Setting Things Straight

It was brought to our attention recently, that some parents are confused about the Quia requirements for the week (especially where we have more than one activity from which to choose).

Basically every week, top priority should be the spelling unit practice and the x-test activity (depending of course, on what test or level your child needs).  The other activities are there because we are aware that some students have mastered their multiplication facts or/and that spelling comes naturally. So, we have tried to challenge those students with other activities.  We ask for a total of 30 minutes per week on what they need first and secondly, what they might find interesting.  There are many enrichment activities available, such as: singular and plural nouns, finding the main idea, counting change, computer and internet terminology, etc. Each teacher tries to add new activities each week. We hope that your child will be "hooked" to the Quia homework and continue to find their learning rewarding and FUN!

Needed: Dusty CD Players and Volunteer's Ears

Now that the IPod is in and the CD player is out...we are asking that you please send your dusty CD players our way.  We are using CD players for a reading intervention program. 

ALSO, if you have signed up as a VOLUNTEER in any of the 4th grade classrooms, we invite you to an informative (and brief) meeting on Monday, October 26th, at 3:30 in Mrs. Pettit's room (126).  We plan to go over the different intervention programs that you will be doing to assist students this year.  If you are unable to make it, please let us know so that we might find another time to meet with you.

Report Cards Tell It All on October 28th!

This Friday, October 23,  is the end of the first quarter.  Report cards will be sent home on Wednesday, October 28th.  We are aware of your interest in knowing exactly where your student is -  concerning his/her grades.  Well, coming October 26th, the new Skyward grading program (replacing PowerSchool) will be live.  Just as before with PowerSchool, you will be able to see (on command) how your child is doing.

Secondly, we need to know by October 28th if you plan to have lunch with your child on Friday, October 30th.  In the past, parents have wanted to join their child on that day due to the Halloween celebrations.  Just as a reminder, the 4th grade will not be participating in the parade this year.  However, the 4th graders are welcome to wear costumes, excluding masks, weapons, and face paint.

Quia, Quia, Who's on the Quia?

Thanks parents, for the feedback about the homework on Quia!  We heard positive comments such as:

"My daughter begs to get on the computer to do her homework..." and "My son lost most of his homework papers last year and so it is a huge help to have homework on the computer...I love it.".

If your child has mastered the multiplication facts and the spelling patterns, look for other activities that he/she may enjoy on the Quia.  We are asking that students continue to spend 30 minutes on the Quia each week. 

Data or DAta? How ever you like to say it-it means the Same!

Fourth Graders are studying the different types of graphing including: bar graphs, line plots, stem and leaf plots, pie charts, and frequency graphs.  How does each fit with information collected through surveys or resources? Ask your child to tell you the difference between the graphs and share information about his/her favorite graph.  This unit will continue through the end of the quarter. Be ready to be surveyed!

Picture Day on Wednesday!

Don't forget that Bell Picture Day is on Wednesday!  Every student will have a picture taken for the class composite picture; however, if you want to buy pictures, you may.  Please send in the picture packet on Wednesday and not any earlier. Thanks!

SEP Conferences Coming!

What questions do you still have about the 4th grade curriculum?  Are you wondering how your child is doing in his/her class?  Do you have questions or concerns?  This is the week to find out!  SEP (student educational plan) Conferences will be held October 7th and 8th, with the exception of Mrs. Pettit's scheduled for October 6th and 7th (she will be cuddling her new granddaughter on the 8th). We are looking forward to meeting with you and your child in our own classroom this year! Wednesday will be a regularly scheduled day.  Thursday is Common Start Day.  For those who are new to our school, Common Start Day means that ALL students come at 8:00 a.m. and leave at 2:15 p.m. If you are unsure of your conference time, please contact your child's teacher. Thanks for being a partner with us in educating your child!