!

Fourth grade at Cummings Elementary is a great experience.  Everyday is filled with learning.  We focus on the core subjects of literacy, which is our reading and writing, math, social studies and science.  In reading we follow the Salem- Keizer Comprehensive Literacy Model , encouraging the love of reading and its importance to a child’s success. We emphasize the importance of reading across the curriculum and focus on vocabulary in all subjects. Fourth graders spend a great deal of time writing each day.  Our goal is to be able to write clear, organized paragraphs and compositions.  The three modes of writing we teach are narrative, imaginative and expository.   Math has 6 strands that we emphasize; calculations and estimation, geometry, algebraic relationships, measurement  statistics & probability and problem solving.   Social studies begins with a look at the world and then focuses in on the 5 regions of the United States.  We further focus on Oregon history, beginning a journey on the Oregon Trail.  Physical, earth and life science are all studied in science class.  We conduct experiments, study electricity, water, oceans, rocks & minerals, animals and ecosystems.

    We assign homework each night and it always consists of at least reading. Since reading is so important the students are to read 20 minutes a night Monday- Thursday and then 20 minutes on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday. 

 The fourth graders all have homework folders in which they are to write down their daily homework.  The parent or guardian is to initial the folder each evening and then the students returns the folder the following morning. 

    Fourth grade is a great year and the students know what is expected of them as far as good behavior.  All of fourth grade works together to make this a memorable year. We communicate clearly with the students about what is expected and will let the parents know if we are having any difficulties with behavior. 

I have been at Cummings Elementary for 12 years and have been teaching for 27 years.  I grew up in Salem and attended West Salem Elementary, Walker and McNary High School.  I have had the opportunity to teach first through fifth grades and of course fourth grade is my favorite!  I love teaching and learning with the children and feel so fortunate to share their lives with you!

    I can be contacted through e-mail or phone. My e-mail address is  carroll_amy@salkeiz.k12.or.us or the school’s phone number is 503.399.3141

If you have an e-mail address to receive notes or contact from school, please e-mail it to me.

Thank you!