Wednesday, October 22

Image taken by Peyton Purcell

What a great day!  We began the day by reviewing the LONG AND SHORT A SOUNDS.  Then students collaborated in their new groups for centers to work on SEQUENCE OF EVENTS and the LESSON 4/5 WORD PARTS. During Think Tank I was very impressed with their knowledge of PERSONAL NARRATIVES and how they were able to MAKE CONNECTIONS with the text.  Tonight for homework they are working on COMPARING AND CONTRASTING through Text-Text connections.  With all this work on our LEARNING OBJECTIVES we are going to OWN IT when we test on Friday.

Tuesday, October 21

Been in a meeting all afternoon so this is just a short reminder to check the homework page.

Monday, October 20

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fall Break.  It was great to be back with the students!  I heard about many cool adventures.  I didn't know so much could be packed into such a short week.  For me, I hung out at home doing some long overdue chores and loved it!

Students are bringing home Feedback and Data Binders today.  They have data from week 10 to share from Literacy and Math.  Be sure to look it over carefully before filling out the Reflection Page with your student.  There is also Math homework tonight so don't forget to check Miss Shoultz Homework page.

Along with Feedback and Data Binders, students should be bringing home their Week 11 Literacy Link. Please take a moment to review what is expected this week.  We move a little slower the first 9 weeks to give students an opportunity to acclimate to fourth grade, but from here on out it will be full speed ahead. For example you might notice that this weeks Word packet includes Lesson 4 and 5.  Many of the word parts are review, but the students may need to study some every night.  They will begin the packet in class tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, we will begin our day with a browsing session at the Book Fair.  Students should bring home an order form tomorrow and purchases may be made Thursday or Friday during recess or lunch.

One more reminder before I end this unusually long update - Our class Fall party will be Friday, October 31.  A big thank you goes to Linda Murillo for arranging the party, but she can't do it alone.  If you would like to contribute to the party and have not yet contacted her, please do so at babygirl_monroe@yahoo.com.

That's All :)

Friday, October 10

Happy Fall Break!  I am always excited for breaks because I love spending extra time with my family, but at the same time, I sure do miss all the classroom kids - and worry.  I'm a worrier!  So please have a safe break too!

Report Cards come home today.  I went over them with each child, folded and stapled it, with directions to put it straight in their backpack. Hopefully you receive it, but if not you can always check grades online.  Because grades are now so readily available, there is no need to sign or return the report.

All students have an assigned chapter book at their Lexile level to complete over break.  They can read in the car or during commercials, and especially while relaxing for bed, but they need to READ.  They also have a Fall Break Pack to review for Math. If you were absent and did not get a copy, please use the link to print one.  A week is a long break and  we want to keep the skills fresh.  We are already 1/4 of the way through the year, so we want to hit the ground running when we get back from break.

Wednesday, October 8

I apologize for the late email.  I have spent the whole day playing catch up, but I think I finally made it.  I was so happy to be back with the students today.  It really is where I prefer to be.

Tomorrow we will test on the Lesson 3 List.  Students will need to know the meaning and how to spell each word or word part.  This will be the 1st grade in the new grade book so study hard.  They should also be studying for their first Math test of the new grading period.

Speaking of grades...please do a grade check.  To my knowledge all grades are up to date.  There should be no surprises - the grades are the exact same grades you see in the Feedback and Data Binders each week.  If something doesn't look right, please let me know as soon as possible, and I will check into it.

Tomorrow is also our field trip to the Bicentennial Train.  We are so excited!  There was a misunderstanding.  At first I believed we would not be able to take chaperons.  But, as stated on the permission slip we do have some tickets available.  I have 2 spaces left for chaperons so if you happen to be available tomorrow and have a background check completed in the office, please let me know.  The first two parents that respond will get to be the chaperons.

Monday, October 6

I am writing this post from home in bed.  I have caught the nasty virus that is going around.  I am still running a fever and will not be at school tomorrow either.  Please encourage students to do their best for the substitute.

I have gotten several emails about students who will not be present on Friday and they are concerned about the test. For this reason, will have the weekly assessment on Thursday.  Any student who does not do well on Thursday and is present, will be allowed to try again on Friday. The test will mostly cover the Lesson 3 Word List.  This week students should know the meaning AND SPELLING of each word or word part.

We are also taking a field trip to the bicentennial train in Bargersville on Thursday. Students are bringing home a permission slip tonight.  Please sign it and send it back as soon as possible.

Thank you and please tell the kids I miss them.  I really hope to be back with them on Wednesday.

Friday, October 3

What a great way to end the perfect week!  We had a practice parade to get ready for the Franklin Fall Festival parade. There was so much Needham pride going around I thought I'd POP!  Big thank you goes to Andre for the months he has spent planning and organizing this parade!  What a great community service!

I hope to see everyone at the real parade tomorrow.  Wear purple to the max and meet us at the FCMS parking lot at 12:30.  Fourth graders are also allowed to decorate their non-motorized scooters to ride in the parade.  It will be a blast!!