WIS Academics

The main office, (203) 221-6330 should be notified of any last minute dismissal changes by noon.  They in turn, will notify me of the change.

Birthday treats are welcome.  Keep the treat simple, something that the child can pass out themselves. This can be an edible treat or a non-edible treat such as an eraser, pencil, puzzle, or book donation to class.  Per our District Wellness Policy, if you do send in edible treats, you must also send in a healthy alternative. Please provide a few days notice and drop off the goodies in the classroom before school.  We will make sure that we schedule time in the day to celebrate.  Please be aware that students are no longer able to hand out birthday treats throughout the school.  Thanks for your cooperation!

Use the Five Finger Rule – Open a book to a page in the middle and have your child start reading.  Each time he/she misses a word, or questions the meaning of a word, fold down a finger.  If you have all five fingers down by the end of the page, the book is probably too hard for your child.  If your child attempts to read it independently, it may increase his/her frustration level.

We understand that children and families sometimes have special events going on outside of school.  If your child cannot read one night because of such event, please make a note on the reading log for that day.  Encourage your child to make up that 20 minutes over the remaining nights.

The newly established school wide “Lost and Found” is located in the main entrance of the Cafetorium.  If your child has lost a jacket, sweater, or lunchbox, be sure to visit the Lost and Found before or after school.

Birthdays are small celebrations in fourth grade. A special snack (and a healthy choice) can be brought in to share with the class only.  Please send in any other necessary serving items.  Either send it in with your child or drop it off in the office for us to pick up later in the day. 

In fourth grade, we visit Hartford as part of our social studies unit on Connecticut.  We also view a movie at the IMAX theatre in Norwalk related to our explorers unit.  Throughout the year we invite science programs into our school to help reinforce concepts learned in our units.  The fourth grade is a part of the LINKS program sponsored by the New Canaan Nature Center

There is an average of 30-40 minutes of homework daily, plus an additional 20 minutes of reading.  Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday; none is given on Fridays, but unfinished work is to be completed over the weekend.  Each teacher assigns various long-term projects throughout the year.

Homework is a reinforcement of work previously introduced in class.  The appropriate parental role may be as a facilitator since students should be encouraged to complete homework assignments independently to the best of their ability.  If written work causes undo frustration for your child, please send a note in with the assignment for the teacher.  For long-term projects, parents may assist in reinforcing organization and time management skill.

Homework assignments are expected to be turned in by the specified due date.  To reinforce student responsibility, we encourage parents to refrain from bringing in your child’s homework.  If there are extenuating circumstances, please send a note in for the teacher.  While we understand that extra-curricular activities are important to the development of the whole child, we strongly believe that homework should be factored in as a priority in your child’s daily activities. 

Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies are assessed with letter and effort grades.  Additionally, students are assessed on Citizenship and Work Habits.

Parent meetings and student visits occur in the spring.

The handbook states that students may receive an average of 40-60 minutes of homework per night plus an additional 20 minutes of reading.  Please see the Weston Intermediate School Community Handbook for more information.

Students go on two major field trips: Sturbridge Village and The Bronx Zoo.