VCS 4th Grade Updates

Prince Caspian Today

2008-05-29T06:03:00.002-04:00

We are going to see Prince Caspian today. Pick-up time will be at 3:45 due to the length of the movie. The students can be picked up from the theatre at 3:30 when the movie ends or at school at 3:45.

ROCK-A-THON NIGHT FUNDRAISER

2008-04-12T20:42:00.003-04:00

date: Thursday, April 17, 2008

time: 3:30-9:00 pm

pick-up time: NO LATER THAN 9:15PM

PURPOSE:

WE WANT TO EXPAND OUR SOCCER AND BASKETBALL PROGRAMS FOR BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS. WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO LOOK INTO PROVIDING OTHER SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES.

THE GOAL OF THE VINEYARD ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT IS TO GIVE OUR STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE WHILE GIVING THEM A CHOICE OF SPORTS.

OUR HOPE IS TO HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!!!

THE MONIES PLEDGED WILL ALL GO TO THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT.

NEEDS:

YOUR CHILD TO GET PLEDGES TO ROCK

ROCKING CHAIR SO YOUR CHILD CAN ROCK AWAY TO THE MUSIC AND MOVIE.

SNACKS TO KEEP THEIR ENERGY LEVELS UP AND GOING.

CHAPERONS...NO EXPLANATION NEEDED.

VOLUNTEERS TO HELP CLEAN UP

SPELLING L28

2008-04-12T20:38:00.002-04:00

PRETEST: 16TH APRIL (WEDNESDAY)
FINAL TEST: 17TH APRIL (THURSDAY)

accept
object
cough
perfect
subject
yourself
limb
pitcher
lifts
hymns
insects
attempt
Psalms
halfway
calmly
combing
toughest
respectful
itching
crumbs

Lesson 27 SPELLING

2008-04-06T17:52:00.002-04:00

PRETEST: APRIL 9
FINAL TEST: APRIL 10

president
dentist
engineer
American
pianist
governor
servant
musician
salesman
sailor
African
Christian
Spanish
Asian
waitress
Savior
Oriental
paramedic
builder
pastor

Homework Assigned Mar31-Apr4

2008-03-29T21:09:00.000-04:00

THIS HOMEWORK PACK IS DUE ON
APRIL 4TH.
Directions: You can do this work on the days suggested or wait till the last minute. It is your choice, but the assignments are due on FRIDAY MORNING. ASSIGNED READING CANNOT BE PUT OFF. (BOOK REPORT)

If the assignments are turned in late it will drop your class work grade by 10 pts each day it is late.
I understand the directions. _____________________________________

MONDAY
>SPELLING: Write your words in reverse ZYX order.
>PERIODICAL WORKSHEET
>READING: READ 3 chapters of the assigned book/write summaries.

TUESDAY
>SPELLING: Use two different color pens to write your spelling words. Use one color to write the consonants and the other for the vowels. Do this one more time. Close your eyes and picture the word in your mind. Now try and write the word with just one color.
>MULTIPLICATION DRILL WORKSHEET
>READING: READ 3 chapters of the assigned book/write summaries.

WEDNESDAY:
>SPELLING: Practice Test - Take a practice test. (Hand this “test” in with your homework pack)
>LIBRARY SKILLS WORKSHEET
>READING: READ 3 chapters of the assigned book/write summaries.

THURSDAY:
>SPELLING: Write a story using all of your words. Underline your list words in the story.
>AVERAGING WORKSHEET
>READING: READ 3 chapters of the assigned book/write summaries

FRIDAY: TURN IN HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS.
MAINE STATE NOTEBOOK DUE
TURN IN BOOK REPORT SUMMARIES

Spelling L26

2008-03-27T20:43:00.002-04:00

Pretest: April 2
Final test: April 3

engine
captain
promise
magazine
handkerchief
certainly
contain
surface
bargain
palace
remain
gasoline
engaged
encourage
chiefly
advise
storage
maintain
divine

Teacher Schedule

2008-03-27T20:39:00.002-04:00

Due to unexpected circumstances the teacher schedule for 4th grade is as follows:

March 28: Mrs. Harris
March 31-April 4: Mrs. Hess
April 7-11: Mrs. Harris
April 14-15: Mrs. Harris
April 16-18: Mrs. Hess

April 19-27: April Vacation

Upon return from vacation it will go back to its normal rotation. Thanks for your understanding in advance.

VCS MEETING 3-25-08

2008-03-22T21:41:00.002-04:00

JUST A REMINDER ABOUT THE SCHOOL MEETING ON TUESDAY, THE 25TH. IT IS AT 6:30 PM IN THE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY CHAPEL.

CHILDCARE WILL BE PROVIDED.

PASTOR PHIL WILL BE SPEAKING.

PLEASE COME!

SPIRIT WEEK CORRECTION

2008-03-22T21:39:00.000-04:00

THE ASSEMBLY ON SPIRIT WEEK WILL START AT 1 PM AND END AROUND 2:15PM.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO COME AND WATCH THE KIDS DO THEIR CLASS CHEER PLEASE DO....

THEY ALL WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THEIR PARENTS/FRIENDS/GRANDPARENTS/ETC WATCH THEM. THEY HAVE WORKED HARD ON IT.

Homework Week of 24-28 March

2008-03-22T21:31:00.002-04:00

THIS HOMEWORK PACK IS DUE ON
MARCH 28, 2007.
Directions: You can do this work on the days suggested or wait till the last minute. It is your choice, but the assignments are due on FRIDAY MORNING.

ASSIGNED READING CANNOT BE PUT OFF. (BOOK REPORT)

If the assignments are turned in late it will drop your class work grade by 10 pts each day it is late.

SPELLING HOMEWORK:

MONDAY: X words Write words having 1 common letter so they criss-cross.

TUESDAY: TRAIN words. Write the entire list end-to-end as one long word, using different colors of ink, pencil, etc.

WEDNESDAY: Write your words forwards then backwards

THURSDAY: Look up words in the dictionary and write down the guide words

READING/LANGUAGE/MATH HOMEWORK
MONDAY:
Complete the Reading Skills: Sequencing worksheet

TUESDAY
Complete the Reading Skills: Analogies worksheet
WEDNESDAY
Complete the Rounding skills worksheet.
THURSDAY
Complete the ‘YOUR AND YOU’RE” worksheet.

DAILY HOMEWORK THAT CAN’T BE PUT OFF TILL THE LAST MINUTE.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*EACH NIGHT YOU SHOULD BE READING AND WRITING 2-3 SENTENCES SUMMARIZING THE BOOK THAT WAS ASSIGNED FOR A BOOK REPORT.
(THIS CAN COUNT INTO THE 30 MINUTES OF READING REQUIRED EACH NIGHT)
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

L25 Spelling

2008-03-22T21:28:00.002-04:00

THIS LESSON FOCUSES ON THE SUFFIX tion.

Pretest: 26 March
Final test: 27 March

ocean
question
won't
doesn't
couldn't
information
direction
section
invitation
Constitution
cushion
infection
celebration
adoption
attention
recreation
salvation
resurrection
dedication
devotions

SPIRIT WEEK IS COMING....

2008-03-16T14:47:00.002-04:00

SPIRIT WEEK AGENDA:

24TH MONDAY: CRAZY HAIR AND PAJAMA DAY

25TH TUESDAY: ANIMAL DAY

26TH WEDNESDAY: MEDIEVAL DAY: KINGS, QUEENS, JESTERS,KNIGHTS ETC.

27TH THURSDAY: FUTURE CAREER DAY

28TH FRIDAY: CLASS PRIDE DAY

ALSO ON FRIDAY A SCHOOL WIDE ASSEMBLY WILL BE HELD FROM 1:15-2:15.

EACH GRADE WILL BE DOING A SKIT OR CHEER. JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW IN CASE ANYONE WANTED TO JOIN IN AND WATCH.

L24 SPELLING

2008-03-16T14:25:00.002-04:00

PRETEST: 19 MARCH, Wednesday
FINAL TEST: 20 MARCH, Thursday

These words are reviewing the list from Lessons 19-23.

beautiful
heart
wear
farther
fierce
famous
disappear
truly
impossible
quarter
remember
none
replied
faithful
curious
tremendous
responsible
interesting
studying
example
enemies
discover
hurried
comfortable
unusual

Spelling L23

2008-03-11T13:23:00.002-04:00

Pretest is Wed, 12 March.
Final test is Thur, 13 March.

famous
impossible
curious
tremendous
responsible
suitable
comfortable
remarkable
loyal
personal
invisible
dependable
teachable
assistant
gracious
crucial
friendships
reusable
adulthood
portable

PROGRESS REPORTS

2008-03-05T18:50:00.003-05:00

We will be holding parent teacher conferences . You will receive your student's progress report at this time so any concerns, issues, etc can be addressed immediately.

A sign-up sheet is posted on the door so please pick a time that is convenient for your schedule. If your work schedule doesn't allow a meeting during the posted times, please consult with us and we will arrange a time that is workable for all of us. Your child is encouraged to attend and ask any questions he/she may have also.

ADJUSTED SCHOOL CALENDAR 2007/2008

2008-03-03T21:16:00.001-05:00

Please note the change in the school calendar:
Due to the numerous snow days that we have had this school year, we are adding the following days to the school calendar:
Thursday March 20th
Monday June 16
Tuesday June 17
Wednesday June 18 LAST DAY will be half day
The date for graduation will remain the same - -June 6

Maine State Notebook

2008-02-28T21:12:00.001-05:00

Pgs 37-39 will be due on March 7th.

The web address below will be helpful in finding out information needed on page 37.

http://countrystudies.us/united-states/weather/maine/lewiston.htm

SPELLING L22

2008-02-28T20:53:00.002-05:00

LESSON 22: Focus is on suffixes

PRETEST: March 6
FINAL: March 7

beautiful
farther
wonderful
faithful
interesting
handsome
dearest
agreement
awfully
merciful
brightest
nicest
thoughtfulness
wrongly
everlasting
joyfully
prettiest
needless
rejoicing
powerless

HISTORY TEST MONDAY MARCH 3RD

2008-02-28T20:40:00.003-05:00

MARCH 3RD HISTORY TEST

CHAP 15

A review sheet will be sent home on Friday to aid your child in studying for this History test. If he/she uses this guide, chapter review, index cards w/ definitions and studies the skill sheet of the Northeastern states/capitals the test will not be too difficult. As a suggestion only let your child study in short bursts at a time. (no more than 15-20 minutes max) Also, only work on one topic area at a time instead of trying to absorb it all in one swoop. That way they won't get so overwhelmed with the material.

We will, as a class, do a chapter review tomorrow.

Here is the review sheet they received. During class he/she will be writing in the definitions to the terms/names/etc.

CHAPTER 15 REVIEW SHEET
TEST: Monday, March 3rd

People to know:

Dwight L. Moody

Billy Sunday

Andrew Carnegie

John D. Rockefeller

Robert Fulton

Samuel Morse

Alexander Graham Bell

Thomas Edison

Henry Ford

Orville Wright

Robert Goddard

Sir Henry Bessemer

Thomas Watson

TERMS TO KNOW:

Pony express:

Immigrants

Model T

Assembly line

Clermont

Morse Code

Kitty Hawk, NC

GEOGRAPHY/MAP

BE ABLE TO LOCATE AND NAME THE NORTHEASTERN STATES AND THEIR CAPITALS. PGS 29, 318-319

KNOW THE NORTHEASTERN STATES’ 2-LETTER ABBREVIATIONS

CONTINENTS/BODIES OF WATER
REFER TO ATLAS IN HISTORY BOOK
PGS: 16-20, 24-25
BE ABLE TO LABEL THE:
7 CONTINENTS
OCEANS
GREAT LAKES
BAYS
4 EUROPEAN SEAS

Mercy Works Food Drive

2008-02-26T16:48:00.002-05:00

Mrs. Davidson is coordinating a food drive for MERCY WORKS. Right outside her classroom at the bulletin board is a drop-off basket for donations. A letter will be sent home soon about the food drive.

Think quick and easy for food:

canned soups, stews, chilies that need nothing added
pop tarts, cereal bars
peanut butter
nuts
canned meat like Spam, Vienna sausages, tuna
canned veggies
noodles, pastas, rice

These are just some suggestions anything is very appreciated.

Thanks for helping.

BOXTOPS COMPETITION!!!

2008-02-26T16:32:00.002-05:00

THE CLASSES ARE COMPETING AGAINST EACH OTHER TO SEE WHO CAN BRING IN THE MOST BOXTOPS.

THE INDIVIDUAL THAT BRINGS IN THE MOST WILL RECEIVE A PRIZE.

HELP OUR CLASS!!!

THE COMPETITION ENDS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH.

Spelling L21

2008-02-26T16:30:00.001-05:00

remember
none
exit
explore
replied
example
discover
unusual
nonsense
request
misunderstanding
disappoint
refreshed
untrue
dishonest
unreal
mistaken
reserve
repentance
relief

The test will be on Friday, Febuary 29th.

IF Wednesday is a snowday...

2008-02-26T16:22:00.003-05:00

IF WEDNESDAY, 27FEB, IS A SNOW DAY...

your child has an assignment sheet specifically for that day. Briefly stated below are the assignments:

Math: worksheet (front and back)
Penmanship: next page
Language: Test 4 on Punctuation/Capitalization
Reading: Have the assigned book completed and summaries written for each chapter. If this has already been done then go over summaries and check spelling, punctuation and sentence structure. Make sure there is a lot of good descriptive sentences. That will make writing the book report easier.
Spelling: L21 pgs 86-87, Handout about prefixes. The enclosed construction paper is for this exercise.
Bible: Practice verse.
Maine State Notebook: Work on completing pages due on Friday. Catch-up!

Hopefully we will not have a snow day and will do all this at school!!!

Book Report

2008-02-19T08:24:00.002-05:00

Each student was assigned a paperback book to read and write chapter summaries. This book should be completed on the winter vacation. We will start writing the book report upon return to school.

The books were DOUBLE DOG TROUBLE and AMELIA EARHART.

Cereal Box

2008-02-09T23:05:00.000-05:00

I asked each student to bring in an empty cereal box on Monday, Feb 11. These will be made into mailboxes for Valentine's Day.

Weekend Homework Feb 9-10

2008-02-09T22:55:00.001-05:00

Check with your student and review their assignment sheets. There is homework this weekend.

History: start reading chap 15 and complete comprehension checks 15a and 15b. Answers are written in complete sentences. Complete the tw0 skill sheets and finish defining the words which were written on index cards.

Language/spelling/penmanship/math: finish up daily assignment

Reading: finish reading the story in Liberty Tree and answer questions in complete sentences. Define words that were written down from board.

L20 Spelling

2008-02-09T22:44:00.000-05:00

Final test on Feb 14 unless it is a snow day then final test is the 15th.

Here are the words:

truly
themselves
enemies
studying
realizes
hurried
calves
beginning
shelves
moving
branches
thieves
savings
wolves
shining
loaves
stitches
unloving
families
laziness

This lesson applies principles regarding changing y to i, dropping final e, doubling final consonants as needed, and changing f to v to add es.

The students know that even if a pretest is not given, the final test will always be on the Thursday or Friday of any given week depending on the weather.

Maine State Notebook

2008-02-06T19:32:00.000-05:00

The Maine State Notebook is part of their history grade.

Pages 25 and 27 are due on Friday, the 8th of Feb. The purpose of this notebook is for the child to learn about their state and you can help. Lots of the information can be found on the Maine State website. http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/ This site has so much that will be useful for most of the assignments in the notebook.

Check out magazines, flyers, tourist brochures, and libraries for the facts needed. This can be a fun project for the both of you and maybe you will learn something new about our state too.

Every week, 2 pages are to be done. We have given a bit of grace on this since we have had so many snowdays that is why we are only on pgs 25 and 27 this week.

We hope this is something that maybe they can look back on and be proud of since so much creativity can go into it.

Late Work

2008-02-06T19:16:00.000-05:00

Please connect with your child and go through their books with them.

We noticed today that there are some PENMANSHIP books that are not up-to-date and a grade of 0 will be noted in the grade book. A page a day is the requirement for penmanship and he/she has all day to complete that page. Look at their assignment sheets and compare the page # on the sheet to the page in the book.

The same should also be checked with the language and spelling books. Just compare the day's page number to the book since work is done in the book itself. You should encourage your child to bring their books home so that you can check them and we will do our best to remind them to do so.

The math work is done on notebook paper or graph paper...their choice...with the page number and date in the upper right hand corner.

History work is noted on the index cards for definitions, comprehension checks are done on notebook paper and the chapter check-ups are completed in the book.

EVERY night your child is suppose to read for 30 minutes. It can be a book of their choice or can be required reading from the tasks of the day. The reading should be done out loud to give you a good look at their reading level. This is also good practice for their confidence and fluency. When a child reads silently all the time, they will usually skip words they don't know or have problems with so that is why we strongly encourage you to lend a listening ear.

Thanks for all you do to help encourage your child!!

History Chap 10 Test

2008-02-02T20:50:00.000-05:00

There will be a test covering Chap 10 on Wed or Thurs. The best course of study would be to go over the comprehension checks that are throughout the chapter, index cards containing terms/definition, and the final chapter review.

Book Fair

2008-02-02T20:46:00.001-05:00

The Scholastic Book Fair goes through Wednesday, Feb 6, and is open before and after school. The students browsed through and made their wish lists on Friday.

There are two raffles going:

#1: Chance to win 2 ski passes to Sunday River

#2: Tonka Truck filled with books...variety of books.

We hope you enjoy the selection.

Thanks for supporting this Fund Raiser.

L19 Spelling Feb 1- 7

2008-02-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

heart
wear
fierce
disappear
court
quarter
bear
sore
pioneer
fairly
bare
aware
repair
fireplace
keyboard
pouring
scared
required
soar
clearly

Ensure that your child understands the difference between bare / bear and soar/sore. A sentence will be said during the test to distinquish the two words.

One of the best ways to study if your child had problems remembering the spelling is writing them down. This can be done on chalk boards, white boards, "writing" in rice or sand, using letter tiles, even crayons. Be inventive and make it fun. Use different colors if possible. Just remember the more muscle groups that are used the better spelling is remembered.

Lesson 18 Week 25-31Jan2008

2008-01-27T18:23:00.000-05:00

This lesson reviews highly used words from the previous 5 lessons.

outside
together
calendar
several
February
dictionary
bought
shower
amount
mountain
proud
worse
January
daughter
total
single
scissors
separate
terrible
broad
candle
arrow
laundry
library
autumn

Final test will be on Thursday 31Jan2008

Winter....Brrrrr it is cold outside.

2008-01-22T20:26:00.000-05:00

Without a doubt winter is here, so please ensure your child is dressed appropriately to go outside for recess if temperatures allow.

All students should come in daily with boots, gloves, hats or hood, snow pants or bibs, and a warm coat. If your child doesn't have these items they will not be allowed to go outside. We don't want them sick.

I know some kids don't especially enjoy going out when it is cold, but we feel it is important for them to get their daily dose of fresh air, sunshine (Vitamin D) and movement.

If your child is sick and you don't want them to go out a particular day please send a note letting us know your wishes.

Is there is anyone that would be willing to run a gym class? The students would love it.

We have the old sanctuary available to us on Fridays from 1:15-1:45.

School Supplies

2008-01-22T20:13:00.000-05:00

The 4th grade is in need of replenishment of supplies. Please bring in the following items:

Black or Blue ERASABLE PENS (1 Pkg)

Red Pens (1 pkg)

Lined Index Cards (3x5)

Highlighters

Large red erasers (2 pk)

Pencils (10 pk)

Wide Ruled Notebook paper (2 pks)

Copier paper (1)

Pocket folders (2)

Please check your child's binder to see if the dividers are holding up or if the binder is in need of upgrading.

Thanks in advance.

Spelling L17

2008-01-22T20:09:00.000-05:00

dictionary
arrow
February
January
narrow
library
mirror
parents
tomorrow
berries
carrying
borrow
error
sorrow
married
cereal
carols
spiritual
miraculous
merrily

The pretest till be on THURSDAY, Jan 24, since this is a short week. The final test is on FRIDAY, Jan 25.

The words in orange are for those students assigned a modified list.

2nd quarter ending

2008-01-22T19:50:00.001-05:00

JANUARY 25TH, 2008

The above date is the closing of the 2nd quarter. It is hard to believe that the school year will be halfway over.

Ask your child if they have late work to be turned in. It is also written on the whiteboard. As I have mentioned to a couple of parents, I do try to get late work posted on the blog but it is ultimately the student's responsibility. Their assignment sheets show what is done daily and it is required that they get their parent's signature daily to show communication. This also shows us that you are aware of their work. If there are issues with late work feel free to check their books and papers to ensure timely completion. All their class papers that are ready to be turned in have the assignment written in the top right hand corner and page number so it can be checked against his/her assignment sheet.

Beginning next quarter, JAN 28th, any work (including math corrections) that is not turned in will result in a 0 grade for that assignment. Classwork assignments count as 1/3 of the final grade towards that particular course. So all the student has to do is turn in his/her work to receive a grade of 100% which is 1/3 of the final grade.

We hope this will help to instill responsible habits in the students, because it is a building block to what is required as they advance in school. We have diligently asked repeatedly for assignments and now that will have to end.

Any questions or concerns please see us. We will be happy to work with you to help develop ways to encourage your child to achieve success.

Spelling L16

2008-01-11T21:50:00.000-05:00

perhaps
together
calendar
worse
separate
scissors
current
curve
journal
serve
tractor
search
syrup
earlier
laborers
earth
earned
verbs
calculator
firmly

The words in blue are the modified list. The pretest will be on WEDNESDAY and the FINAL ON THURSDAY.

New Year Expectations 2008

2008-01-03T20:04:00.000-05:00

Today I thoroughly went over what our expectations are of the class and each individual student.

We discussed RESPECT as it pertains to self and others. In this conversation we covered these topics:

Respect to Self-

not to talk down to yourself (examples: I can't do this, I'm so stupid, Idiot, etc), Replace with positive verbals.
don't hurt your body intentionally or pretend that you are hurting yourself (examples: poking your pencil at your head, hitting head on table, etc)
briefly went over smoking and drinking and peer pressure and told them to talk to their parents or a trusted adult if there was a problem.

Respect to Others-

When speaking use polite words and tone (keep voices low no yelling), let people finish speaking before you do. Don't interrupt adults or when someone is on the phone. Patience.
Bubble: everyone has a comfort zone and some people don't like to be touched or stood beside real close. Stay out of their bubbles,
Bullying: reviewed what we went over at the beginning of the year.
Property: leave other people's stuff alone, pick up items on floor even if it isn't yours, leave spaces better than you came into them.

Next, I covered that they are being prepared for 5th grade and the behavior needs to reflect their increasing maturity. We are raising the bar and expecting more in order to have them ready for 5th grade work and behavior.

If your student's name is on the board a letter will be written home, by him/her, explaining their behavior and what steps they/we are going to take to make better choices. This letter will need to be signed and returned the next school day or a phone call will be made home to ensure good communication is happening and no one is blindsided concerning classroom discipline issues. Always feel free that you can schedule a conference to discuss any concerns with us.

We know the students understand the expectations and we know that they each are capable of making good solid choices.

Please make sure you review their ASSIGNMENT SHEET daily and sign it. This lets us know that you are aware of their assignments and can check their work if needed.

BOOKS;

A couple of students have lost some of their textbooks and claim they have looked at home. Please touch base with your child on this. We will be notifying the parents if the book/s are still missing on Monday.

New Year's Party

2008-01-03T20:02:00.001-05:00

I know this is a late post but the New Year's Party will be tomorrow, Friday, from 1:30-2:30. Please ensure that your child brings in a Secret Santa gift...they know who they have. The gift is not to exceed $10.

Spelling L15 Jan 4-10, 2008

2008-01-03T19:40:00.000-05:00

We are trying something new with spelling. The new Spelling Lessons will be assigned on Fridays and then the following Wed will be the pretest and Thursday will be the final lesson test.

The reasons for the change are as follows:

Since Friday seems to be a day several tests have fallen on and spelling is a definite test it is easy to move that to another day freeing up Friday a bit more and lessening the stress on the student.
By assigning the lesson on Friday it adds 2 more days for studying the words and meanings since there isn't usually any formal homework assigned over weekends.
The students that work with a modified list will be responsible for the spellings of the first 15 words but they need to know the meanings of all the words.
It would benefit your child if they can use all the words in original sentences because that is how extra credit is earned on the test. I pick out 2 words and they must be able to use them in a sentence that is written properly. They do not know which 2 words will be the extra credit.

The words for the spelling test are listed in the previous blog. We weren't able to do L15 before we broke for Christmas vacation.

Spelling L15

2007-12-14T21:16:00.000-05:00

The pretest will be on Wed., and the final test on Thurs.

several
level
model
total
single
candle
terrible
labeled
pickle
wrinkle
triangle
medical
triple
motorcycle
humble
gentleness
eternal
settled
disciple
biblical

The students taking the modified list will be responsible for the first 15 words.

Always review the words and make sure they understand what they mean. I do ask them to write sentences for extra credit.

SHORT WEEK DEC 17-20

2007-12-14T21:05:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that next week is the last school days of the year. It has flown by and we are so amazed at how quick it went.

There will be a spelling test on L15, Thursday, Dec 20th in the morning.

The SONG OF THE BROOK book reports should all have been handed in today but if your child hasn't completed his/hers make sure it is turned in on Monday.

Character Suitcase book report will be due on Jan 4th, 2008. The kids brought home the instruction sheet today, Friday, and know the requirements. If you have any questions feel free to email me at victorialhess@yahoo.com and I will be glad to explain the project in detail. I will also post a blog that goes into more depth next week.

Wednesday Mrs. Harris will be delivering the gifts to our "adopted family" so please bring in items by Tuesday so they can be wrapped. As a reminder the girl is seven years old and the boy is nine. Thanks for all that has been donated already...what a blessing this class will bestow on this precious family.

The History test that covered 3 chapters has been graded and everyone in the class received an A. Awesome job!!! Please ask you child how they did because they were so proud of their accomplishment, it was a long test. (5 pages). The tests have been returned to the students.

30 minutes a night

2007-12-12T21:59:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder:

Your child is suppose to read 30 minutes a night. Each student has been assigned a historical novel and will be doing a "report" about their person which will be due after returning from Christmas break.

They can read this assigned book or another of their choice for their required 30 minutes per night.

Please check your child's reading progress on the Historical person book...it is important that they feel it is as important to you that they read as it is to us.

Thanks for all your help and support.

Christmas Family

2007-12-12T21:54:00.000-05:00

The fourth grade is gathering gifts for a family of 3.

The girl is 7 and the boy is 9. The mom is a size 6.

If you would like to make any donations please feel free to drop them off at the classroom.

The class will also be preparing a meal to deliver to this family next week. They are so excited to be able to help and share the spirit of the true meaning of Christmas.

Ask your child about this family. I am sure if they haven't shared with you already, they will be more than happy to talk about them and what they would like to do to help them out. Their enthusiasm is contagious.

L14 Spelling Dec10-14

2007-12-12T21:51:00.001-05:00

Here are the words:

bought
daughter
laundry
autumn
broad
false
fought
taught
hawk
golf
vault
automatic
drawing
bosses
offerings
altar
offices
redrawn
almighty
alter

The words in red are for those that test with a modified list.

Art supplies needed

2007-11-13T18:10:00.000-05:00

If you have any of these items laying around the house looking for a place to go we could use them for upcoming projects:

CD case: clear & unscratched
Old magazines
White Sculpey Clay
Popsicle Sticks
burned out light bulb (regular kind)

Thanks in advance.

Volunteers

2007-10-27T20:12:00.000-04:00

I know this word is scary and intimidating but we would really appreciate any help you can give the class. Here are some ideas where your inventiveness, athleticism, creativeness, and helpfulness will be inspiring to the kids:

ARTS/CRAFTS
GYM CLASS
MUSIC
SPORTS
INTERESTING HOBBY TO SHOW/ COLLECTION/ ADVENTURE/ CRAFT /
GOD MOMENT / etc
BAKING WITH THE KIDS
LUNCH PROGRAM

We want to expose the kids to lots of educational/extra curricular activities so any ideas please feel free to run them past us. You are as much a part of the class as the students...but YOU don't have to worry about being graded ;-)

Also, the more kids see their parents/relatives involved in school the more likely they will have a positive outlook towards education. They are ALWAYS WATCHING!!!

2nd Quarter

2007-10-27T19:41:00.000-04:00

Can you believe that the 2nd quarter of this 2007-2008 school year has begun? I encourage you to communicate daily with your child about what they did during the day and what projects/tests are coming up.

The assignment sheets they are using show a whole week and if there is any question about the completion of work have your child bring home their papers/books daily to show you. The page numbers on that particular day you are checking will be the same in the book that should be completed for turning in the next day.

History: index cards are regularly filled out to aid in studying important facts. Please encourage your child just to read through those cards and be able to define/identify the word/name on the card. One side will have a term and the back side will have more in depth information written to aid in studying.

Reading: THE SONG OF THE BROOK book should be read 20 minutes each night and they should be at least on chapter 8. This book will be used for their first book report so it is important that they comprehend and remember what they are reading.
Each night your child should be reading at least 20 minutes, preferably on something they enjoy. Magazines, newspaper, fiction, non-fiction, etc.

Language: Your child has been working on making their writings more descriptive. Their assignment due Monday (29Oct07) is to write a descriptive paragraph about the classroom. As the paragraph develops it should have descriptions using as many senses as possible. Sound, Touch, Taste, Sight, Smell

Science: The Science Project will be the focus till December.

Math: 3-digit subtraction and estimating have been the topics recently.

Bible: We have been talking about people that stand up for God...back in the Bible and today. Elijah and Elisha are the most recent studies.

We are looking into a field trip to the Bath Maritime Museum. It will correspond well with what we are covering in history.

If you have any ideas for field trips please share them with us.

Have a great weekend and week.

Harvest Party

2007-10-23T21:17:00.000-04:00

The students are working towards earning a Harvest Party. Monday, Mrs. Harris went into depth again about the expectations of the 4th grade: respect, focus, following the rules, classwork, maturity, etc Each day that no one's name is on the board the class earns a letter towards the party. So far, as of today, they have an "H".

For the Harvest Party, we suggested baking some pies together, playing games, just fun stuff for half a day. If you can think of some suggestions or if your child has mentioned things they would like to do please share with us. We want it to be FUN!! We don't know the exact date because it depends on the behavior of the class so encourage them!

Science Fair Projects

2007-10-23T20:58:00.000-04:00

The 4th grade will be participating in the first annual Science Fair at the school. It will be held the week before Christmas break. The students in our class have been put into teams and have had projects assigned. We decided that this would be a good way to encourage teamwork and also learn how to approach all the work that is needed in a scheduled manner to complete a science fair project.

The teams are as follows:

Team A
VIDEO GAME ADVANTAGE: What effect does playing video games have on reaction time?
Gabby Padilla
Gabe Boda
Noah Bergeron

Team B
UP ON THE ROOFTOP: What is the effect of the color of roofing on a house's temperature?
Annabelle Marcotte
Brianna Sturgis
John Fosset
Blake Horton

Team C
FAMILY FINGERPRINTS: What effect does heredity have on fingerprint characteristics?
Abby LeBlanc
Hanna Pullen
Noah Williamson

We will start this adventure tomorrow and with your support at home and the class time we shall devote these teams are going to do a GREAT JOB and learn A LOT!! I am encouraging the team members to be in contact with each other outside of school when needed if questions arise and if possible to get together as a group.

Each team has a project sheet and we will start discussing the 6 steps to the scientific method and how their project will be set up to show all the steps.

Late Work/Correcting Errors/Take-Home Tests

2007-10-18T21:54:00.000-04:00

The students are given back work on a regular basis to correct and return so that we know the concept has been understood. Many times the paper does not make it back to us and then it must be redone. Math is the class that this happens the most in. Please check with your child on how they are doing with their classwork and if they have corrections that need to be taken care of. Thanks!

We have also given some tests as take-home and have encouraged your child to ask for help if needed. Our goal is that the child understands what is being taught more than just pushing through material. A math and a language test was available to be taken home this past Tuesday and Wednesday, even if they finished it in class. No one took the math home. There was more participation on taking the language test home but I am wondering if you, the parent, was even asked to look over it with them.

On the right hand side of the classroom white board is an updated list of late work so that you can check it and the student is aware of what needs to be turned in.

THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!!

Special Speaker Sensei Gary

2007-10-12T20:06:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, Oct 3rd, Sensei Gary was our speaker at chapel. He addressed the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades and his presentation centered on RESPECT, HONOR, INTEGRITY and VALUES. The children were riveted to what he was saying and seemed very taken by his Kempo Bedtime Story. If you have the time ask your child about what he shared. He gave an analogy concerning the relationship between a wolf, a sheep and a sheepdog comparing their traits to bullying behaviors, the person being bullied or just standing by watching, and a person who stands up for what is right and honorable. We will again invite Sensei Gary to speak because they really seem to get what he is saying and he really relates to the children with stories of his past. He also challenges the children to stand up for what is right and not be bystander when something wrong is happening either to them or to someone else. He gave them the correct manner to handle situations: address the offender and let them know it is wrong, tell a teacher or an adult, take it to the principal. It was an awesome presentation!!!