Mrs. Whitworth's Class - Team 33

Mrs. Whitworth's Class - Team 33
What a good looking group!

Monday, February 29, 2016

Monday, February 29

Happy Leap Day! Today was an all around happy day!  Students came in ready to learn and are going home with some great proof of their educational growth.  Please check out the Unit 7 Test.  It can be found in the Feedback and Data Binder that is coming home tonight. Scores are also now posted online if you want to do a Grade Check!
Tomorrow starts ISTEP! We are so ready for this!  Don't forget to encourage your child.  They can do this! All they need to do is their best, and I promise, their best is good enough!

Tonight's homework is a good prep for the test tomorrow.  It is the 2014 Math portion of the ISTEP. We will go over the homework tomorrow before taking the test.  The questions on the test will not be the same, but it will be a good way to familiarize your student with the format.  

Get a good night's rest!  I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow! 

NOW, LET'S ROCK THE ISTEP!!

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Sunday, February 28

I want to start this update with an apology.  I apologize for the lack of communication this last week. Not to make excuses, but the reality is I had an obligation every day after school and did not fall into bed until about midnight each evening.  Between MATH Bowl, Destination Imagination, the hunt for a principal, the ISTEP video, my son swimming at State and my daughter preparing for dance competitions....last week was a blur!

Throughout the week the students did an amazing job of staying focused. They not only rocked the Unit 7 Fractions test, but during the ISTEP practice test, their focus showed they are definitely going to ROCK the ISTEP!

Next week is ISTEP Week! Please make sure your child is at school and on time each day- it will provide a less stressful environment for them! Also, we'd like to ask that all devices (ipads, ipods, phones) be kept at home next week. Here are a few other ways to ensure success for your child:

1. Get plenty of rest each night.
2. Get up a little earlier - being late is stressful!
3. Eat a good breakfast - high on protein, low on sugar.
4. We will be testing Tuesday - Friday. Please be sure NOT to schedule appts. during the testing window.
5. Encourage your child with "Do Your BEST! You've got this! Rock the ISTEP!"

If you would like to send a special note for your child to be opened at school and posted on our Shout-Out wall, it would be so appreciated. Notes are such a treat. We have worked hard and are ready to perform. We are ready to ROCK this test! Feel free to address some to the whole class. We are a team and family that supports each other! Notes can either be sent to school in an envelope or can be emailed directly to me and I will print them off for your child place on our shout out wall. 

We will also be providing a special snack each day of testing.  If you are able to send any of the following items in tomorrow, it would be greatly appreciated!
  • 3 bags of Star Mints - The red and white hard candies.  We call these magic mints, and research shows they really do add some magic by stimulating the senses. 
  • 3 cases of water - water is the best brain food!
  • Lucky Charms: 2 boxes
  • Chex Mix: 2-3 big bags or 20 individual packages
  • Rice Krispies Treats (20)
  • Mini cookies (chocolate chip, oreo...) 25 individual packages
  • Pretzel sticks: 2 bags or 20 individual packages
To end this email, I would like to share this years ISTEP video.  If you haven't seen it yet, you should watch it with your child!  They really know how to ROCK the ISTEP!


Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Wednesday, February 17

MATH: I am pretty excited about today.  The students are really starting to get the hang of these fractions!  We are even starting to convert them to decimals! Whew!  ISTEP HERE WE COME!

HOMEROOM:  I am ever so proud of these children!!  As you all know, our team has been hit with a lot of heartache this year, but they are always ready to meet it head on, doing whatever they can to comfort those around them.  Recently we learned that  Athena V., a  former member of TEAM33 and a cousin to current team member, Franco, has been diagnosed with leukemia.  Upon receiving this news the students immediately jumped into action! Today they began selling "Athena Strong" bracelets.  If you or anyone you know is interested in purchasing a bracelet to help this heartfelt endeavor, please send $2.00 to school with your child.


Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Tuesday, February 16

Welcome back!  I know from today's conversations that many people had a relaxing and fun long weekend!  Mine was pretty amazing too.  My big accomplishments were mopping my kitchen floor, weaning three calves off the bottle, and taking my kids sledding.  Of course, time with my kids was my favorite.

HOMEROOM: If you have not yet seen the post, I want to update you on the make-up day.  We will be making up the extra day in winter break on Tuesday, May 24.  This will be 4th grade promotion day, so you might want to mark your calendar and ask for the day off if you are able.  It is quite the celebration.

MATH: Tonight's homework is HARD!  And, I am not sure I did the best job teaching it today.  Please give it a shot, and we will work more on it tomorrow.  "Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!" It will all make sense soon.



Friday, February 12, 2016

Friday, February 12

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY!!
As you can see by the photo, I feel very loved!  Thank you for all the wonderful gifts.  As always, my favorite is definitely the hugs!  A big thank you also goes to all the parents that donated supplies for the party.  Another big thank you goes to Mrs. Gamez and Mrs. Fuqua for organizing  and hosting the party.  It was a blast!

NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY!  Have a blast celebrating President's Day and I will see you on Tuesday!

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Thursday, February 11

If a classroom was filled with two groups of students, all focused on learning; and each group had 28 students, what would the probability of a great day be? 

Answer: 56/56 or certain!

That is definitely the kind of day we had at in TEAM33!  

MATH: Our study of fractions is going well.  The students are focused and doing a great job of showing their educational growth! Today we learned what a 50/50 chance means in probability and how it is not the same thing as the fraction 50/50.  Actually it is exactly half the fraction. If you want to have an engaging conversation with your child about their math block, ask them to expalin the meaning of 50/50.  They should tell you that if you have a 50/50 chance, half the possible outcomes are in your favor.

HOMEROOM:  Tomorrow is our Friendship Party!  We are pumped! Big thank you to all the parents who have pitched in to make tomorrow a special day. The party starts at 1:30! If you are available, we would love for you to join us!

Monday, February 8, 2016

Monday, February 8

Many important things are coming home tonight.


  1. Feedback and Data Binder: This includes the Unit 6 Test results.  This was a very difficult unit for many of the students.  Please review the test with your child and guide them in making any corrections.  We did review the test in class today, so they may already know what their errors are, but they should still go over with you again. 
  2. Math Journal Volume 1: Now that we have begun Unit 7, we are working in Math Journal Volume 2. Students have time in class to collaborate on the work in their journal, but their just isn't enough time to complete it all. Reviewing the skills that have already been taught is a great way to prepare for ISTEP.  So, students have been asked to complete Math Journal Volume 1 at home by the end of February.  When they bring in their completed journal, I will spot check it for accuracy.  I will also reward them for their hard work with 50 Purple tickets.
  3. Unit 7 Parent Letter: The Unit 7 parent letter should be in the Feedback and Data Binder.  This has a lot of great information to assist you at home.  Please take it out and put it on the fridge so you may reference it throughout the Unit.  

As always, if you have any questions about these items or any other, please do not hesitate to contact me! 



Friday, February 5, 2016

Friday, February 15

What a great way to end a great week!  The team went outside for a few minutes to enjoy the warm weather and a game of Dodge Ball.  Our Dodge Ball rules were a little different though. Rule 1: No one can get out (unless they just wanted to play something else). Rule 2: The person who has the most fun wins! I would say we had quite a few winners! I know I definitely won!

A couple of tasks this weekend:
1. It was a very busy week, and we are not quite in the habit yet, so many of us did not get our positives filled out for the week.  As you are reviewing this week's behavior report, please help your child write down one positive for each day.

2. Next week is our Friendship Party. Students are challenged with making their own Valentine's holders. The directions below were sent home along with a class list and a signature practice sheet.  Students are encouraged to sign their valentines in cursive. The directions below are just a suggestion.  I have encouraged the kids to be creative and think "outside the box."  Many have already thought of very creative containers they could use to form a valentines Box!

Valentines Box Project
February 14th is Valentines Day.
We will be focusing on the friendships we have made at school. Our class will have a friendship celebration, including the passing out of Valentines.

You will be creating your Valentine's box at home. Together with an adult, gather the supplies needed to create a box to hold your valentines. A shoebox or tissue box is the perfect size. Be creative!
Supply Ideas:
♥ 1 box (you can use a Kleenex or shoe box or ???)
♥ Paper (construction paper, wrapping paper, tissue paper, scrapbook paper or fabric)
♥ Stickers, foam shapes, ribbons or other embellishments
1. Make a large slit on top of the box to fit the cards through.
2. Cover and decorate the box.
3. Be sure to put your name on the box, making it easy for your classmates to read.
4. Bring your decorated box to school on 2/12- the day of our party!


MATH: Math blocks did a marvelous job of finishing up the Unit 6 Test and thinking through any needed corrections. Test results will be coming home in the Feedback and Data Binder on Monday, along with the EDM parent letter for Unit 7. Fractions, here we come!

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Thursday, February 4

MATH: The math test is going well.  We will use tomorrow to finish up and make any needed corrections.  Please talk to your student about how they are doing on the test so far and if their are any needed reviews they can do before continuing tomorrow.

HOMEROOM:  We are now several chapters into our new book, "The tale of Desperaux."  It is really good and filled with a variety of character traits.  If you would like to have a conversation with your child about their school day, ask them to describe some of the characters in the book.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Wednesday, February 3

ATTENTION SCIENCE BOWL STUDENTS: Please wear your Science Bowl Shirt tomorrow!

MATH: Tomorrow is our Unit 6 Test.  Homework is the Unit 6 Study Guide, which we collaborated on in class today.  Please come ready to ask any questions and do your best!

Monday, February 1, 2016

Monday, February 1

Welcome to February! Be sure to check out the NEEDHAM NEWSLETTER for February to keep up on what's happening!

HOMEROOM: Many of you have asked if we will be making up the day of early dismissal before Winter Break.  At this point I don't have the answer.  I know the corporation has requested a waiver for the day.  We are still waiting for the response.  To be on the safe side, I would recommend planning on attending school for Presidents's Day.  Then if we have it off, it will be an unexpected break.

On another note, a big thank you goes to Mrs. Gamez for volunteering to coordinate our Friendship Party.  If you signed up to assist, she will be contacting you soon.  If you did not, and you wish to assist, let me know and I will share your contact information with her.  Our party is on February 12th form 1:30-2:00.  As always, parents and family members are welcome to attend.


MATH: This week will be filled with hard work!  We are continuing our lessons on Partial Quotient Division.  This week we will expand it to include 3 digit numbers divided by 2 digit numbers.  Here is a VIDEO to help you help your child. The Homework page of our website has been updated and includes the Unit 6 Study Guide for Thursday's Test.