Week 3 8-29 to 9-2

Welcome to the 3rd week of school.  I am very impressed with my students and how hard they are working.  I always set very high expectations and many of them are meeting or even exceeding them.  I believe whole heartily that when you set high goals for them, they will work for them!!! Go 4th graders!!!!! A few of my students, though, are not completing their classwork/homework.  My policy is that when work isn't finished, It must be completed as homework that night.  Unless we have just started a note sheet or project/ long term writing assignment another due date is given.  That will be on the blog and in the planner.  It is crucial to check both of these for the most up-to-date information.  I have allowed some to complete such work at recess, but because I have gone over this and it was in my parent letter, I will now start issuing red cards for each assignment not completed.  They must finish the work as well.  I know that it may seem harsh, but this is truly a student responsibility that they must learn this year.  If you need to talk to me about this issue or any other issue, my door is always open or you may write me a note.  You can call school at 722-7496 and leave me a message, or email me at lynnee73@sbcglobal.net

I have also found that many students don't know their basic math facts very well.  This is an essential part in improving math grades and for developing a strong background for the upper grades.  A good practice is 10 minutes a day-- in the car at the dinner table or after they have finished their daily work/ homework.  This is where you as parents come in.  Please help them to practice.  Trust me, you will see a huge improvement in their math scores when they know the basics!!!  We will be taking several math facts tests a week.  This week I will focus on addition.  Thanks for your help!

This weeks reminders: 

• Friday is a Mass day and 12:30 dismissal
• unit 2 spelling test - Friday
• Reading test on "The Lost Lake"- Friday
• Library and computers will begin.  Students will be checking out a book that they must finish reading and do a book project on (This will be handed out Monday) The Due date will be announced.  4th graders will be reading 2 books a quarter and doing some sort of project with the books they complete.  The types of books will change so they get an opportunity to try different styles of literature.

Coming up

• The science vocabulary test will be next week on Wednesday 9-7-11- This will only cover what's on their cards
• Their first book project will be due in 3 weeks- on Friday  9-16-11- That means they need to read the book and do the project by that date so it's turned in on time.  I give them 10 minutes a day to read and when they are done with an assignment they may read.  This project may require them to read at home as well.  Help keep them organized and help them pace the time to not have to do this at the last minute.  No extensions will be given. Thank you

****PE will depend on the air quality and heat this week*******

 Monday 8-29

Rel- pg 20

Sci- go over lab page 7; begin lesson 2 pgs A14--A16 only homework- finish notes for those pages

Math- pgs 6-7 evens only

library/ computers

Reading- read "The Lost Lake", do pkbk pg 18

Art

Tuesday 8-30

Rel- Keeping the promise/ safe environment lesson

Sci- finish note sheet for lesson 2 and do wb pg 9- finish for homework

Math- pgs 8,9,10 evens only

SS- map skills lesson -read 26-27; do wb pg 5

Sp- unit 2 2x each and pg 18

English pgs 22-23 #1-20

Reading- finish handwriting intro pages, pkbk pgs 19-20

Art

Wednesday 8-31

Rel- write the Morning Offering prayer in their faith journal (green)- will need to finish at home if not done in class.

Sci- Begin lesson 3 note sheet  ******vocab test next Wednesday- start reviewing now******

Math- pgs 11,12 evens

SS- begin reading lesson 3

Sp- pgs 19-20

English - pgs 24-25 #1-20

Reading- handwriting "Aa"; pkbk 22-23

PE or Art

Thursday 9-1

Rel- reading to preschool (this will be every week.  The students will be assigned a preschool buddy to read to)

Sci- work on lesson 3 note sheet

Math- pg 14 fractions review

SS- finish lesson 3 and do wb pg 6

Sp- pg 21 & STUDY STUDY STUDY

We will play spelling baseball to review

Reading - handwriting "Bb" , pkbk pg 24- STUDY the story and review the vocab from pkbk pg 18

Art or PE 

Friday 9-2

Rel- Mass

Sci- finish lesson 3 note sheet, do review #1-5 on page A27 on the note sheet

Math- pgs 24-25

Sp- unit 2 test

Reading- "The Lost Lake" test

12:30 dismissal today!

Week 8-22-11

Welcome to the second week of school.  Now we will be in the full swing of things! Yeah!  If you are reading the blog, have your child read it too.  It gives them information on what they will be doing.  Have them give me a high five!  I like to know who is reading the blog.........And who isn't.  We will still be doing review in math, but the rest of the subjects will be beginning new units. 

My PE and Art days may change depending on how many will be attending Band/color guard.  If you and your child are considering participating in this activity, have the schedule up in my class.  If your child is missing work or grades begin to fall below a C- or  below a B- in conduct or effort (school policy) they will not be allowed to miss class time.

Dates to remember:

• On Friday- There will be a spelling test on unit 1.  They will need to know how to spell the basic and challenge words (25 words) I will soon include the review words (30 words)
• On Friday- we will have a reading assessment test on this weeks story A Little Excitement.  Half of the test is reading comprehension and the other half will be vocabulary from the story.  The vocabulary comes from the practice book.(Its always the first page on that story)
• On Sunday- We will have an open house from 11-1PM.  Please come and join us and see what we have been up to in the fourth grade classroom.  Also, you might want to see if their desk is neat and tidy.  I have been talking about the importance of being neat and organized. ****Remember if you want to discuss your child, please make an appointment if necessary.  We have many families who visit, and it is not fair to your child to discuss private matters in front of others.

 I have enjoyed the students this week.  They know the rules backwards and forwards.  However, many forget the classroom rules and procedures, so this week I will start giving red cards when the "Big Five" rules and procedures are broken.  Usually a warning will be given first.  The red cards will be stapled to the planner and are to be signed and returned the following day.  This is my policy, and it is one way for you to know why conduct grades fall. Thank you.

****** Urgent- all homework or unfinished work from the day must be completed at home and returned in the homework folder the next day unless it is stated otherwise in their planner.  They do not hand it in, I will call for it. Some students have not been doing their nightly work.  Please see that you check their planners each night for what needs to be done.  If it is circled in their planner, it needs to be completed that night.  Also, Please Do Not Remove any work from the homework folder!!! Some have said that the parent has taken or cleaned out the work.  I will handle the organizing and collecting of work.  Thank you for your attention and patience with this matter.

Monday 8-22
*** On this day I will be checking both ch 1 Science and Social Studies vocab cards for completion.  This is an assignment and will be a grade.

Religion- Active Faith-filled People activity
Science- begin note taking.  They will be taught how to do this and we will begin lesson 1 for pages A6-A8 only
Math- division rev worksheets
Social Studies- Ch 1 intro story
Spelling- Unit 1- write basic and challenge words twice(2x) each.  This can be in print for now until we get better at cursive.  These assignments are graded for neatness and handwriting as well as spelling.  The words must be spelled correctly.
English- pgs 16-17
Reading- Read A Little Excitement and do Practice book(PKBK) page 10- These are the vocabulary words on the test. 
Art

Tuesday 8-23
Rel- letter writing.  They will write a friendly letter to Jesus
Sci- finish lesson 1 notesheet pages A9-A11
Math- place value pg 1
SS-read lesson 1 all; Homework(hw)- do wb pg 1
Sp- unit 1 pgs 12-13
Eng-pgs 18-19
Reading- PKBK pgs 12,14; handwriting (handw) ws
PE

Wednesday 8-24
Rel- begin Pg 18-19 activity on the bible
Sci-Lab, wb pg 5
Math- pg 2  comparing whole numbers
SS- read pgs 16-17 , do wb pg 2
Sp- pages 14
Eng-pgs 20-21
Reading- pkbk pg 16; handw ws
Art

Thursday 8-25
Rel- finish pgs 18-19
Sci-go over lab results on wb pg 5; do wb pg 1
Math- pgs 3-4 on money and addition/subtraction
SS- read lesson 2
Sp- pgs 15-16; hw- STUDY
Eng- handw ws
Reading-reread weekly story ; hw- go over pkbk pgs, study vocabulary words , review story for test tomorrow.
PE
 
Friday 8-26- 12:30 Dismissal today!
Rel- music practice
Sci- do lesson 1 review questions #s 1-5 on notesheet of lesson 1
Math- pg 5 related facts
SS- do wb pg 4
Spelling test on unit 1
Reading test on A Little Excitement;  discuss Indian legend stories I will read a few to them.  We will be writing Indian legend stories soon!


Sunday  Open House 11-1 PM

Back to School 2011-2012

         It' that time again.......And I hope everyone is as excited as I am!!! If you are reading this blog, have your child bring in a small picture of him/herself for the bulletin board as soon as possible.  Thanks!!! Having school supplies the first day is important.  Some things will be sent home like:  the extra paper.  Most things should fit in the large school box.  The school box will be on a shelf not in their desks, so don't worry about it fitting in the desk.

There are a few important things for you to know or to do:

• Your child MUST have a planner by Tuesday if he/she doesn't already have one.
• Have your child bring a book that they want to read Tuesday for silent reading.  We do this daily.  This will help with their daily reading requirement.  We will not go to the library or computers for the first two weeks of school.
• PARENTS- PLEASE fill out and sign all paperwork sent home by Wednesday.  Thank you!  It should be sent in with your child.  This is an important step in learning responsibility. I will sort and get all paper that needs to get to the office ......To the office.
• for Math- please send in graph paper to use for their assignments.  This help tremendously with neatness!  Have graph paper by Monday, thank you.

 On Monday 15, 2011,  we will be having Mass.  No shorts may be worn.  Please remember the school rules when it comes to uniform attire.  Boys MUST wear a belt in 4th grade.   After Mass, we will be going over classroom rules and consequences.  I run a tight classroom where rules MUST be followed.  We will also be going over school rules.  We will also be filling out planners starting the first day.  Planners MUST be signed EACH DAY. Thank you.  This is a great way to get to know what your child has been doing throughout the day and what homework or daily work needs to be finished.  Please read the letter I send home for all the rules and expectations for parents and students.  Please fill out the parent questionnaire also.  This is very beneficial because it is the what you want me to know about your child.  It gives me some incite to what your child's strengths and weaknesses are so I can better help them succeed in school.


FYI: The work that I post on my blog is that day's assignments.  When they do not finish their daily work, they are to finish it at home.  sometimes I will list or assign follow up homework in class.  You will find this in their planner.  If you have any questions about this matter PLEASE SEE ME THANKS!

Tuesday 8-16
Rel- discuss religion topic for writing, do class sample paragraph
Sci- begin animal activity
Math- begin basic facts rev of addition
Soc St- begin introduction of geography terms pgs I17- I19
Lang arts- discuss choosing the right book, begin handwriting -cursive ws, & back to school fun handout
Reading- Begin story-"Rajah's Rice", begin prac book pg 8
Art- Begin "Me" activity

Wednesday 8-17
Rel- we will begin religion writing assignment .  They will learn the proper format of a paragraph, how to brainstorm and to put their ideas into sentences. They will be doing their writing in a packet I have copied for them and I want them to do their writing in class so I can better assess their individual skills in writing. They will begin their rough draft
Sci- finish their animal activity- This is due tomorrow!
Math- addition and subtraction review, complete worksheets
Soc. St. -Reading maps pgs I20-I22
Lang.arts- handwriting sheet, discuss daily silent reading requirement
Reading- finish story, do practice book{PKBK} pg 1,8
PE

Thursday 8-18
Rel- finish rough draft writing, proof read and rewrite on binder paper- Each student will present their writing to the class tomorrow.
Sci- begin ch 1 vocab cards, I will show them how to do this skill because in is one of the most crucial study skill they MUST learn.  They will do this all year and for years to come.
Math- double digit subtraction worksheets
Soc. St- begin ch 1 vocab cards- I will give them the words to know and define
English- rev parts of speech in grammar. Do handout
Handwriting?
Reading- work on PKBK pages, Silent reading [ssr]
ART

Friday 8-19
Rel- present Religion paragraphs to class
Sci- finish vocab cards
Math- multiplication review worksheets
S.S - finish vocab cards
Language Arts- play basic word spelling bee {words will be taken from sight word list and spelling workbook.}
Grammar- beginning English book / sentence unit--pgs 14-15 all
Finish Art assignment


Please remember that your child should read and be practicing their basic math skills nightly.

Last week of the 2011 School Year!

Can you believe that it is the last week of school???  Wow !  The fourth graders have continued to work very hard.  We have taken our final tests, but we have a few days of work to complete.  Yes!!!

I have several important reminders for you to keep in mind:


Your child must bring a sack lunch Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week.  Thursday lunch will be provided. 


Monday, May 23, 2011 is our Bowling party .  The students can wear free dress.  The drivers are:Capulong, Small, Wright, Pilkington, Arandia, and Scheuerman.  Please be at school by 12:30.  They will eat lunch and then we will leave. We will bowl from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.  We need to be back by 2:30 PM.  The students are allowed to wear free dress. 
 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011 is a regular day of school.  The 8th graders graduate tonight , 7PM at St. Patrick's Church.  It is really a great event to attend.



Wednesday, May 25, 2011 is cleaning day.  Make sure your child brings their backpack to be able to take all supplies home.  

Thursday, May 26, 2011 is field day.  Lunch will be provided, and they may wear free dress.

Friday, May 27, 2011 Last day of school.  Students should be in uniform for mass.  NO SHORTS ARE ALLOWED.  DISMISSAL IS AT 10:00 AM AND THERE IS NO EXTENDED CARE.

Week 5/2/2011 to 5/6/2011

Welcome back from spring break!!!!  We all needed the break to give us the energy to make it to the end of May for summer vacation!!!


PLEASE PRINT THIS BLOG TO KEEP AS A REMINDER OF IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS FOR OUR LAST MONTH OF SCHOOL

Upcoming events:


This Friday 5-6-2011 is May crowning and Grandparents' Day.  I hope that many of our grandparents will be coming to visit our classroom and to eat breakfast with us!!!  This is also a 12:30 dismissal for our students because of our faculty meeting.


Monday, May 9, 2011 is an all school mass to celebrate the sacrament of First Communion with the 2nd graders !




Next Tuesday 5-10-2011 is the Merced County Writing Festival awards ceremony at the Merced Mall.  The winners and parents will leave school at 8:15AM and should be back by 11:00 AM.  I am so very proud of the winners:Karlee Hobbs, Adriana Vidauri, Anthony Small, Casandra Macalincag, Sophie d'Escoto, Adriana Felsinger, and Maralize Carreon.  Wow- 7 winners is outstanding!!!!!!  I will need Mrs. Small and Mrs. d'Escoto to drive the students please, Thanks so much for volunteering!


Next Wednesday 5-11-2011 is our last communion service for the year.  I don't have enough drivers to get the children to and from the event.  PLEASE  reconsider helping us drive to this community service event!  These are the drivers who have signed up at the beginning of the year: Crawford, Sizemore, Pilkington, Small,  - I only have enough for 18 students to attend.!  Please let me know if you can change your schedule to help us get all of my students to Park Merced.  We will need to leave at 10:30 AM to be there by 10:45 AM.


Friday 5-13-2011 is the all school talent show!




Grades 1-4 Awards Assembly on Monday, 5-16-2011 in the Auditorium




Monday 5-2-2011

Rel-  Ch 10 pgs 155-157; FJ pg 157
Sci- Begin Ch C/2 - vocab cards- ch test will be a vocab test only
Math- pgs 276-277
Library- do sp unit 27 3x each
Computers
Reading- Begin ch 9 in Esperanza Rising
PE


Tuesday 5-3-2011

Rel- pgs 158-160; FJ pgs 159, 160
Sci- Lesson 1 lab
Math- pgs 278-279- orally, do pgs 282-283
SS- Begin ch 8- do vocab cards ( I will give words and people to know)- Ch test will be on the vocab and people only
Sp- pgs 168-169
Eng- pg 397
Reading- finish Ch 9, write a letter to Abuelita ( You will write a letter as Esperanza to her grandmother)
Art- Mary sketch, when done you will use watercolors


Wednesday 5-4-2011

Rel- pg 160, do rev pgs 163-164 in FJ
Sci- read all lesson 1
Math- wb pg 94/ kinder reading
SS- begin lesson 1 pgs 314-317
Sp- pgs 170-171
Eng - pg 398
Reading - begin Ch 10
PE


Thursday 5-5-2011

Rel- Preschool reading
Sci- Lesson 2 lab
Math- pgs 284-285
SS- finish lesson 1, do wb pg 83
Sp- pgs 172-173
Reading - finish ch 10 in Esperanza
Art- Mary sketches


Friday 5-6-2011- MAY CROWNING & GRANDPARENTS' DAY- 12:30 dismissal

**This is a tentative schedule**

Sci- begin lesson 2
Math - pgs 288-289
SS- begin lesson 2
Spelling test

Holy week 2011- Finally!!

It's almost time for us to celebrate Holy week!!! And spring break!!
I wanted to let the class know how many compliments I received on our field trip.  They said that they love when our school comes.  They said that our children are always very polite and well behaved!  I know this!!! JUST ANOTHER REASON TO HAVE YOUR CHILDREN ATTEND OUR LADY OF MERCY-RIGHT? 

****Reminders-

***Wednesday will be the talent show try outs at lunch.  Please practice and have the clothing that you will be wearing.
***PLEASE CHECK OPTION C FOR MISSING WORK.  IT IS TIME FOR MY STUDENTS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR LEARNING.  ALL MISSING WORK MUST BE TURNED IN BEFORE EASTER BREAK, THANK YOU!


Monday 4-18
Rel- make First Communion cards for our 2nd graders
Sci- begin ch C/1 ch review pg C #1-22
Math- ch 8 - fractions!  pages 266-267 orally & pages 268-269
library- spelling unit 26 3x each **test Thursday 4/21
Computers
Reading- finish ch 7-almonds- ; answer review questions
PE- softball - throwing and catching drills

Tuesday 4-19
Rel- calss meeting; kindness and justice challenge discussion
Sci- finish ch rev pg C29 #23-29
Math-pg 270-271
Ss- lesson 3 301-304, take notes
Sp- unit 26 pgs 162-163
English 396
Reading- begin ch 8
Art- sketch and watercolor project

Wednesday 4-20
Rel- writing- pen pal letter
Sci- correct review
SS- finish lesson 3 pgs 305-306 finish notes; do wb pg 78
Sp- pgs 164-165
Eng- pg 397
Reading- finish ch 8, write 1 page summary of the chapter
PE- softball game
****LUNCH- TALENT SHOW TRYOUTS*******



Thursday 4-21
Holy Thursday prayer service
Math - pgs 274-275
SS- Ch 7 review in workbook - do pages 80-81
Unit 26 spelling test
Present Esperanza summaries
12:30 dismissal -no extended care!


*******God bless you and your family this special holiday!  Enjoy your spring break!******

4-11-2011

This week is our fun trip to Mariposa!!! California history and Rocks and Minerals, YEAH!!!!
Maybe someone will strike it RICH!!!!  
An informational letter will go home Monday about the trip.
 **** English test- Adverbs- Friday

If you did the Drum elective , you have a chance to be in the talent show!!! There will be an audition Friday- SO PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!!!!  I hope many of you will be giving it a try because so many of you were great!!!!!!



Monday 4-11

Rel- Citizenship lesson
Sci- begin lesson 3 C18-C20
Math- pgs 400-401
Library and computers- in the library students will have a social studies lesson to complete- read pgs 296-297 and take notes
Reading - begin reading ch 6- define vocab words in reading journal
PE



 Tuesday 4-12

Rel- continue Citizenship , interview classmate
Sci- Lab
math- pgs 402-403
SS- lesson 3 rev pg 297
Eng- rev pg 394
Reading- finish ch 6, answer questions
Art


Wednesday 4-13

Rel- Share interviews
Math- 404, 405-406
SS- wb pgs 74-75
English rev pg 395
Reading begin ch 7, define vocab
We will get a chance to hear student council speeches and vote today because we will be gone Thursday!

Thursday 4-14


Mariposa field trip - leave by 8 AM return about 3 or 3:15

Friday 4-15

Music
Sci- finish lesson 3 , finish notes and do rev 1-5
Math ch 12 review pg 408 odds
SS- skills lesson - read pgs 298-299, do wb pgs 76-77
English - Adverb test
Reading - finish ch 7 , answer questions ?