Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Kelly Picard-Smith

Mrs. Picard currently teaches 4th grade at the Pines. This is her 20th year teaching. She graduated from Potsdam University and received her Masters in Reading at Dowling College.

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. DeMaria

Mrs. DeMaria has been teaching since 2004 and has made the Pines her home for 11 years.  She graduated from Fordham University and received her Master's Degree from Long Island University.  She believes that each child can reach his or her potential when parents and teachers work together to support them. 

  • Class 4-4 is FAIR, not equal!

     

    News from Class 4-4 Welcome!

    Your child will have the opportunity to explore and learn very exciting things. Fourth grade may be a challenging year, but together we can make this year memorable and successful.

    Curriculum
    Math:  We will continue to use the Engage NY program to learn an enhanced curriculum of graphs, place value, time, multiplication, division, fractions, geometry and more. In addition, we will be learning various strategies to help us with problem-solving. We started the year reviewing multiplication.
     
    Social Studies:
    We will begin with reviewing map skills. Our focus this year is on the history of New York State. Some other exciting topics include the history of Native Americans, Colonialism, and the Revolutionary War.
     
    Science:
    We are excited to begin our work with the new Amplify science program.
     
    Reading:
    Using various reading strategies, we will be reading different types of genre.  We have a language arts block every day.   We will be using the Literacy Collaborative model, which allows more one on one instruction with your child through conferences and guided instruction. 
    -While some students are meeting with a teacher during small group instruction, the rest of the class will be practicing skills during centers and reading independently.
    ·Please encourage your child to read each night for at least 20 minutes.
     
    Writing:
    This year, we have a daily writing block. During this time, your child will learn various writing skills, in addition to the steps of the writing process. Writer’s Workshop will consist of brainstorming, rough draft, revising, editing, and final draft. During this time, your child will also conference with his/her peers and a teacher.
     
    Spelling/Grammar: We will be using Wordly Wise this year!
     
    Behavior Policy
     Follow classroom rules (Be a good listener!)
    Rewards: Praise, Positive Notes, Prizes from Basketball
    Consequences: Warning, Think Sheet, Phone Call or Note Home
     
    Homework Policy
    Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday and reinforces what has been taught in class. Each week, homework will consist of math, spelling, and language arts. Occasionally, science and social studies will be assigned. In addition, a reading log will be assigned weekly. Please see attached homework policy. 
     
    Completing homework is reflected on your child’s report card as follows:
    §E… none-3 missed assignments
    §C… 4-6 missed assignments
    §I… 7-20 missed assignments
    §N… 21 or more missed assignments 
     
    “Never do a child’s homework,” says psychologist Dee Shepherd-Look. “Parents can help teach children to help themselves by asking children questions which can lead them to the right answer.”
     
    Responsibility·
    Our goal is for your child to accept responsibility for his/her actions. He/she is expected to bring the agenda book home each and every night. Books should not be forgotten in school. Please check and sign the agenda book every night. Feel free to write any comments in there as well.
     
    Parental Involvement · Any contribution you can make towards our class would be greatly appreciated.  We love volunteers! Please sign up to be a mystery reader! The children love this!·Class parents will be randomly selected based on number of volunteers.
     
    You will find the homework posted weekly on the Hauppauge website. Please check this site if your child is absent. Simply type Picard/Demaria in the search box and our site will appear. The homework is listed under assignments.
     
    Field Trips ·We have several field trips in fourth grade and will need 5 chaperones for each trip. Before each trip, you will receive a slip asking if you would be interested. The slips returned will be randomly chosen; however, we do try to ensure everyone who is interested is allowed an opportunity to chaperone.
     
    Attendance ·Students who are absent must bring in a note stating the day(s) of their absence and why, the day they return. Please also send in a note if your child is going to be dismissed early. Thank you.
     
    Snacks/Birthdays ·Students may celebrate birthdays during their birthday month celebration during snack time at 1:20. You may drop off treats on the table near the main office. Your child will then be called to pick up the treats. Thanks!
     
    Final Note ·Extra help will be provided before chapter tests at 8:30 am, whenever possible.  The subject will vary and may be rescheduled due to conflicts.·
     
    Our goal is for each child to succeed to his/her potential ability.  Positive interaction between the teacher and parents strengthens the feeling of support the children need for success in school. Together, we can provide your child with the support he/she needs to do well.
     
    If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at picardsmithk@hauppauge.k12.ny.us  or demariae@hauppauge.k12.ny.us.  We are available before school most days.                                          
     
     Sincerely,                            
     Mrs. Picard & Mrs. DeMaria