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

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!