Test Tomorrow

Yes, it was another hot one, which included the first fire drill of the year!

Please plan on attending the fourth grade parent information night next Thursday. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please let us know in advance!

Assignments:
Journal Entry-Compare yourself and a friend. This should be at least two paragraphs with at least three sentences in each. According to the Ohio academic content standards, comparing means to tell how two (or more) things are alike AND different.
Reading-Open book test on Because of Winn Dixie
Language-worksheet on declarative and interrogative sentences
Science-Begin group presentation on science safety.

Homework:
Finish homework packet (three worksheets) and spelling (accumulate 50 points).
Study for spelling test.

Congratulations All Stars!
Riley and Molly joined the All Star Ranks today!
Nick and Jessica continued on their quest.
Jessica reached the Silver Scholar level!

Early Release Day!

Assignments:
Language- Write correct 5 declarative and 5 interrogative sentences.
Math-Reviewed place value and number sense.
Reading-Reviewed for Because of Winn Dixie quiz.

Homework:
Study for reading quiz.
Work on packets.
Work on spelling.

Today's All Stars
Abby, Nick, Holly, Lexie, Holly,

Jessica, Taryn and Bryce

Tuesday

Early Dismissal on Wednesday, August 29 due to heat!

Assignments:
Science-Are You a Scientist?
Language-Journal Entry
Math-workook p. 1 and 2
Social Studies-Global Address (All fourth grade students need to know their home addresses.)
Reading-Because of Winn Dixie; discussed sequence
All due Wednesday, August 29.

Homework:
Continue working on spelling and homework packet.
Finish classwork that was not completed during the school day. Students were given 1/2 hour of work time today.

Congratulations to Bronze Scholar Jessica who completed her 16th All Star Task!
Lexie, Caitlin, Abby, Faith, Holly, Holly, and Jessica all earned stars today!

New Week, New Stuff

Week 2 of the school year off to a great start!
FYI:
Reading Quiz: Because of Winn Dixie (Open Book, chapter 7) on Thursday
Spelling Test: Friday

Assignments:
Science: Draw a Scientist
Reading: Read "Because of Winn Dixie" in text; complete worksheet 4.
For vocabulary practice, click here.
Language: In journal, write a letter to Mrs. Putnam describing what you want to learn, your favorite candy, and anything else important/interesting.
All due Tuesday, August 28.


Homework:
Packet: Reading, Social Studies, Math
Spelling: Complete 50 points worth of activties.
Both due Friday, August 31.

Extra Credit:
Complete the "Because of Winn Dixie" webquest.

All Stars
Abby, Lexie, Holly, and Jessica continue onward in their quests for super Star-dom! Grand Work!

Great First Week

Other than the weather (over which we have no control), this was a great first week. The early dismissals helped to ease the heat and the transition back to school. Things to remember for next week:

• Bring water bottles. The heat is expected to continue.
• Return Friday folder and signed report on Monday.
• Have a great weekend!

Congratulations to more All-Stars! Jessica, Jared, Faith, Holly and Lexie each completed at least one challenge!

Day 2

With the school year only two days old and the first of 2 early dismissals, this has to be the hottest beginning to a new year that I have ever experienced and the hottest that the fourth graders have ever known! Even in the extreme heat though, my class is keeping its cool! As we wrote our mission statement today and got to know each other and ourselves through surveys, I realized that this class knows that each individual is here to learn. How lucky am I, to have a class like this!
Good news! The All Star Club has its first star earner: Lexie already earned her first star by learning about 26 different careers-one for each letter of the alphabet! Way to go Lexie!

Homework:
None tonight except for parents who need to complete forms!
Next week we will begin with a homework packet and a spelling assignment that will both come home on Monday and be due on Friday. The homework packet will contain one social studies, one math, and one reading assignment. The spelling assignment can actually be started on Friday since the spelling list is on the Friday folder report and the website, and the assignment can be printed from the website.

Reminders!
Two hour early dismissal on Friday
Friday folders will come home on Friday. Ask your child to see his/her folder!

First Day Jitters

Welcome back! We have officially begun the school year, although a bit untraditionally. With temperatures soaring and students (and teachers) sweating, the fourth grade students were very patient as we rolled with the punches. Technical difficulties in the computer lab and new procedures did not get in the way of the easy transition for the students from third grade to summer vacation to fourth grade.

HOMEWORK
The only homework tonight is for parents. Several forms were sent home: emergency medical, communication (pink), transportation (yellow), and free/reduced lunch forms all need to be returned as soon as possible as does the supply fee. Other letters and information should be reviewed thoroughly!

Early Dismissal
On Friday all students will be released 2 hours early due to the high temperatures. Please make arrangments accordingly.

Open House

Open House was a great success with 87% of the students in attendance. Parents shared their expectations of their children, the teachers and themselves. After the students complete the activity this week, we will compare the data looking for similarities and differences.
It will be hot this week, so come prepared dressed in school-appropriate but lightweight clothing. Spaghetti straps and flipflops are not permitted according to the school handbook. Also, be sure to bring a water bottle with a good lid.
I can't wait to see all of the bright, shiny smiles tomorrow!

Counting Down

Only a few more days until school begins. I hope everyone is as excited as I am for a new year to begin! By now you should have received a letter from me as well as a post card with instructions for the first day. I will have materials available for our journal project, but don't forget to bring photos, stickers, or magazine pictures that reflect your taste.
Other things to bring for the first day:

• Snack-Be sure your snack is HEALTHY. If you are not sure what healthy is, click here for ideas.
• Water bottle-Your water bottle MUST have a lid. The pop up kind is best for avoiding spills.
• School supplies-At the end of the year you received a list of school supplies that you would need this year. Check out the fourth grade web page or click here for the school supply list.

For more information, check the newly designed district website and keep checking this blog.

We the Teachers

Okay, I found a new site today that has the best stuff! I absolutely ADORE when I do not have to creat my own material but can adapt (or steal) someone else's! We the Teachers has science powerpoints, worksheets, links, and more AND you can search by subject or grade level! Draw a Scientist is a cool lesson that I am sharing with my SOSI cohorts, and this website has a powerpoint that is perfect, in fact designed, to use with the activity! Science notebooks and journals are a big topic in SOSI, and of course this site has a powerpoint about setting up an interactive notebook!

First Assignment

For the first day of school, each student will need a composition notebook. This is a great time to purchase them because they can be found for 50 cents or less at stores like Target and Staples. In addition to a notebook, everyone needs to bring in several pictures (that will not be returned) that represent important aspects of your lives. Pictures cut from magazines and/or photographs are perfect for the activity that we will do.
I hope to see you at the Open House on Tuesday, August 21 from 5-6 p.m!