Back from Thanksgiving Break!

Welcome Back!  I hope everyone had a relaxing and fun break.  Advent begins!  Let's begin preparing for Jesus's birthday celebration! 

HOMEWORK HELP:
There will be changes in Homework help.  Because of basketball, I will not be able to do homework help because I will be driving to out of town games and attending games at school.  I am sorry about these changes, but this is what being a parent is all about.  I will resume regular homework help days after Christmas break!

Drivers needed:
Our first event will be the Nutcracker ballet on Friday, December 3, 2010. 
The second event will be our communion service on Friday, December 10, 2010.
I will blog information soon.

Pen Pal gift drive:
Our service project will be to provide gift bags for our pen pal class.  The majority of the class comes from very low income families.  Last year this was so rewarding.  The children were so excited and very thankful for the gifts that the students gave them.  There are 16 students.  There are 4 girls and 12 boys.  They are about the same ages as my students.  I am requesting new items and toys that my students love.  I hope that each student can give at least two items.  They love art items/ craft items and toys.  Remember that giving is what the Christmas season is all about!  We need to start collecting items asap because
it would be great to give them their gifts before Christmas!  Please talk to your child about what it means to give without receiving gifts in return.  My students really are so loving and giving.  I am so proud of them and what you have taught them!  Thanks again!!!!!!

Inport reminders: verb test Tuesday 12-7-2010
Spelling test on unit 11 - Friday
Reading test-Whales- Friday

Monday 11-29-2010
Religion- preparation for penance, and Advent.  read Ch 14 pgs 218-222
Science- lesson 2- finish outline
Math- begin ch 3 pgs 96-97 evens
SS- mission presentations begin and will last all week
Lang Arts- read Whales do PKBK pg 98
pen pal disscussion start cards

Tuesday 11-30-2010
Rel- prepare for penance service
math- 98-99 evens; estimate # 2-20 only
Mission pres.
English pages 150-151; and 152-153
PKBK  99-100 
sp - 3x each unit 11
Mrs Hobbs visit
pen pal cards

Wed 12-1-2010
Rel- penance service?
math- pgs 100-101
kinder reading

English- pgs 154-155; 156 1-4 and begin rev pg 158
Reading- PKBK pgs 101-102
Sp- pgs 72-73
PE - start basketball

Thursday 12-2-2010
Rel- preschool reading, letter lesson
Science- wb pgs 47,55,56
Mission pres.
Math- 102-103
Eng- finish rev 159 evens;
Reading- PKBK- PGS 103-104
SP-pgs 74-76
Cards


Friday 12-3-2010
Music
Science- rev pgs 126-127
Math- 104-105 evens
Mission Pres.
Eng- pretest practice
Sp test
Reading test
handwriting pg 29
12:30 dismissal

Week 11-15 to 11-19 ---> one week until Vacation !!!!!!!!

week 11-15 to 11-19!

This week will be a normal and structured.  This will be great!
Thanks to all the parents who accompanied us on the trip or helped  us with something.  Thanks to Mr. Lorenzi for booking the VIA bus for us.  JOE........YOU'RE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

HOMEWORK HELP WILL NOT  BE ON MONDAY DUE TO A MANDATORY TEACHER MEETING.  I will still have homework help on Wednesday. 

Thanks to all the parents who helped with the Halloween party!!!! I couldn't do this without parents!!!!

11-15
religion-practice for saint presentation outline
science- outline pages 107-108; HW finish those parts
Math- pg 94
Library/computers- reading test
english pg 142-143
reading - "Just a Dream"; do PKBK pg 105; Hw- finish

11-16
religion- practice saint
Science- outline pgs 109-110; HW finish this part
Math- pretest
SS- read lesson 3; do wb pg 29
spelling- unit 10 3x each
english 144-145sp-
reading pkbk pg 106-107
art

11-17- saint presentation after prayer
religion- Ch 14- Reconciliation pgs 213-215
Science- 111-113 outline; finish for homework
Kinder reading 9:45-10:00
Math- test
SS- Homework - do wb pgs 33-34 for review
English - pgs 146-147
reading pkbk pgs 108-109
PE

11-18
religion- preschool reading 8:30-8:45---- pgs 216-217
Science- lab Ch A/4 lesson 2 lab; wb pgs 50-51
Math- facts test -multiplication & division
SS- quiz game
sp pgs 68-69
English- pgs 148-149
Reading - pkbk 110
writing - friendly letters
Art

11-19
Religion- thanksgiving program
Science- begin reading and start outline
Math- facts tests
sp- unit 10 test
reading- Just a Dream test
english pg 150-151
Art

11-1 to 11-5-10

Dear parents and students:

I really enjoyed this year's parent teacher conferences.  I received many supportive comments and was able to work with each parent to better their child's school experience.  In all my years of teaching, having open communication is what makes all the difference in the world.  Please remember that I am always here when you need to talk!

Important info:

• There will only be homework help WEDNESDAY, DUE TO AN APPOINTMENT, thanks for your understanding.
• Biography Book project- DUE TOMORROW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2010
• Science test Ch A/3 - This WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010
• Unit 9 spelling test and reading test (Justin's Best Bisquits) - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2010
• Mission trip is FRIDAY, November 12, 2010- FREE DRESS BLUE AND WHITE
• Mission project and oral presentation - DUE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2010

Monday 11-1

Rel- unit 1 wrap up pgs 77-78
Sci- review
math- pgs 78-79
Library and computers
spelling unit 9- 3 TIMES EACH
writing- finish packet and class sample writing
art- color mission art
****study for science

Tuesday 11-2

Rel- pgs 79-80
sci- quiz game ; homework- study!!!!!!
math- pgs 80-81
Scottish dancing practice with Mrs. Bryan
sp- pgs 60-61
writing- begin rough draft
reading- PKBK 71-72
SS- vocab cards due; begin ch 3 story pgs 106-109 & do pg 109 questions?

Wednesday 11-3

Rel- learn the "our Father" in sign language
Sci- Ch A/3 test
kinder reading 9:45-10:10
math- wb pg 20 (rev concepts)
SS- read lesson 1
sp- 62-63
reading - PKBK 73-74
writing- work on rough draft
handwriting - "Mm"
Practice Dance ?

Thursday 11-4
Rel- preschool reading
Sci- vocab cards for ch A/4
math- 82-83
Scottish dancing
Sp- pgs 64-65
PKBK PAGE?
Writing- finish rough draft----- if not done, they need to finish at home.  HAVE THEM READ THEIR DRAFT OUTLOUD- THIS WILL HELP WITH EDITING AND PROOFREADING, THANK YOU!
SS- wb pg 25
*****students need to reread the story "Justin and the Best Bisquits in the World" to prepare for Friday's test

Friday 11-5

Rel-MASS
Math- wb pg 21
spelling and reading tests
writing - peer editing *****Final draft due Monday!!!
handwriting- "Nn"
12:30 dismissal

Conference Week & Red Ribbon Week 10-25 to 10-29

Report Cards have just gone out, and I am so proud of my students.  They have worked so hard, and it shows!

4th graders are.................AWESOME!!!!!!

Help:  I need someone to help with our fall program costumes.  We are studying Scotland and are doing traditional dances native to Scotland.  We need to make plaid sashes ( very easy to make ) for each child to wear for the fall program.  This job will require someone to cut strips of fabric for each child to wear.  We will use large safety pins to attach them.  I will pay for supplies, but I need for someone to take on the time to cut the fabric.  Of course this count as parent volunteer hours!  Please let me  know ASAP so we can get started.  Thanks.

RED RIBBON WEEK SCHEDULE:
Monday- hat day
Tuesday- sun glasses
Wed- crazy socks
Thursday- red & white free dress with donation of canned food
Friday- costumes

Field Trip- Nov 12- if you still haven't paid for your child or yourself ( If you are going) please pay Teresa in the office.  REMEMBER IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO GO ON THE TRIP WITH YOUR CHILD YOU MUST HAVE TAKEN THE SAFE ENVIRONMENT CLASS AND HAVE YOUR FINGERPRINTS DONE AND RESULTS IN THE OFFICE!!!!!  THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY- even if you drive up yourself.  I appreciate your support in this matter.

Reminder:  This is conference week and it is a 12:30 dismissal ALL WEEK!
**** donations of candy for quiz game would be great!!!!
*******Book project is due next week 11-1
*********Science test for ch A/3 is next Tuesday 11-2

Monday 10-25
Rel- ch 4 pgs 63-65; do pg 66 in FJ
Sci - do all lesson 4 notesheet * next test - next Tuesday 11-2
Math- pg 70-71
SS- go over the study guide; study!
Language arts- Read " Justin and the best bisquits in the world; do PKBK pg 69 (no test this week)

Tuesday 10-26
Rel- pgs 66-69
Sci- wb pgs 45-46
Math- pgs 72-73 and wb pg 16
SS- quiz game; study tonight-test tomorrow!
Scottish Dancing!
Language Arts- begin writing packet- compare and contrast writing

Wednesday 10/27
Rel-ch 4 rev in FJ
Sci- Ch A/3 rev pgs 98-99
Math- pgs 74-75
SS- ch 2 test
Language arts- 1. PKBK pgs 71,72 ; 2. writing packet

Thursday 10/28
Rel- Rosary, preschool reading
Sci - begin ch A/3 study guide
Math- pgs 76-77
SS- assign mission project and missions to study
Scottish Dancing!
Language arts- 1.  writing  2.  PKBK PG 74

Friday 10-29
costume parade and assembly
Sci- finish and go over study guide; it is recommended that you study over the weekend- TEST IS TUES. 11/2
Math- wb pgs 17-18 ( this is rev from the week)
SS- vocab cards for ch 3 ( they will have Monday in the Library to finish- then it will be homework for that night- you can work on it over the weekend?!)
Language arts- writing

IT IS OBVIOUS THAT SOME OF MY STUDENTS ARE NOT PRACTICING THEIR MATH FACTS.  I HAVE NOT REQUIRED THAT THEY DO THIS AS HOMEWORK- BUT SOME NEED IT.  THIS CHAPTER IN MATH IS ON ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION.  THEY REALLY SHOULD WORK ON THOSE FACTS.

Week 10

The first quarter has ended and I am so proud of all my students.  They have adjusted to fourth grade very well.  Parents and students give yourselves a pat on the back!!!!! Thanks to all the parents who drove for the class last Friday to Hampshire and Emeritus.  Thanks to all my students for having such great behavior.  I was very proud of you!

*2nd quarter- all work will be written in cursive starting now.  Work may take a little longer now- so keep that in mind when they are doing homework.

**If you are reading this blog, please give me a high five Monday morning!!! I realize that just the parents are reading this.  However, please have your child read the blog too.  It is a great habit for them do go over the work for the week. 

***This week will busy.  We have an English test (Nouns) on Tuesday.  The math test is Wednesday.  We will also have a spelling and reading test on Friday.  As you can see I have spread them out so that they are not on the same days, except for spelling and reading. 

Thanks to Mrs. Hobbs! for coming in several weeks to teach the class more about good nutrition habits----that was very enlightening!!!!!

Thanks to Mrs Bryan!  She will be teaching the class a Scottish style dance for the FALL PROGRAM.  I will need help with a simple costume idea.  If you would be willing to help, please come see me soon.  We will need to make simple sashes (plaid) for the students to wear.  It will be a traditional accessory like a Scottish clan would wear----- We will be part of the OLM clan.  

HOMEWORK HELP- MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY

Monday 10-18
Rel- Rosary lesson 
Sci- begin lesson 2 Note sheet
Math- rev pg 66
library and computers
English- rev for test
Spelling - cursive unit 8 2x each
PE


Tuesday
Rel- write The Apostles' Creed in FJ
Sci- finish lesson 2 notesheet and rev questions; Homework- do wb pgs 33,37
Math- test rev
SS- wb pg 21; ch rev in the wb pgs 22-23 **Next test will be next Wed. 10-27
Reading - read "Mom's Best Friend"; do PKBK pg 62 (these are the vocab words that will be on reading test)
English- Noun Test
Art


Wednesday
Rel- rosary group activity
Sci- lesson 3 lab activity; Homework- read lesson 3
Math- Test
SS- skills lesson - read pages 74-75 and do wb pgs 18-19
Spelling- do pg 55
PKBK pgs 64-65
English- poetry- Cinquain- (they might have to finish at home); handwriting page
PE


Thursday
Rel- Rosary; preschool reading
Sci- begin lesson 3 notesheet
Math- go over test; take a Math facts test
SS- ch rev in the textbook , do pg 91 # 1-13
Sp- pg 56-57
Reading- PKBK pgs 66-67
English- final draft Cinquain poem; handwriting pg
Finish art project


Friday
Rel- music practice
Sci- finish lesson 3 note sheet; do wb pg 41
Math Begin ch 2 pgs 68-69 and wb pg 14
SS- begin study guide
Spelling test unit 8
Reading test - "Mom's Best Friend"
Writing - begin Compare and contrast writing packet
PE


Remember:  Conferences are next week.  I hope to see each parent.  Please be on time so that each parent has their full time!

The end of the first quarter is this Friday 10-15-10

So Far this year has been a very positive one.  My students show such excitement for everything they are learning, and for any teacher, it fills my heart with pride.  Fourth grade is the year that students must learn more about working independently as well as in a group.  They do this very well.  Students......... you make me so PROUD!!!!! 

AS FOR HOMEWORK:  I have looked closely to the amount and type of work that has been assigned.  All work we do in class starts as guided and then they are required to finish the assignments independently.  This will help them to be more independent.  Please have your child work on their own, unless they have questions.  You may check their work after, but do this with them so they can see what they miss and can correct it with help.  This will reinforce the concepts being taught.  As always reading and math facts are very beneficial, however, if your child has more than enough homework for the night, don't worry about this.  I WILL NOT REQUIRE THIS AS NIGHTLY HOMEWORK OR NEED FOR YOU TO SIGN THE PLANNER- FOR THESE ACTIVITIES.  As a parent and a teacher these are important-------when you have time.  It is always encouraged!

******BOOK PROJECTS  are assigned every few weeks and will require them to read.  I do give them time in class, but some may need to be done at home.  Please keep this in mind.  The next project will be on a biography book.  We will check out a new book this Monday. It will be due Monday 11-1-10.  That gives them a few weeks to complete.  

*******ST. VINCENT LUNCHES- OUR TURN IS THIS FRIDAY, BUT I ENCOURAGE THEM TO, IF THEY CAN, TO BRING ONE EACH WEEK.  THIS IS ONE WAY TO PUT THEIR FAITH INTO PRACTICE-------ACTIVE FAITH-FILLED PEOPLE!!!!!

*********HOMEWORK HELP will be this Monday and Wednesday. When my students finish their work from the day I might cancel it.  I have them call around lunch.  If this will be a problem, please let me know.

********Mission trip- PLEASE TURN IN YOUR PERMISSION SLIP ASAP.  AND IF YOU STILL NEED TO TURN IN VIA BUS MONEY PLEASE DO SO.  iF THIS IS GOING TO BE A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP PLEASE LET ME KNOW.....ALL STUDENTS WILL GO REGARDLESS!  

*******COMMUNION SERVICE AT HAMPSHIRE AND EMERITUS WILL BE THIS FRIDAY 10-15-10.  Thanks to the parents who will be driving and helping with this.  Your help is  ALWAYS APPRECIATED!  Drivers need to be at school earlier than 9:45 so we can leave by 9:45 AM.  We should return by 10:45- Emeritus takes longer.  

Monday

Rel-  ch 3 pg 51 activity

Sci- lab in the garden; hw finish ch A/3 vocab cards

Math- pg 58-59 ****test will be Wed 10-20

Library and computers

English- pg 84-85 **** test will be Tues 10-19

Silent reading

Begin poetry- Haiku

Prepare for Communion Service For Friday

Tuesday

 Rel- ch 3 pgs 52-55; hw pg 58 in FJ

Sci- begin lesson 1 notesheet

Math-  in groups so pgs 60-61

SS- Finish lesson 4 Outline

sp- unit 7 2x each in cursive; hw- sp pg 48----Test Fridiay!

Eng- pg 86-87 

poetry- finish Haiku- type for extra credit

Art Warm and Cool color painting

Wednesday

Rel- pgs 56-57 ; do 59-60 in FJ

Sci- finish lesson 1 notesheet- do rev #1-5 on notesheet

Kinder reading

Math pgs 62-63 in groups

SS- begin lesson 5 Outline ; hw wb pg 20

spelling 49-50, Handwriting "K"

English 88-89

math facts test 

Art

Thursday

Rel- Rosary( bring one from home if you have one), preschool reading 8:40 to 9:00

Sci- Lab #2

Math - ch rev pgs 64-65 evens together; Hw do odds

SS- finish lesson 5 outline

handwriting "Joinings", math facts test

eng- pg 90 # 1-8; start rev pg 92 evens

Practice for Communion Service on Friday

Friday

Music practice 
Sci- go over lab, begin lesson 2 notesheet
9:45-10:45 communion Service
Sp- test unit 7
poetry- share poems
eng- finish rev pg 92-93 evens
PE

October 4th thru October 7th

My students have really been working hard and have impressed me very much!  Keep it up guys!  Please review the rubric for conduct and go over it with your child.  Many students are talking which really increases the load of work that goes home at night.  However, many are very quiet, but that won't ensure an "A" in conduct.  Students need to be looking for ways to help around the classroom and with other students.  They need to remember to do this along with participation while not being disruptive at the same time.  Students must be done with their work before they help around the classroom.  Please discuss this with your child, thanks for your support!

Whenever there is a writing assignment, I ask that you help them with proofreading.  This will reinforce what I am doing in the classroom.  Also when you have them correct errors right away, it will reinforce the correct way things should be. 

upcoming dates this week:

1. Science test on chapter A/2 - Tuesday 10-5-10
2. Nonfiction book project- due Thursday 10-7-10.  Please check over their work for spelling and complete sentences.  Also check for neatness.  This will count for a handwriting grade! 
3. NO spelling or reading tests this week!
4. Friday- no school for students! 

***** We have a communion service next Friday at Hampshire and Emeritus.  I will post the drivers who have signed up to drive next weekend.  Because I have to split my class I will need a parent willing to supervise at The Hampshire for me- any volunteers?  Please let me know ASAP


Monday
Rel - begin ch 2
Sci- rev and quiz game
Math- pgs 52-53
Library and computers
Writing/ Lang. arts- peer editing exercise; homework- write the FINAL DRAFT- DUE THE NEXT DAY!
Art or PE

Tuesday
Rel- finish ch 2
Sci- ch A/2 test
Math- pgs 54-55, HW wb pg. 12
S.S- Lesson 3 outline A&B ; HW finish that part if not done
Sp- pgs 42-43 (no 3X each)
Eng- pgs 78-79 all
reading - Read "Kettle of Hawks"  ; PKBK PGS 53-54
Art- Indian art sheet

Wednesday
Rel- ch 2 worksheet- both sides; write a pen pal letter to Ms. Costa's class
Math- Kinder reading 945-10, math wb pg 11
SS- finish lesson 3 outline
sp- pg 44 only
Eng- pgs 80-81 all
Reading PKBK pgs 57,58
Art Or PE

Thursday
Rel- Preschool reading
Sci- Ch A/3 vocab cards - please get rid of old cards and make sure that the outline for ch A/2 has been turned in.  That assignment goes for a grade.
Math- pgs  86-87 word problems in groups
SS- Begin lesson 4 outline sheet
English - pgs 82-83
Reading - PKBK pgs 59,60,61
Art or PE

Friday
Students have the day off, but the teachers have a convention!