Week 1-14-2011 to 1-21-2011

Dear parents

I have had several of you speak to me about the increase in homework.  Yes, we are transitioning to 5th grade, but the recent talking and visiting has increased greatly.  Please encourage your child to not talk beacuse I am giving ample time to complete or almost complete assignments in class.  I assure you that I am constantly observing and changing plans according to the amout of work given. I take a poll to see if the majority have not completed their work to change or modify assignments as needed.  I really appreciate the parents who come to me to discuss this issue to assure that I keep homework at a normal level.  Now, with the daily reading, I do not consider this homework, but a way of life.  Remember your child should be reading each day about 20 min. in order to complete the book and project by the due date.  Reading shouldn't be a chore, but an activity. 

Thanks so much for keeping me up-to-date and for all your support.  This is how we are able to keep open communication positive.  We should work together to educate your child. 
God Bless all of you,
Love, Mrs. M

Homework help Wednesday only


Upcoming events:
This week:

• English test- Wed 1-19 on Adjectives
• No spelling or reading tests this week
• Prepare for book projects next week

Next week:

• Science test ch B/1 - next Tuesday 1-24
• Spelling test Friday 1-28
• Book projects Due Monday 1-24- they should be ready to present their projects starting Monday 1-24
• memorize speeches for next week!
• Start researching for assigned topics

Week 1-31- CATHOLIC SCHOOLS' WEEK

• SS test Ch 5 - Wednesday 2-2
• Speeches begin Monday 1-31
• Tues: blue/white free dress & buddy day
• Wed: Cherish lunch - we will perform our Scottish Dance
• Thurs: All School Sing Along- This should be fun!
• Fri: All School Mass at St. Patrick's Church- I will need drivers to bring students back to school Please! Also, This is Teachers VS. 8th grade volleyball game.  12:30 dismissal

We are in need of Clorox wipes!


Tuesday 1-18
Rel- Ch 12  179-181
Sci- Wb pg 88; start ch rev
Math- pgs 142-143
SS- lesson 3, begin reading and note taking
Eng - rev for test
Reading- start memorizing speeches
Scotland - group work, finish flag

Wed 1-19
Rel- pgs 182-185, do pgs 187-188
Sci- Finish ch rev * test next Wed. 1-25
Math- wb pg 41
kinder reading
SS- finish lesson 3 & notes, do wb pg 53
English test
English pg 261
memorize speeches
PE- Scottish dance

Thurs 1-20
Religion- Chapel
Sci- begin study guide
Math pgs 144-145
SS- begin lessosn 4 and notes
English- pg 263
Reading- read Creation of a California Tribe (NO TEST), PKBK
Art- Scotland activities

Fri. 1-21
music practice
Sci- fiish study guide
Math pgs 146-147
SS- Lesson 4- finish and do notes
Eng- pg 265
Reading- PKBK
PE - dancing

Week 1-10-2011 to 1-14-2011

Welcome back to the 2nd week of the New Year!
I was very proud of my students' grades for the 2nd quarter!  We need to work on spelling for all daily work.  Students must copy work out of the book correctly or it will affect their grade.  Also, conduct , especially talking , has become a problem. Red cards will be given for talking and disruptive behavior.  Thanks for your understanding and support concerning this matter!

Tests this week:
spelling Unit 14- Friday
Reading test- The Lucky Stone- Friday
* English adjective test next week 1-19


Upcoming events:
International Night will be on February 16, 2011 at 6:00 PM.  Students will be given a topic to research to add to our poster board.  They will need pictures about their topic- please color ink; it looks so much better.

Mon 1/10
Rel- Ch 5 pg 85
Sci- finish lab, homework read B14-16 and take notes
Math pgs 134-135 #s 1-34
Library/ Computers- for homework do spelling unit 14 5x each in cursive
Writing- finish last paragraph of persuasive essay- please help them proofread and edit at home.  The final draft will be due FRIDAY 1-14-2011- IT MUST INCLUDE THEIR FIRST DRAFT
Art- Scottish Flag - mosaic style

Tues 2-11
Rel- pgs 86-89, FJ do pgs 86 & 88
Sci- notes for pgs B17-19 (finish lesson)
Math 136 # 1-5 front end estimate only, #s 6-40 evens
SS- Skills lesson- read pgs 196-197, do wb pgs 48-49
Sp- pgs 90-91
Eng- pgs 212-213
reading - The Lucky Stone, do PKBK pg 124
Art- Catholic Schools week art

Wed- 2-12
Rel-pgs 90-94
Sci- Begin lesson 3 + notes
pg 138-139 #s 1-26
Lesson 2 pgs 198-201 + notes
sp- 92-93
Eng- 214 #s 1-8, pg 216 #s 1-37 (beginning review for next week's test)
Reading PKBK
Art- mosaic flag

Thurs. 2-13
Preschool reading
Sci- Lesson 3 - work on notes where we left off
Math wb pg 39 all
SS- lesson 2 pgs 202-203 finish lesson 2 notes
Sp- pgs 94-95, study for tomorrow's test!
Eng- rev pg 217 #s 38-70
Reading - pkbk , study for tomorrow's test!
Scottish dancing

Fri 2-14
Religion
Sci- finish lesson 3
Math 140-141 #s 1-27
SS- Skills lesson pgs 204-205, do wb pg 50
Spelling test
reading test
English practice pretest
*******Final draft ( draft they proofread and had checked) in DUE TODAY!
Art or PE

Welcome back !!!!! 1-3-2011 to 2-7-2011

Welcome back class!!! I hope you had a restful break.  I sure did!!!! I missed you very much.  I really appreciated all the thoughtful gifts you gave me for Christmas- especially all the delicious treats!!! I hope my clothes still fits- ha ha!  If you read this blog, say Happy New Year to your teacher!

*******I WANT TO THANK ALL THE PARENTS WHO BROUGHT ITEMS AND HELPED WITH THE CHRISTMAS PARTY!!!! WE ALL APPRECIATED IT SO MUCH.  IT SURE WAS SWEET---LITERALLY HA HA!!!!!

This coming up Friday we will celebrating the Epiphany Mass planned by our class.  We will have student readers, altar servers, and singers.  I will also have students bring up the offertory gifts.  We will have something a little special too, but you'll have to come to see our Mass! 


This first week we will begin all new units/chapters in each subject.  We also will be starting a new writing project- Persuasive speeches.  A few students will be chosen to participate in the Merced County Speech Festival.  This will be something new and challenging, but very fun.  At the end of this writing assignment the students will give a speech for the class- memorizing the speech is a must!

Book Project- we will begin a new book that will include a fun project that they will need to complete and present to the class- this will be a fiction book project.  We will check out a new book on Monday.

For science an social studies, the students will have to take notes for each lesson.  They may choose to do a note sheet, outline, or just notes on their own.  This will count for a big part of their grade.  I have guided them many times on various ways to take notes, now they will try this on their own.  I will give some guidance, but this will primarily be on their own.  Study guides will still be given before the test to help them study.

 In preparation for the next math unit, students need to practice multiplication and addition facts.  We will have daily facts test in these areas.

Monday 1-3-2011

Religion- prepare for mass, I with pick names for the various parts of the mass. 
Science- cards Ch b/1 vocab cards
Math- pgs 126-127 # 17-27
library/computers- In the library they will choose a new fiction book.  For homework they will do spelling unit 13 5x each in cursive.
Writing- begin persuasive packets
Art or PE

Tuesday 1-4-2011

Religion- practice for mass
Science- go see what the rain has done to our environment and how the water has moved soil etc. * begin lesson 1 B6-B8 read and take notes.
Math- facts test , pgs B9-B11 finish notes for the lesson. Homework- do wb page for lesson1.
SS- Begin Ch 5 vocab- words will be given.
spelling - unit 13 pgs 84-85
English- begin Adjectives- pg 204-205
writing
Art- begin mosaic art

Wednesday 1-5-2011

Rel- Mass preparation
sci- pgs B9- B11 finish lesson notes, Hw- do wb for lesson 1
Math- facts test, rev pgs 130-131
kinder reading
SS- preview to lesson 1 read 186-189 , do pg 189 1-2
sp- 86-87
Eng- pg 206-207
Writing
PE

Thursday 1-6-2011

Preschool reading
Science- lesson lab ( this is a fun but messy one!!)
Math- facts test, pgs 132-133
SS- begin lesson 1 pgs 190-192 take notes
spelling- pgs 88-89
Eng- pgs 208-209
Writing
Practice Mass in the Auditorium

Friday 1-7-2011- 12:30 dismissal

4th grade mass
Math- 134-135
SS- finish lesson 1 pgs 193-194 finish notes; do wb pg 47
Eng- pgs 210-211
Spelling test unit 13
** Report Cards go out today!

***Until Basketball is over I will do Hw help on Tuesday and Thursday
I will help students with notetaking


********* Our Country we have chosen for International Night is Scotland.  If you know something that you would like to share -- I would greatly appreciate that.  I f you have items that we can use for the night please let me know ASAP.  THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT!!!!

Last week before Christmas Break!!!!

DEAR STUDENTS AND PARENTS,

Wow, I am so impressed by my students' generosity with our pen pal gifts!  They really understand the true meaning of the season!  Our pen pals are going to be so happy with the gifts!  Their teacher got tears in her eyes when she saw how generous you were!  So did I!

This week will be busy ---- but we CAN do it.  The blog will be tentative, so if you are absent, please call a friend to check on the work you miss.  There will not be any tests because we did them last week, yeah. However, we will be finishing up with the math chapter, and the chapter review will count as a test.  My suggestion will be to CHECK YOUR WORK! 

Thanks to the parents for all your support with driving to the various events we have had lately.  I know that it was busy, but I truly appreciate you tremendously!  I couldn't do my job without you!

Upcoming:
Christmas program rehearsal for the school will be this Tuesday morning at 8:30 in the auditorium- come join us.  It is always fun to watch.  Don't forget that on Wednesday, 12-15 the band will perform before the Christmas program at St. Patrick's Church, followed by the Christmas program.  There is nothing like joining the school family in this most precious event!  Extra credit will be given for all those who attend this event.  Who wouldn't want to see a real baby be Jesus- its always exciting, right!

Monday 12-13
Rel- Christmas pgs 326-327; do pg 327 in FJ
Sci- read lesson 2, Homework- read lesson 2- There will not be a test on this chapter!
Math- pgs 114-115, #s 13-24; #s 31-32
library and  computers
bible story read , handw "p", "Q"
art- cards

Tuesday 12-14
Religion pgs 328-329; do pg 329 in FJ
8:30 Christmas program at school
Math- go over pgs 116-117; do pgs 118-119
SS- read lesson 3; do wb pg with lesson 3
Lang arts- finish "How to" packet, bible story read, do handw pgs "R", "S"
Art

Wednesday 12-15
math ch rev pg 120 all - will be graded as a test
Sci- lesson 4 ; do wb pg 73
Kinder reading
SS- lesson 4; do wb for lesson 4
Lang Arts- prewrite How to writing topic of choice; Homework finish writing at home, bible story read , handw pgs "T", "U"
art - finish cards

Thursday 12-16
Preschool reading
Sci- wb pg 74
Math correct ch rev; do pg 123
SS- Ch 4 rev- do wb pgs Ch 4 study guide
Lang Arts- Present "How To" writing to class- they will be graded on their presentations
PE

Friday 12-17- 12:30 dismissal & FREE DRESS- CHRISTMAS THEME- GO SCHOOL SPIRIT!!!!!!
Christmas assembly and drama play
Bible story - choose favorite and write a summary.  They will be graded on summary and spelling.  Their spelling on regular work has not been up to par, they need to take time to check their work!
Christmas party !
If there is not rain we will be outside for PE
If there is rain we will watch a Christmas movie or play games!

12-6-2010 to 12-10-2010

We were so proud of all of the dancers in the Nutcracker- Especially Sophia, Karlee, Carly, Lizzy, and Adriana!  Mrs. Hobbs was great too!  What a show!!!!! I am so glad that we had enough drivers to all go- Thanks to Mrs. Brockman who doesn't even have a child or grandchild in the class!!!!

This Friday we have a community service trip to go to The Hampshire and Emeritus.  We will need to leave at 9:40 and will return around 10:30.  I will split the class and each group will be reading and singing for their communion service. I will go to one place and I will need one of my parents to help with the place.  If this is something you would like to help with, please let me know.  Thanks again for your support!  These are the drivers who have signed up:

Mrs. Pilkington

Reid

Mrs.Small

Mr. Sizemore

Mrs. d'Escoto

Mrs. Hobbs

Mrs. Bryan

I know that their is a very important fundraiser- the enchilada sale- but I know you will come through for this important event thank you! 

Upcoming dates to remember for this week:

Book project is due this Monday 12-6
Verb test- This Tuesday 12-7
Science test- This Thursday 12-9

We are still collecting gifts for our pen pal class.  We need to have all gifts by THIS Thursday so that I can get them to the students before their holiday break.  Remember as we fill their gift bags- We are filling their "buckets" and ours!  When we give to others, we are giving to Jesus!  That is the reason for the season!

Because these next two weeks are busy the blog is just tentative.  If your child is sick, please call someone from the class to check to make sure you have the accurate assignments.  Thank you!

Monday 12-6
Rel- Advent pgs 318-319, do pg 219 in FJ
Sci- ch rev pgs 126-127, study
Math- pgs 106-107 - #s 11-20 check each probelm, #s 21-30 just do the problems
Library & Computers
LIBRARY BOOKS MUST COME TO SCHOOL AND BE RETURNED! BOOK PROJECTS ARE DUE!
Reading- read "City Green" , do PKBK pg 89(vocab for test)
We will be finishing up on the Mission presentations YEAH! * They have all done a wonderful job: You should stop by to see them.  The boards and missions will go home this week.

Tuesday 12-7
Rel- pgs 320-323, do pgs 321 & 323 in FJ
Sci-Rev and quiz game?  I will give them specific things to study, please schedule appts later in the day!
Math- pgs 108-109, do #s 11-19 check each problem, #s 20-30
SS- Begin ch 4- read lesson 1, do wb pg 55- please use your book these pages will be graded
Sp- unit 12 rev- write all 60 words 2x each in cursive- there will be a test !
English test
Reading PKBK pgs 90-91
handwriting- O

Wed 12-8
Mass
Science -quiz game, study- test tomorrow!
visit with kinder
SS- skills lesson - read 116-117, do wb pg56
Writing
sp pgs 78-79
Reading PKBK  pgs 92, 94
Handwriting - P
Pen pal cards

Thursday 12-9
Rel- visit with preschool
Sci- Test Ch A/4
Math- pgs 110-111, #s 6-21
SS- lesson 2, do wb pg 57 ( use the book)
Writing
Sp- pg 80
Reading- PKBK pgs 95-95
Handwriting- Q
Finish pen pal cards, pack gift bags!

Friday 12-10
Music
Science - Ch A/5 - read lesson 1 , do wb pg 61 (use the book)
Communion Service - Leave by 9:40 We are going to The Hampshire and Emeritus
Writing
Spelling Test unit 12
Reading test- City Green

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