February 11, 2013
Please see the class newsletter in it's new blog format under the Hawk Talk link above.
February 4, 2013
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
Our introduction to flipped lessons (see newsletter from last week) has gone over extremely well with the class. Some of the written feedback that I have received from students mention that it is “more fun”, “easier to learn”, and simply “better”. I am interested in learning what parents have to say.
Later this week, I will assign the first lesson for our fractions unit as a flipped lesson. After five in class practice videos and feedback on assignments, everyone is ready to take their learning home. As a reminder, my expectations are that students are able to watch the video and complete a simple response form. If you have any concerns about access to the internet, please make sure to let me know or have your child let me know. There are plenty of times throughout the day when the video can be viewed at school.
Just a quick review of some of the fine points and benefits of flipped lessons:
-Students can watch, re-watch, pause, and rewind videos.
-Students can do all the above at any time.
-Parents have a window as to what is going on in the classroom.
-With students coming in to a lesson already know what it is going to be about, they have much more time to apply new concepts in the classroom.
-There will be only 1-2 flipped lessons each week.
Please keep an eye out for a more detailed depiction of why I flipped my classroom in the form of a flipped video.
In the world on non flipped news, please keep an eye out for a field trip permission slip in the Monday folders this week. The field trip is to Ft. Caswell and focuses on our upcoming science unit on Animals. It is an all day trip (7AM-7PM) and the cost is $67. Most students brought in a deposit of $20 before the holiday break leaving a $47 balance when you return the permission slip by 2/22.
Please let me know if you have questions about either flipped videos or the field trip. You can reach me at [email protected]
Sincerely,
-Mr. Herter
Upcoming:
2/15 Early Release (12:30)
2/18 Teacher Work Day (No school)
Wish List:
We can always use pencils!
January 26, 2013
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
As Hilburn continues to focus on meeting the needs of the 21st century learner by focusing on engaging and effective lessons, I am excited to roll out a new concept that will take our teaching and learning to a new level. We are about to embark on a new innovative and efficient method of instruction called “flipping” the classroom.
Teacher-focused instruction, where the teacher often spends upwards of 90% of classroom time introducing new topics by lecturing, allows little time for student engagement and application. Flipping the classroom allows for a much larger amount of class time to be spent on identifying, and meeting, the needs of individual students.
How is this possible? Flipping the classroom is a method where the instructor records short lectures and posts them on the internet. Students watch the video lectures before class meeting. This allows students to come to class prepared with the basic content knowledge, and with questions for the teacher or classmates. Teachers will then be able to spend class time meeting the needs of individual students, having students works in groups, and apply their learning. This is a much more engaging and effective classroom than having students listen to long lectures during class time. Flipping will also serve as a resource for you as parents, allowing you to have full knowledge of classroom instruction in order to encourage your child’s learning outside the classroom.
Flipping allows struggling learners to rewind, re-watch, and review videos for remediation. It also provides challenge opportunities for higher-level learners, as they may view upcoming topics after mastering current content. Students who do not have computer access at home will be permitted to use computers in school in order to complete their video homework assignments.
Next week, I will introduce some in class flipped lessons to the students as part of a short math unit. Together, we will discuss and practice expectations for this new learning process. In the coming weeks I will begin to assign flipped videos as homework. You will be receiving further detail and instruction on how to assist your child at home with flipping the classroom. I look forward to partnering with you on this exciting new journey. Please feel free to visit http://www.fi.ncsu.edu/fizz for more information about flipping the classroom provided by the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation.
Upcoming:
1/28/13– Report cards sent home
1/31/13 – School wide spelling bee
January 7, 2013
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
I hope that everyone is well rested after a nice winter vacation. I have certainly noticed a buzz of energy in the classroom with a lot of enthusiasm toward new units in math (geometry) and science (magnetism and electricity).
This week, please be sure to check out some important dates and items on the class supply wish list (below).
Upcoming:
January 15-17th - Case 21 benchmark testing
January 18th – End of quarter 2
January 21st – No school (Martin Luther King Day)
January 22nd – No school (teacher work day)
January 28th – Report cards sent home
Wish List:
We are in desperate need of:
Lined paper
Pencils
We could really use some:
Dry erase markers
Pencil eraser tips
Labels (any sticky labels that you have lying around)
December 17, 2012
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
I would like to start this week with a huge thank you to everyone that has worked with Ms. Gordon to collect items for our learning experience this Friday. Details and the theme of the unit remain a secret from the students, although many are beginning to get excited about all the materials they see coming in.
As many may be aware, we started to use a website called Class Dojo in class last week. You have probably heard all about it, but in case you have not, please ask your child to show you the informational video located in the student links section of our class website. Please also feel free to log in and see how things are going with your child’s Dojo account. We will be doing lots of exciting things with this website down the road.
In light of the event in Connecticut last week, I would like to provide a few resources in response to some questions that I have received. The first is a response from Mr. Ford that can be found HERE. The second is that we do train for emergency situations on a regular basis. In fact, feel free to ask your child about a drill that we had just the week before last. As 4th graders, I have noticed that students take great interest in the personal safety of themselves, their family, friends and Hilburn. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask any time.
Please note, Monday folders were not sent out today. We were too wrapped up learning about the preamble to the constitution this afternoon!
Reminder, there is a $20 deposit due this week for our March 3rd trip to Ft. Caswell.
Finally, please see my wish list below. We are in need of pencils and lined paper to carry us through the 3rd and 4th quarters. For those that have sent them in already, thank you!
Essential Questions This Week Include:
Math – What strategies can we use to break down multi step word problems?
Language Arts – How do writers plan a research paper?
Social Studies – What similarities do the US and North Carolina constitutions have? And what differences?
Upcoming:
Early release 12/21 at 12:30 PM – The theme is pajama day!
Fort Caswell field trip deposit due by 12/20
Math test on division – 12/20
Wish List:
As the end of the first half of the school year approaches the supply of pencils and paper needs to be refreshed. Ideally, I would like to see a pack of paper and pencils from each student over the next month to carry us through the second part of the year.
December 9, 2012
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
This week we will begin a research writing unit. Students will use the “Cultural Heritage Resume” that they worked on over Thanksgiving break to help them decide what country they will research. The idea behind this is that students will have the opportunity to find out more about their family history and be able to share their excitement with their classmates at the same time. This project will continue after the holidays.
In math we will be discussing different strategies for solving comparison (word) problems. Strategies will include the use of division and multiplication methods that we have discussed in class.
At the beginning of this week I will be sharing results of our first quarter Case 21 benchmark test with students individually. On the half sheet of paper that your child will bring home, you will see the overall percentage and a projected grade. The projected grade is an estimate of what your child will get on the E.O.G. this year. If you have any questions or concerns about these scores, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Fourth grade is planning a learning experience for next Friday (12/21). The theme of the learning experience is going to be a surprise for the students, but the plan is to include some fun tasty treats to celebrate out winter break. I had intended to send out a flier in the Monday folder today, but an internet outage prevented me from doing so. Please look out for a flier in your child’s homework folder or agenda in the next day or two. Ms. Gordon has also kindly volunteered to help coordinate the effort to collect materials and food for the event, so please keep an eye out for an email from her in the near future or just click HERE.
Essential Questions This Week Include:
Math – What strategies can we use to compare components of a story problem?
Language Arts – How do writers plan a research paper?
Social Studies – How is our state government similar and different to the United States government?
Reading –?
Upcoming:
Early release 12/21 at 12:30 PM – The theme is pajama day!
Fort Caswell field trip deposit due by 12/20
Math test on division – 12/20
Wish List:
As the end of the first half of the school year approaches the supply of pencils and paper needs to be refreshed. Ideally, I would like to see a pack of paper and pencils from each student over the next month to carry us through the second part of the year.
December 1, 2012
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
We have survived our first five day week in a month in room 605, and on the countdown to the holiday break.
In math we continue to explore long division. This unit will take us all the way up to the holiday break, in fact the unit test will be on Dec. 21st. As I reminded many parents and students at 1st quarter conferences long division is new to most 4th graders. If you have noticed some struggle with the homework that is to be expected. I know that many parents have been helping by teaching the time honored long division method and that is great. Just know that this is not the only method we are exploring and also that our textbook calls long division “digit-by-digit”. By giving a variety of options, students have the ability to stick with one that resonates with them. Keep in mind that these concepts will likely not set in over night with your child and that I am working with those that need some extra time with this unit.
On Monday we will have our book fair preview. Students are welcome to bring money to purchase items during or preview. There will also be options throughout the week for students to visit the book fair so any day that you would like to send money to make a purchase will be fine. Keep in mind that it is also dine with Dad week, another great opportunity to have lunch in the cafeteria and maybe stop by the book fair.
As you might know I am a firm believer in building classroom community. I came across a great website this week that I thought many parents would find interesting and useful. Please feel free to share any thoughts you have as you explore. I would love to hear if you have some strategies for success in any of these categories.
40 Developmental Assets for Middle Childhood.
Essential Questions This Week Include:
Math – How are multiplication and division similar and different?
Language Arts – How do writers plan a research paper?
Social Studies – How is our state government similar and different to the United States government?
Reading –What clues tell us that we are reading a cause/effect passage?
Upcoming:
Book Fair – 12/3 -12/7
Wish List:
As the end of the first half of the school year approaches the supply of pencils and paper needs to be refreshed. Ideally, I would like to see a pack of paper and pencils from each student over the next month to carry us through the second part of the year.
November 26, 2012
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
It was so nice to see the class come back in refreshed and eager to learn after just five days off. I can hardly imagine what ten whole days over Christmas will do for them. I hope that everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing break.
We jumped right back in to things in room 604 today. Informational writing, division, and reading strategies will be our focus between now and our next break. We will also begin a new social studies unit on North Carolina government. If anyone has any connections that could make NC government come to life in the classroom please don’t hesitate to give me a shout.
Next week there are two fun events taking place one is Dine with Dad week. Dad’s please come join us from 11:40 – 12:10 in the cafeteria for lunch. The other event is our first book fair of the year. Students will have the chance to preview the fair early in the week then come back later to purchase books. Dads, you could hit both events at once!
Please be advised that there were no Monday folders this week.
Essential Questions This Week Include:
Math –What does a remainder mean in division?
Language Arts – How do authors of informational texts plan their writing?
Social Studies – How is our state government similar and different to the United States government?
Reading – How can we use words in a text to help us determine the meaning of words we don’t know?
Upcoming:
Fall Picture Retakes – 11/28
Wish List:
Please check this tab often for our weekly newsletter.
November 19, 2012
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
In the wake of our successful STEAM Expo last Thursday students will finish up their projects this week with a peer and self reflection. A huge thank you again to parents volunteered to help groups with their projects and also to everyone who came to support us on the night of the Expo.
We are beginning a division unit in math and this is new territory for many 4th graders. It will also be new territory for many parents as some of the methods we discuss might not be the same way that you learned division. The homework pages typically have an example or two to help you get started, and remember that we will also go over questions in class.
Over break students will have a short homework assignment to fill out a cultural resume for our global studies. With the possibility of having extended family around over the holidays, this should be a fun assignment.
Essential Questions This Week Include:
Math –How is division similar and different than multiplication.
Language Arts – How do authors of informal texts use text features?
Social Studies – How can we use a timeline to show significant events in North Carolina’s history?
Reading – What kinds of things do authors of informational texts write about?
Upcoming:
Thanksgiving Break – 11/21-11/25
Fall Picture Retakes – 11/28
Wish List:
November 13, 2012
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
We have a fun week coming up with a field trip tomorrow and then the STEAM Expo on Thursday. Please remember that we are dressing to impress for the field trip to the NC Symphony. Dress has been discussed and all students should know what the expectation is. It is a quick trip tomorrow we will leave at about 10 AM and return by about 12:30 or 1 o’clock, leaving us enough time to take our unit 5 math test.
The STEAM Expo on Thursday night will begin at 6:30. Please see the link below for a full schedule of events:
http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=1c48a0d79dba042c634770af9&id=f910bc7165&e=3609f56644
Finally, in an effort to learn about the readership of this newsletter I am doing a secret pass phrase this week. The pass phrase is Clark Kent, and will earn a free homework pass from me. All you have to do is tell your child to whisper it to me at arrival, and more importantly that they must not share it with anyone else.
Essential Questions This Week Include:
Math –We will begin a new unit on division.
Language Arts – How do authors give specific information through non-fiction texts?
Social Studies – How can we help the NC Museum of History construct a web page about significant events in the history of North Carolina?
Reading – We will re-familiarize ourselves with good read to self practices.
Upcoming:
Field trip to NC Symphony Wednesday – 11/14
STEAM Expo Thursday – 11/15
Thanksgiving Break – 11/21-11/25
Wish List:
Pencils (Updated 11/13)
November 5, 2012
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
The big news this week is student led conferences. I hope to see many of you on Tuesday and Wednesday this week from 5-7 PM. We will also be focusing on our STEAM Expo projects for extended periods between now and the even next week.
Please take a moment to review our class wish list below. It has not changed in the past few weeks because we still need those items.
Essential Questions This Week Include:
Math –Developing concepts of arrays, multiplication, place value, and area.
Language Arts – How do authors give specific information through non-fiction texts?
Social Studies – How can we help the NC Museum of History construct a web page about significant events in the history of North Carolina?
Reading –What do we practice when we read to someone?
Upcoming:
No School (Teacher Workday) Tuesday – 11/6
Report cards going home Wednesday – 11/7
No School (Holiday) Monday – 11/12
Field trip to NC Symphony Wednesday – 11/14
STEAM Expo Thursday – 11/15
Wish List:
Please note that we do still need pencils. All pencils that were received at the beginning of the year were placed into the supply cabinet and used on an as needed basis.
Believe it or not it is already time to re-supply our pencil cabinet. We have been working hard in 605! Also, if you have a spare set of headphones at home that your child can use when working with the iPad, it will allow for them to access some great learning tools during the school day. I looked over the weekend and they are even available at the dollar store. My hope is for each student to have their own that they can keep in a baggie in their desk.
October 29, 2012
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
Don’t forget that there is no school on Halloween day!
We have a busy week this week in room 605 despite our midweek reprieve from regular class work. Please read carefully as this newsletter contains a lot of important information.
Our publishing part was a huge success this past Friday. Ms. Beach’s 3rd grade class was thrilled to get a glimpse of what 4th grade has in store for them when it comes to writing. A huge thank you goes out to all of you that contributed healthy snacks for the event. Many students tried (and enjoyed!) hummus for the first time and despite a noticeable absence of sugar loaded options the customary “this is the best class party ever” remarks were not lacking.
Starting Tuesday (10/30) and continuing on Thursday and Friday, we will be doing a benchmark assessment. It will last for about one hour each day and cover both reading and math. There is no reason that anyone should be studying for this assessment, but a good dinner and an early night could go a long way.
On Thursday 11/1) the Pizza Hut reading homework project will be due. Remember that I have discussed with the students that this should not take any additional time outside of their regular reading time. In order to receive the free pizza gift certificate the only requirements are that students and parents sign the reading calendar and that a project is complete. The project will not be graded although we will share them in class.
The first quarter is coming to an end already! Fourth grade has set aside November 6th and 7th from 5-7 PM for student led conferences. This week and next students will be compiling their scores from various tests and assignments we have completed this quarter. The format for the conference has students guide parents through this information and leaves time for a 5 minute discussion with you, myself, and your child. There is no need to sign up for a specific time as this setup allows for an open house flow.
I have had a lot of questions and confusion about snack time the past couple of weeks so I want to take a moment to clarify. Each day, I allow students about 10 minutes to have a (hopefully) healthy snack. Due to health concerns students are not permitted to share snack with each other. If you are sending snack with your student it should be something that they can grab and eat quickly. Please do not send snack in large enough quantities that your child might be tempted to share (i.e. bags of chips or cans of Pringles). These things have proven to be distracting to our class.
Finally, please be sure to get field trip money and permission slips this week. The class is really looking forward to the event.
Essential Questions This Week Include:
Math –Developing concepts of arrays, multiplication, place value, and area.
Language Arts – Students will work on an end of the quarter unassisted writing project.
Social Studies – How can we help the NC Museum of History construct a web page about significant events in the history of North Carolina?
Reading – What do we practice when listening to reading?
STEAM Expo!! Thursday, Novemeber 15th from 6:30-8:30
Check out 4th grade's STEAM Expo Design Challenge
Check out our teaching/learning STEAM timeline
Upcoming:
No School (Teacher Workday) Wednesday-10/31
No School (Teacher Workday) Tuesday – 11/6
Report cards going home Wednesday – 11/7
No School (Holiday) Monday – 11/12
Field trip to NC Symphony Wednesday – 11/14
STEAM Expo Thursday – 11/15
Wish List:
Please note that we do still need pencils. All pencils that were received at the beginning of the year were placed into the supply cabinet and used on an as needed basis.
Believe it or not it is already time to re-supply our pencil cabinet. We have been working hard in 605! Also, if you have a spare set of headphones at home that your child can use when working with the iPad, it will allow for them to access some great learning tools during the school day. I looked over the weekend and they are even available at the dollar store. My hope is for each student to have their own that they can keep in a baggie in their desk.
October 22, 2012
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
Please be sure to read the wish list section of this newsletter.
Today we talked about our project for the upcoming STEAM Expo (11/15). We have an exciting social science based project for this year. Please ask your child about the project as many of them were really enthusiastic when we discussed it today. I will look forward to giving you updates as I have them.
Today in the Monday folders there are several things that I hope for you to take note of. The first is a permission slip for our field trip to the NC Symphony (11/14). If you have any questions please let me know. The second thing is the last math test that I have stamped “sign and return”. Students will need to have these to put in their data binder. Next is a note about our publishing party that reads as follows:
Dear Parents,
This week we will be wrapping up another writing project and plans have been set for our publishing party. In a vote, the class decided to invite Ms. Beach's third grade class as our audience. If you are able to provide any healthy snacks for this event it would be greatly appreciated. Some suggestions include; sliced fruit, pretzels, yogurt covered raisins, veggies and hummus, cheese and crackers, and fruit juice. Thanks in advance for helping to celebrate our young authors. - Mr. Herter
I remain confident that parents will win the vote for an invitation to one or our future publishing parties.
Another important item is the fact that we have class pictures on Friday, the envelope is included with your Monday folder.
Essential Questions This Week Include:
Math – How do you know if a number is prime or composite?
Language Arts –How does the writing process help me to take a draft from rough to final?
Social Studies – How can we help the NC Museum of History construct a web page about significant events in the history of North Carolina?
Reading – What do we practice when we read to someone?
Upcoming:
Class and Student Picture Day Friday-10/26
Fiction Publishing Party Friday-10/26
No School Wednesday-10/31
11/14 North Carolina Symphony – Field trip (I will send more information in the coming weeks)
Wish List:
Believe it or not it is already time to re-supply our pencil cabinet. We have been working hard in 605! Also, if you have a spare set of headphones at home that your child can use when working with the iPad, it will allow for them to access some great learning tools during the school day. I looked over the weekend and they are even available at the dollar store. My hope is for each student to have their own that they can keep in a baggie in their desk.
October 10, 2012
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
Our publishing part last Friday was a big hit with the students and the 4th grade teachers; we are going to make a tradition of honoring students writing by having a publishing party at the end of each writing unit. This week students will begin writing drafts of their next project, a fiction story.
We are beginning a new unit in math this week, multi digit multiplication. I hope you enjoy playing The Product Game with your students sometime this week. There is a great online version under the student links.
Remember that students should be reading 20 minutes each night and beginning to think about a project, book review, or reflection of a book they have read this month to use in their project that is due November 1st. Today I encourage the class to work ahead to finish their books and begin work on their project by Monday 10/29 so that they can work on their projects that week.
Please note the list of upcoming events this week. It keeps growing!
Essential Questions This Week Include:
Math – What are products and factors in multiplication?
Language Arts – What do authors do to develop their characters for fiction stories?
Social Studies – How were various American Indian groups changed after the arrival of the Europeans?
Reading – Why is it important to pick reading goals
Upcoming:
Early release (12:30) this Friday -10/19
Box tops due this Friday- 10/19
Class and Student Picture Day Friday-10/26
Fiction Publishing Party Friday-10/26
No School Wednesday-10/31
11/14 North Carolina Symphony – Field trip (I will send more information in the coming weeks)
Wish List:
Believe it or not it is already time to re-supply our pencil cabinet. We have been working hard in 605!
October 10, 2012
Dear Students, Parents, and Visitors,
Your kids should have brought home their progress reports on Friday. If they required a signature you would see the space on the bottom. If you have not seen it yet make sure to check in their agenda or homework folder as I need them returned before the end of the week.
New Unit Beginning
This week we are moving on from Rocks and Minerals and starting a social studies unit on North Carolina History. If anyone has this as an area of expertise and would like to share artifacts, books, or would like to assist students in exploring this subject please feel free to shoot me an email.
Reading Homework
For reading homework, please take a moment to review my discussion about the Pizza Hut reading program from last weeks post (below). Today I revisited this assignment with the students to make sure that everyone was on track. By the end of this week each student should have a good idea about what book they are going to use and what type of project they are going to do. Remember, this is all being completed as part of their 20 minutes of reading each night. There is no reason that students should be spending a lot of time or (your) money working on this, it can be as simple as a one page book review.
Essential Questions This Week Include:
Math – What methods can we use to solve two step equations?
Language Arts – How do writers come up with and develop ideas for fiction stories?
Social Studies – What is the historical significance of the North Carolina state symbols?
Upcoming:
Math Test – This week either Wednesday or Thursday
11/14 North Carolina Symphony – Field trip (I will send more information in the coming weeks)
Wish List:
If you are able to send an extra pair of headphones with your child that he/she could keep at school it would be a great help. I hope that each child will be able to have their own individual pair that they can keep in a plastic bag. We will be using them for computer and iPad work.
October 5th, 2012
Please be on the lookout for Progress Reports today. I handed them to each student personally and watched them put it in either their homework folder or their agenda under todays date.
October 1, 2012
Please note that Moe’s pre orders for the Annual Fall Picnic are due tomorrow (10/2). The picnic itself is this Thursday (10/4) from 5-7:30.
Dear Parents,
We are just trucking along into October now. Please note that interims will come out this week but they are not included in the Monday folder. I will be sending them home throughout the week so you will need to be on the lookout so that you can sign and return them to me.
What you will see in the Monday folder is a math quiz that we took last week that I asked students to have you sign and return to me. This quiz will go into their data binder when it comes back.
Another item you will see that requires your signature is the monthly reading calendar. Completing these calendars in September was to help students become accustom to keeping track of their reading at home. This month we will begin participating in a program with Pizza Hut that rewards students for accomplishing their goals with a free kids pizza. In addition to completing the reading calendar students will also write a review, give an oral report, or complete another project of their choice. Please note that there will be no class time for this project. I will continue to discuss and guide students through questions each week to make sure they are on track, but the project itself will be completed at home. Please note also that there is no reason this project should take an excessive amount of time or break the bank purchasing supplies. It can be as simple as a written (or typed) review of a book they have read this month.
I am sure there will be many questions as we get this program off the ground this month so please do not hesitate to ask. I will do my best to address big questions through the newsletter. This project will be ongoing throughout the year, and the students were quite excited to learn about it today.
Essential Questions This Week Include:
Math – How can we use our knowledge of addition and subtraction to find an unknown in an equation?
Language Arts – Why is it important to set goals as a reader?
How can a story help you express thoughts and ideas about your world?
Science – How do Geologists identify rocks and minerals?
Upcoming:
Annual Fall Picnic 10/4 5 – 7:30 PM
Wish List:
If you have any decorative pillows that you are looking to get rid of, we are in need of several for our classroom reading corner. Please email me before you send them in so that I can make sure I don’t end up with a reading mountain instead of a reading corner!
September 24, 2012
Dear Parents,
We are well under way going into week 5. In writing, we will be looking at narratives and begin plans for a writing piece that we will take from drafting to publishing over the next two weeks. This week, we will also begin to discuss Europe (the global focus for 4th grade), and will begin a projects that will help us begin to think about life in European countries.
Thanks to those that complete the parent volunteer survey, I will be in touch with you in the coming weeks. If you have not completed the survey and would like to, please click the button on the homepage of the class website. It is a very quick online questionnaire.
Please be aware that there is no school on Wednesday September, 26
This Week
Math – We will continue to discuss rounding and review subtraction of multiple digit numbers.
Language Arts – We will review several writing prompts that we have had since the beginning of the year and pick one to use as the topic for a narrative.
Science – We will continue our inquiry into Earth Elements.
Upcoming:
9/26 – No School
Wish List
Noting for this week, but thanks for looking!
September 17, 2012
Dear Parents,
It’s hard to believe that by the end of this week we will already be a month in to school! It has been a great first three weeks. Please be aware that we have an early release this week on Friday September, 21st at 12:30. Bag lunch will still be available in the café for students that usually buy lunch. Please also note that on the following Wednesday (9/26) there is also no school.
If you are interested in being a parent volunteer, please fill out the quick online survey that can be found on the home page of the website. There is nothing to print or send in even, just fill it out and submit!
This Week
Math – We will begin to discuss number in the MILLIONS and review strategies for addition.
Language Arts – We will work on a writing exercise that is similar to our Personal Treasure writing reflection from last week. We will also begin to set up the classroom for writer’s workshop.
Science – We will continue our inquiry into Earth Elements.
Upcoming:
9/17 – Citipass Sales End
9/21 – Early Release 12:30
9/26 – No School
Wish List
I am still in need of simple items that can be placed in the prize box. Students area accumulating a lot of stamps for good behavior these past few weeks and one of the prizes they can cash their stamps in for is something from this prize box. Any sort of fun dollar store type school supplies are a great example of things that could be donated. I hope to keep the value of the prizes at $1 or less, so no need to break the bank on this one. Thanks in advance as always!
September 9, 2012
Dear Parents,
It’s hard to believe we are already entering week three of school. Students started their global language programs this week and have been very enthusiastic about their experience. The hugely popular band program is underway and students have been attending the scheduled Woodwind or Brass and Percussion sessions. Please see schedule that I have (or will shortly) posted in the Links & Resources tab for the AB Global Language schedule as well as the band schedule.
This Week
Math – This week in math we are looking at comparing numbers.
Language Arts – We will continue to discuss practices of good readers and writers with plenty of time to practice both.
Science – We will begin our inquiry in Earth Elements.
Upcoming:
9/11 – Parent Night
9/17 – Citipass Sales End
9/21 – Early Release
9/26 – No School
Wish List
September 4, 2012
Dear Parents,
We are off with a bang in room 605! Last week was a week of getting to know each other, establishing classroom routines, and of course getting a good start on learning. Thank you for your patients as we continue to work on homework and other communication routines. Classroom community is important to me, so I want to be sure to allow the students so voice their thoughts on as many of our daily routines as possible.
Thank you for the interest many of you have expressed in our communications since open house. In the next 1-2 weeks I also hope to post an online survey to help me gather and organize information. I know that there will be many opportunities to join in our fun.
There will be no Monday folder this week.
This Week
Math - we will continue to look at place value and rounding.
Language Arts – we will continue to discuss qualities of good readers and begin to set up the writer’s workshop format that we will use for the rest of the year.
Science – We will begin discussing earth elements (rocks and minerals).
Upcoming:
9/6 – Family Night at Fresh Local Ice Cream 3:30 PM – 7 PM
9/17 – Citipass Sales End
9/26 – No School
Wish List
Thank you for all of your beginning of the year contributions to the classroom supplies. Our only need for this week is small toys etc. for our classroom treasure box. Popular items usually include unique school supplies (fun pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, bookmarks). Items from a dollar store or the Target dollar spot are great too.