December 14-18

This week we are going to wrap up our semester with some fun activities!

To encourage our students to finish the week strong, we are going to offer a nachos party and movie this Thursday for all students who have all of their AR points, get at least a 70% on their math test, and have all homework/projects completed on time this week. We think this will help to keep them focused and responsible even though there is so much excitement and distracting things going on this week.

We will not have a new spelling list this week.

In reading we will finish The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and the project we are doing as a class for this book. The students are creating the pageant scene using butcher paper and paint. This allows them to focus on the details and descriptions in the story.

In writing, we will finish and present our short research project, "Christmas Around the World." Each student will present their poster and paragraphs to the class so that we can all learn how different countries and cultures celebrate this holiday. 

In math, we will continue practicing 2x2 digit multiplication. Several of our students really struggle with this. There are several ways to practice this at home, outside of homework. You can get on mcgraw-hill's ConnectEd website and watch videos or play games, you can also watch the "turtlehead method" video that we show in class. This is just a memorization strategy, but follows the traditional algorithm steps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hcKERTnNi0 

In Social Studies we will continue studying the geography of Missouri. We will discuss the different regions and how those regions came to be. We will do a quick team project where each team will make posters showing what they know about the different regions.

Reminders: 

Book project is due Thursday

AR points are due Thursday

Progress Reports will go home the first Tuesday in Jan after break 

December 7-11

In spelling this week we will follow the same pattern as we have previously. A new list will be sent home today and will be tested over on Friday. This will be our last spelling test until after Christmas break.

In math this week we will continue working on multiplying by 2 digit numbers. Miss Ussary's class should be able to access several games, mathbook pages, worksheets, and a video for each lesson at home if you have internet access. The website is http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/school/m3f3. They've each been given a notecard with their password written down.

In science this week we will finish up our Ecosystems unit on Wednesday. Projects are due the 9th (Wed). We will present these on that day. Tuesday will be a work day in the classroom to allow for last minute questions and final touches. We will begin a short Social Studies unit on Missouri's regions on Friday.

In writing this week we will begin a short research assignment on Christmas around the World. Students will be given a map (poster) to take notes on different aspects of the different Christmas traditions. They'll fill it out, color it, find it on a map, etc. and present it to their class next week. They will do all the work for this at school.

In reading this week we will begin reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. With this story we will do several activities that will aid in reading comprehension, summarizing, describing characters in depth and theme.

Reminders:
*AR points are due next Thursday!
*Book projects are due next Thursday as well. Please let your teacher know if you need newspaper or wrapping paper!
*Spelling bee is December 10th at 1:30 in the multi

November 30-December 4

We hope everyone had a great break!

This week we will introduce the December book project. This project will be due Dec. 17. Please have your student let us know if they need us to provide them with materials for wrapping their items.

In reading we will also be focusing on determining the theme. We will do this by practicing with multiple examples from passages, videos, books, songs, etc.

In writing, we will begin working on researching and note taking. This will help us to be successful with our Ecosystems project in science as well as the short research paper they will be writing starting next week.

In science, we will continue learning about ecosystems and the relationships in them. We will get into decomposers, producers, and food chains this week. We will also continue working on our ecosystems throughout the week. We will have laptops for research and I will also provide materials for them to begin working on their ecosystems. They are welcome to bring their box and other materials from home to work on in class.

In math this week, we will have a quiz on Tuesday. We will then continue with multiplication and estimating products.

In spelling, the students will get a new list on Monday that will be tested over on Friday.

Reminder: Character trait assembly is Tuesday, December 1, at 2:00.

Have a great week!

November 23-24

Welcome to our very short week!

This week will consist a lot of presentations. Our "How to" projects in writing will be presented today and tomorrow as well as our book projects in reading.

In science we will choose ecosystems today and begin researching them. The students will have time to work on their ecosystems projects in class so hopefully if there are questions, we will  be able to answer them at that time.

In spelling, we will continue working on preparing for the spelling bee. The spelling bee is Tuesday at 2:00 in individual classrooms. Parents are welcome!

Please help them to remember to bring back their signed progress reports!


We hope you all have a happy and safe Thanksgiving break!

November 16-20

Reminders:
Mid-Term progress reports go home this Friday. 1/2 AR goal is due Thursday.

Spelling Bee: Parents are welcome to come enjoy the spelling bee in your child's classroom at 2:00 on 11/24 (Tuesday) We will be sending home another copy of these words and working on spelling them in spelling bee structure all week.

In Reading this week, we are continuing to practice reading nonfiction text by reading Pilgrims. We will do activities with every chapter to help us understand the reading and nonfiction text features.

In Writing this week, we will continue drafting, editing and revising our How to pieces. The presentations for these pieces will be next Monday and Tuesday. Your student needs to come completely prepared with all materials on their presentation date.

In math this week, we will begin moving toward multiplying two multi-digit numbers. We are learning multiple strategies for accomplishing the task of multiplication. However, if students don't have a grasp on basic multiplication facts, they may struggle. Continuing to work on those facts will help them be successful in math.

In Social Studies, we will finish up our unit on the First People of Missouri on Wednesday with a test. Students will have 15 minutes to use their packets on the test.

On Thursday, we will begin our new science unit on Ecosystems. There will not be a test over this unit, but a project. Each student will create an ecosystem and research it to include relevant living and nonliving things. They will get information on this project Thursday to bring home.

Have a great week!

Tape Teacher PTO Fundraiser

The Tape a Teacher Fundraiser that PTO is sponsoring is going on this week.  Students have the opportunity to bring in money to place a chance for the teacher they would most like to see taped to a wall at our December Assembly.  Each chance is $1.  This should be fun!

November 9-13

Happy Monday!

REMINDER: How To ideas are to be signed and returned by tomorrow! Let us know if you have any questions about the project.

Wednesday, Nov. 11th, we are having our Veterans Day assembly. There is also a noon dismissal this day.

In writing this week, we will begin working on our How To drafts as well as learning several comma rules. Our How To presentations will take place on November 23-24.

In Reading this week we will continue learning about non-fiction text structures. This should help your child prepare for their book projects as we continue learning how to read and understand non-fiction texts. Book projects are due Nov. 23rd, AR tests for the book they've chosen need to be taken and PASSED by Nov. 18th.

In math this week we will continue practicing our rounding and estimating skills. We will apply these to word problems and build on these skills throughout the week.

In spelling we will get a new spelling list today (Monday) and have a spelling test this Friday.

In Social Studies, we will continue to learn about the First Missourians. The test for this unit is Nov. 17th. Students will be able to use their packets for a portion of the test so it is important they make sure they correct any missed questions as we go.

1/2 AR points are due Nov 19th!!

November 2-6

Go Royals!!!!!

This week in reading we will begin working with non-fiction text. We will introduce our new book project for November. This project will be done over a non-fiction book. Your child will come home today (Monday) with the information for this. Book selection and approval is due this Friday.

In writing this week, we will begin working on writing expositions. We will learn transition words and different organizational patterns for creating this type of text. In November, the students will be writing "How to" papers and presenting/demonstrating their final papers. To be successful with this, we will first go over organizing this type of text before we begin drafting.

In Social Studies this week we will begin studying the first people of Missouri. This will tie into our Thanksgiving discussions as well as non-fiction texts. We will compare primary and secondary resources throughout this unit when looking at information presented in multiple ways.

In spelling this week we will start with a new list on Monday. The spelling test will be Friday. This word list focuses heavily on root words and the suffix -ible and -able.

In math girls week we will finish up our multiplication unit with a test on Monday. We will continue building on these skills throughout the week.

Have a great week!

Reminders:
Character Awards Assembly Tuesday 2:15
Friday 1:00 school play- send $1 with your child to school if you'd like them to attend with the class

October 26-30

Red Ribbon Week Dress Up Days (This week)
Mon: Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Wear pink!
Tues: Hats off to being drug free- Wear your hats!
Wed: Team up against drugs- Wear your favorite team clothing!
Thurs: Say BOO to drugs!- Wear your Halloween costume ALL DAY/favorite Halloween shirt- please NO MASKS, WEAPONS, OR BLOOD/GORE
Fri: Follow your dreams, Don't do drugs- Wear your PJ's!

This week we will be finishing up our Science unit with a test on Wednesday! The students have a packet that they can use during a portion of the test. Double checking answers and studying with this will help them prepare for it. We will move to a new Social Studies unit next week.

In math this week we will continue working on multiplication and division and discussing the relationship between these two functions. We are also studying properties and rules for both which can help us solve problems with unknowns. The math test will be next Monday. Reviewing vocabulary and class activities in their binders will help them be prepared.

In spelling this week we are working on the "ie" or "ei" rule. This may take more studying as this is somewhat confusing for a lot of students. The test will be on Friday. In this test we will also add a portion where we read them sentences and they  must copy it down using correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.

In writing this week we are continuing to form stories by focusing on the elements of plot. Each day we focus on a new element (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution). Teams are working together to create Halloween stories that we will edit and share on Monday. We are also continuing to review the parts of speech.

In reading this week we will finish up The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. With this story, we work on inferencing; using the explicit information from the text to fill in the blanks. On Friday, we will watch Bunnicula and Sleepy Hollow to compare the book to the movies.

Friday we will also be presenting the cereal box book projects! We have a lot of fun things planned for Friday, the students have been warned that if they don't have their book projects done, they won't participate in our fun afternoon. We will watch the movies from reading, have our ice cream sundaes from our multiplication facts tests, and have our pop/candy for AR points. Please help them remember to bring their projects on Friday so no one has to miss out on the fun!

Have a great week!

October 19-21

Welcome to 2nd Quarter! Remember: No school Thursday or Friday!

This is going to be a short but busy week. Parent-Teacher conferences will be tomorrow night (Tuesday) and Wednesday night from 4-8. The office has your scheduled conference time if you need to call and reschedule or double check your time!

In reading this week we will continue working on inferences and vocabulary as we start reading The Legend of the Sleepy Hollow. We will also continue Literature Circle group work.

In writing, we are creating silly stories with our partners. We will also review the parts of speech and grammar conventions that we have worked on throughout the 1st quarter.

In Math this week we will continue working on factors/multiples while also reviewing place value through station activities.

In spelling, we will get a new list Monday and work on spelling those words using different strategies. You will notice the list this week is a review list. It is a combination of the words on the lists 1-5. The test will be next week since this is a short week.

In science this week we will continue learning about renewable and nonrenewable resources. We will learn what these are and what those words mean while also learning how we can help in their conservation.

Reminder: Book projects (Cereal boxes) are due October 30th!

October 12-16

Reminder: Quarter 1 ends Friday, Friday is a noon dismissal

Progress Reports will be handed out at parent-teacher conferences


In reading this week we will continue working on inferences as we read Bunnicula. We will also be starting new books in our literature circle groups.

In writing, we will continue working on our Monster Narratives. We will have our final drafts done by Friday so the grade will be on their progress reports.

In social studies, we will have our test over Government Tuesday, October 13th. We will then switch back to science and begin studying renewable and nonrenewable resources. We will do this while also continuing to learn more about the scientific method.

In spelling this week we will begin working with a new words list on Monday. The test on these words will be Friday, the 16th.

Thanks, have a good week!

Oct 5-9

So sorry for the late post!!

A couple reminders:
-Notes will be coming home with your parent/teacher conference date and time, be sure to look for them!
-AR points are due Friday, October 16th- this is also the end of the quarter
-Grade cards will be given to you at conferences

This week in reading we are studying inferences. We are practicing making inferences based on explicit information by working with pictures, videos, and books. We are also finishing up literature circle books. This means they will be taking AR quizzes over these books this week.

In writing, we are beginning our Monster Narratives. The students will work on their first drafts all this week. They are also working on a project in art to go along with their narratives. Their finals drafts will be on display at conferences.

In math this week we are continuing our multiplication review. We believe the basic multiplication facts are so important that we want them to have these facts down so they can be successful later on in math as skills build on each other.

In SS we are continuing to learn about Missouri's local government as well as the federal government. We are also learning about who represents our state at these levels. The SS test will be next Tuesday, October 13th. 

The spelling test for list 4 is this Friday, October 9th. 

Have a great week!

September 21-25

Reminder: Book Projects are due next Monday!  Students were sent home in early September with the requirements for this project.  But as a refresher for all, here is what we are looking for...

Students will be required to present their book (one on their level, that they have read this month and passed the AR quiz over) to a small group.  The project reads that students will represent each of the 5 story elements that we have been working on in class with an object.  For example, if their character is Harry from Harry Potter, they may choose glasses or a wand as their object.  Then, they will write the object down and tell why that object represents that story element.  All items will be placed in a bag, and they will pull them out to retell their book in small groups. 

They should all have a copy of the scoring guide and a description of their assignment.  Have your child let us know if you need another!

Also, please return your child's permission slip to school for the field trip on Thursday as well as their signed progress reports! Please remember to send a home lunch with your child on Thursday and dress them appropriately for the weather as we will be outside walking a lot for the field trip. 

This week in reading we will continue working on characterization and elements of a plot as we read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. We will also continue our literature circle groups. 

In writing, we will discuss subject/verb agreement and begin working on paragraph formation. We will learn the main 3 parts of a paragraph, how to identify and form them. 

In Spelling we will finish up last week's unit with a test and then begin working on our new list and rule for the rest of the week. 

In math this week we will begin working on our multiplication facts. These are foundational skills that will help the students succeed throughout the year in math. The more they can drill the facts and practice them at home, the better!

In social studies we will continue the constitution study that we started last week. The quiz for this will be this Friday. The packets we are working in will be great tools for them to use to study! 

Field Trip

Just a head's up that you will be receiving a field trip letter with permission slip today.  Please sign and return by Friday.  

Have a great evening!

September 14-18

Important Reminder! Progress reports will be sent home Friday. On them, you will find their results from the STAR test they've taken, their AR goal, their current AR point total, and current grades for subjects. Please sign and return them next week. We will send them back home next week, but this helps us insure that they are showing them to you.

Half of your student's AR point goal is due on Friday. If they do not have at least half of their goal, they will be reading a recess. We do this to try to help them achieve their end of the quarter goal without falling far behind. 

In reading this week we will begin Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. We will use this book to help us continue to learn about the elements of a story and plot. We will continue with our  literature circle discussions.

In spelling this week, we are studing the open syllables (vv) rule. We have started working with our new list today and will finish with a test THIS FRIDAY.

In writing, we are studying complete sentences by looking at subjects and predicates. We are also beginning to write using our 5 senses in order to include a lot of detail in our writing.

In math this week, we will begin working with multiplication facts and becoming more fluent with addition and subtraction. We will also discuss using the operations to solve word problems that can be solved using several different strategies.

September 8-11

We hope you had a great, long weekend!

This week in math we are beginning to work with estimation. You'll notice on their homework that they are asked to round to a certain place value and then do the math to get an estimate. We will help them relate this skill to the real world and understand different situations where they may need to estimate.

In writing this week we are still focusing on the conventions of writing. We are taking notes and practicing our capitalization rules and using punctuation for affect in our writing. We enforce these conventions by encouraging them to use what they know about these rules in their writer's workshop journal entries.

In reading this week, we are learning about the different elements of a story. We are going to begin reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing as our whole group read aloud. We've also started literature circle groups. In these groups they will have assigned readings and jobs that they need to complete by the next time we meet. This will help us have great book discussions and also aide in comprehension of the text.

In science this week, we are continuing our study of the Earth and the different ways it can be naturally changed (earthquakes, volcanoes, erosion, etc). We will do science experiments, watch videos, read, and do activities to help them to learn these concepts. There will be a test over this unit next week. All study guides, notes, and textbooks can be used on this test. We don't ALWAYS have open book, open note tests, but we will start out that way for this one.

Reminder:
Progress Reports come out September 18th (Already!?) so half of their AR points are due that day. This just helps to keep them on track to reach their goal by the end of the first quarter.

Thanks and have a great week!

Homecoming Reminder

HOMECOMING REMINDER

Friday, September 4, is HOMECOMING!!  This day, students are invited to wear red and green to support our UNDEFEATED DRAGONS!  We will be busing all students not participating in the parade to DD highway between 1 and 1:30.  If you plan on being at the parade, and want to take your child home after that, you will need to go to the office and either sign them out BEFORE or AFTER the parade.  We can not send students home with anyone unless they have been signed out prior to that.  Thank you for your cooperation in this matter of safety for our kids.  GO DRAGONS!!

August 31-September 4

Happy Homecoming Week!

Reminder that the homecoming parade is Friday at 1:30.

In reading this week, we will continue learning about the literature jobs that they will be expected to complete. We will model this and do examples together by reading picture books together in class.

In writing, we will continue learning about parts of speech. We have many fun games and activities to help them study these parts and remember several examples. We will also continue writing in our journal and sentence editing (or noticing) every day so they are practicing good writing skills.

In math we will do a quick check today to see where our students are before moving on. We will work on adding and subtracting while also studying the different properties in addition and subtraction.

We will move from Social studies to Science this week. In science we will begin studying the scientific method, carry out experiments, and learn about the ways the Earth is changed rapidly and gradually (weathering, landslides, etc.).

We are starting our first spelling unit this week. The students will get their words today. The word lists will always work on following a certain rule in the English language. We will study them this week through different activities and the first spelling test will be this Friday!

Have a great week!

4th Grade free admission to national parks

A Perk to Having a 4th Grade Student

Several people have tagged me in a Facebook post informing families of how they can receive free admission to national parks by simply having a student in the 4th grade.  I thought I would pass the information along.  A spring or summer break may be in your family's future...  Enjoy!  

**I am unsure if you can follow the link here by simply clicking on it.  I will add it to the side bar links on the right, too!

http://matadornetwork.com/pulse/4th-grader-us-family-gets-free-admission-national-parks-heres/

August 24-28

Happy Monday!

This week we will be getting much more into our content. In Reading, we will be learning how to complete our literature circle jobs and how to facilitate a good book discussion. These skills will be important to learn before we begin having our literature circle meetings.

In writing, we will be learning about the parts of speech and brainstorming examples of each. We will also be doing daily editing of sentences to help work on our conventions throughout the week.

In math we are focusing on place value and comparing numbers this week. We will have our first homework assignments in math this week! We will be playing a lot of games, doing work in our teams, and some hands on activities to learn and master these concepts.

In Social Studies, we are going to do a quick unit on Missouri's facts, maps, and symbols. We will quiz over the facts and symbols Thursday after a quick review in class. On Friday, we will test their knowledge of the map of Missouri by having them recreate the map with cookie dough and icing!

We will also be finishing up our STAR assessment for math on the computer this week. This gives us good baseline reading and math scores that we can use to sit down with each student and set goals.

Have a great week!

Miss Ussary
Miss Brown
Mrs. Kountz

Welcome Back!

Welcome Back!

We are so excited to begin this 4th grade year!  The weather has cooperated, and students received a great taste of what a full day looks like today.  As the temperature adjusts, the mornings start off cool, but the temperature increases and we noticed a warm afternoon today.  Please be sure to dress your child in layers to prevent them from becoming too hot or too cold.  

This week we are getting into the swing of things.  We are figuring out our Reader's and Writer's Notebooks, and what is expected.  Tomorrow (Friday, August 21), students will be writing about the history of their name.  If you have a unique story to share with them this evening, please do!  This will make writing so much more fun for them!  

We have taken the new STAR test to get a better idea of students' reading levels and help set AR point goals.  We also dove into math and social studies today.  

Expect a much more detailed post about lessons next week.  

As always, thank you for sharing your precious gifts with us.  We look forward to a fabulous year.  

May 11-15

The end is near!

This week we will be finishing up our science fair projects and presenting them at the fair. Science fair is Tuesday night from 5:30-6:30. They are required to be there the whole hour to stand by and present their projects.

In math, we will begin our Mini Metric Olympics. This is a fun way to get them moving and working with the metric system at the same time. The students will be in teams and compete to estimate and measure several different events. The team who has the least difference between their estimation and actual measurement will be the "winner" of that Olympic event.

In reading, we will continue reading Sarah Plain and Tall. As we read we will go over vocabulary and answer several critical thinking questions.

Reminders:
Tuesday Science Fair: 5:30-6:30
Wednesday: 4th Grade Show me St. Joe field trip leaving at 8:15- they will need a lunch!
Thursday: Afternoon AR field trip
Friday: Quarter 4 ends, 10 AR points are due

May 4-8

This is going to be a very exciting week!

Today, Miss Ussary's class will finish up 4th grade's MAP testing! A relief for everyone!

We will be working a lot on science fair, doing our last round of DRA testing, and reading Sarah Plain and Tall this week.

Please have all permission slips returned ASAP. There are currently up to 3 that have been sent home. One is for our 4th grade Show me St. Joe field trip on May 13th. One is for our field trip THIS Thursday, May 7th, to Safety Acres. The last is one that only students who have doubled their AR points (80 points for the year) will have a form for. That field trip is the afternoon of May 14th.

Also, this Friday is read in day! The students can bring blankets, pillows, and of course lots of books! They can bring snacks if they'd like, but it is not required.

Science fair is next Tuesday, May 12th, from 5:30-6:30. We are so excited for you to see how hard they've been working and what they've learned about the scientific process this year!

April 27-May 1

This week we will continue doing MAP prep for both language arts and math. Mrs. Kountz's class will be testing Wednesday and Thursday, Ussary's will test Friday and Monday. We urge you to emphasize the importance of getting a good night's rest the nights before testing and eat a healthy, filling breakfast!

We will also continue working on science fair projects. Most of the groups have carried out their projects. This week we will discuss how to wrap up a project with results and conclusions and hopefully begin typing all parts of the process that they have completed. Our goal is that every group is ready to begin working on boards and presentations by next week.

Have a great week!

4/20-4/24

This week we will continue doing several MAP prep activities in reading. We are looking at vocabulary and discussing test taking tips in order to help them be successful. We will also be covering the reading process and how to use it when reading poetry.

In math this week, we will be finishing up our Geometry unit. The test will be on Thursday, the 23rd. After this unit is complete, we will spend our time going back over certain areas where we have noticed some students are still struggling. This will serve as a great refresher and a good review for MAP testing.

In science we will continue working on our science fair projects. They are doing great so far working together to complete this activity. Some of the groups have started their experiments already while others are finishing up researching.

Progress reports should have come home last Friday. Please sign and return those ASAP.

Reminder: Wednesday is a 1/2 day!

Have a great week!

4/13-4/17

This week, we will wrap up our last spelling unit. We will have our test on Tuesday, the 14th. Then we will use our spelling time to focus on MAP test prep. We have begun looking at test taking tips and vocabulary. We will continue doing this as testing approaches at the end of this month.

In reading this week, we will be reading different types of Drama. We will be learning how to comprehend dramas and how they are different from other types of texts we have had experience with this year.

In writing, we will be studying writing structure and the writing process from planning our writing to polishing it. We will then use this information to practice answering MAP like questions.

In math this week, we will use what we learned last week to help us name triangles and quadrilaterals. We will also learn to compose and decompose angles and identify parallel and perpendicular lines and line segments. The test for this math unit is schedule for next Thursday, April 23rd.

You should have received a note home last Friday about our upcoming science fair. We will being prep on our science fair projects today. We will begin by going over the scientific method and then guiding them through this method in their groups for their own projects. The projects will be done at school and no materials will need to be purchased by you. Science Fair is May 12th. We are so anxious to get started!

Have a great week!

Famous Missourian Wax Museum

Wax Museum

We cannot express how proud we are of all of the fourth graders and their performance at the Wax Museum.  We have a class full of local celebrities!  They were all amazing, and their efforts were strongly supported by parents at home, as well.  So thank you.  Working together makes our job so much easier!  Way to go, fourth grade!   

April 7-10

Welcome back! We hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend.

This week in reading, we will begin discussing Historical Fiction while also studying the difference between first and second hand accounts. We will identify the benefits of reading both accounts.

In writing we will begin studying some testing vocabulary. We are doing this due to the upcoming MAP testing at the end of this month. We will also go over some test taking tips.

In math, we will start our Geometry unit. Students will need protractors for this unit. We will be identifying and measuring angles, naming triangles, and finding angles in circles this week.

In science, we will spend half of this week learning about things that cause change to Earth's surface over time and conserving resources. The last half of the week, we will begin studying Missouri's economy and industry in Social Studies.

We will be reviewing words and homophones today and having a spelling test tomorrow over unit 15 word list. We will then begin working on unit 16. In that unit we will study le/al/el endings, "ly" suffix, and then test these words next Tuesday the 14th.

A Successful Weekend

A few of our 4th grade boys had a successful baseball tournament this weekend!  Nice job to Jacob Marti, Zachary Kelly, Derek Sprague, and their team on a successful weekend!

We know that we also had two 4th grade wrestlers make it to the state tournament this weekend.  Denton Biller ended the weekend with a 3rd place finish.  We congratulate Wade Stanton on qualifying for State, as well.  

March 30-April 2

We have a very exciting week this week with our Wax Museum project! Just a reminder, the Wax Museum will now take place on Thursday, April 2nd from 9:30-10:30. You may begin bringing in platforms and props to store at the school.

In writing this week, we will fine tune and practice our Wax Museum presentations. The students are getting so excited to share their hard work with you Thursday!

In reading, we will begin discussing and comparing 1st and 2nd hand accounts.

In math, we will finish up our unit on fractions and decimals. We will review tomorrow and prepare for the test on this unit. The test will be Wednesday. They will be asked to compare fractions with different numerators and denominators, simplify fractions, write equivalent fractions, write numbers in decimal form, make line plots, and compare decimals.

In spelling this week, we will start our new unit and word list. We still study homophones further and look at "ie" and "ei" spelling patterns in words.

In science this week, we will move back into studying Ecosystems. We will discuss threats to the survival of organisms and how they adapt as well as fossils.

Reminder: The character awards assembly is Wednesday at 2:15.

Thursday is a noon dismissal and there is no school Friday or Monday. Enjoy your spring break with your families!

March 23-27

In writing this week we will continue working on our famous Missourian projects. They are really coming along well! It's fun to see the students get so excited about their work.

In reading, we will focus on understanding vocabulary within texts. We will read several stories and use the information from those stories to help us find the meaning of unknown words.

In spelling this week, we will be starting unit 14. In this unit, we will study homographs (same spelling, different meaning/pronunciation ex: wind, wind). We will also study different Latin roots that are found in many English words and what those roots mean. Our test for this unit will be this Friday.

In math this week we are starting to relate fractions to decimal values. We are studying the 10th and 100th decimal values. We will compare them as well as convert them back and forth between fractions and decimals.

We are finishing up our science unit on ecosystems today and moving on to our next Social Studies unit. We will be studying our government, both state and federal. We will discuss the 3 branches, talk about how our state government works, and learn how new laws are made.

**The character awards assembly will be next Wed. (April 1) at 2:15.

Wax Museum Date Change

March 23, 2015

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Happy spring!  The weeks are flying by!  With that in mind, we wanted to take the time to remind everyone about the upcoming Famous Missourian Wax Museum.  It is next week!  There are a few items that we need to touch base with parents about, so we thought this note may be helpful.  Please make sure that you send this note back tomorrow with your child, so we can get a better idea of how to help and plan.  

First off, we have a scheduled make-up day on Thursday, April 2.  It is a half day.  Since this is the case, we have thought about pushing the museum to that day, still starting it at 9:30.  We hate moving the date, but since it was a later date, we thought it may work.  We want to make sure that no parents have already taken off work on Wednesday at that time in order to attend before we move it.  We can absolutely leave it on the April 1 if the consensus agrees with that.  Please make sure that you return this information back to school by TOMORROW, MARCH 24.    

Hopefully students are hard at work at home planning out their plaques, costumes, platforms, and buttons.  As a reminder, most of these items (especially the platform) should not be transported on the bus.  If you could please make arrangements to bring the larger items to school no sooner than Monday, March 30, we would greatly appreciate it.  Before, during, or after school would be fine.  

Some of our Missourians have props that aren’t always school appropriate.  Jesse James, for instance, would probably have a gun as a prop.  If your child has a Missourian with a prop that may be questionable, Ms. Smiddy has asked us to store these in her office until the actual museum time.  This is an item that needs to be brought in by the parent, as well.  Although it is for the project, we want to make sure that we are following the rules of the Safe Schools Act.  

If you would, please check off the items on the back when returning this so we know how we can further help your child at school.  

You may also be interested to know that your child could be featured in the news!  We have invited Fox 26 News, KQ2, and the St. Joseph News Press to attend the museum!  What an awesome opportunity!  

Thank you in advance for your support.  This has been an amazing project so far, and we can’t wait to see the final product!  Keep practicing memorizing those scripts!  Final Drafts are due by the end of the day on Friday!

In anticipation,

Ms. Ussary

Mrs. Kountz

March 16-20

After our nice long break we are back and ready to start our 4th quarter!


In reading this week, we will continue working on sequencing and chronological order. We will study this by reading several books, ordering events, and playing ordering games in our teams.

In writing this week, we will continue working on our Famous Missourian projects. Students should be making a lot of progress on this as we are just two and a half weeks from our Wax Museum presentations!

In math this week, we will look at equivalent fractions and comparing fractions with unlike denominators. They will learn how to change the fractions so that they have the same denominator and are easier to compare.

In science this week, we will study different ecosystems, roles of organisms in those ecosystems and food webs.

In spelling, we will learn about different silent letters, review homophones, and rules for adding "er" to words. The spelling test will be this Friday (March 20) over unit 13 words.

March 9-11

Way to go Dragons!!! Thanks to our boys' basketball team earning a State Tournament bid, we will not have school this Thursday and Friday!


In reading this week we will continue discussing sequencing and sequencing with flashbacks. We will also begin our literature circle books. This means all literature circle groups will have started a book this week and will have a job to do for that book.

In writing, we are continuing to research and plan our Famous Missourian projects. Students have been researching for several days now and many are beginning to plan other aspects of the project.

In math this week we will begin a new unit on fractions. In this unit, we will study comparing fractions with different denominators, decimal form, and equivalent fractions. If your child is struggling with any of the new concepts, kahnacademy.com has a lot of good videos they can watch on fractions and what we will be working on.

In Social Studies this week, we will finish up our chapter by discussing the changes that came after the civil war in our state and country.

We will begin a new science unit on the Ecosystem. This unit will focus on different ecosystems, food webs, and different roles organisms play in an ecosystem.

In spelling this week, we will take our test on Tuesday (March 10th) and do a word preview for our new word list on Wednesday.

AR points are due this Wednesday (March 11th). This is also the last day of the quarter. Grade cards will be sent home next Wednesday (March 18). March 18th is also school picture day. We will be sending home school picture forms today.

Have a great week!

Famous Missourian

And the Missourian is...

Today, students chose the Missourian that they will be portraying in the Wax Museum held April 1.  We are so excited to see these Missourians come to life through the student's writing and portrayals!  

Some of the students have Missourians that are actually still alive!  How cool is that?  With that in mind, and the time frame that we have, I think it would be an awesome opportunity to reach out and try to contact their Missourian, if possible.  Last year, a student contacted Kate Klise ( Missouri author of many children's book series).  Mrs. Klise was so fantastic to work with!  She helped the student with what she would wear, her favorite activities, and lots of other information to help her with her project.  We sent the picture of our "wax statue" to Mrs. Klise who put the information on her website!  It was an awesome experience, and we encourage students who have that opportunity to reach out and try to contact them.

The research process will start tomorrow.  Some students are "swapping" their names. We are okay with one swap per student, as long as both parties agree and let their teacher know.  After tomorrow, the students are no longer able to "swap".

Some parents have already asked how they can help at home.  We will do a lot of the research and planning here at school.  At home, you are welcome to do more research (make sure to site those sources!), begin building a platform for their "statue" to stand on, developing a button that relates to their Missourian, finding a costume to portray their Missourian, and practicing to memorize that narrative!  Please do not send any "props" prior to the week of the Wax Museum to school.  (March 30 at the earliest.)  Also, sending large items on the bus is not a great idea.  If you could make arrangements to bring them to school in a vehicle before, during, or after school that would be appreciated.  

Please let us know if you have any questions.  This is not meant to be a stressful project, but a memorable learning experience.  With the extended timeline before all things are to be completed, we hope that we allow enough time for their imaginations to run wild...within reason.  Do not feel obligated to purchase items.  We are a great community that is always willing to lend a hand.  Let either teacher know if you are in need of an item, and we would be happy to help locate it for you.  

Happy researching! 

Reminder

Reminder: Character Trait Award Assembly is tomorrow, March 3rd, at 2:00 in the MPR!

March 2nd-6

This week we will be finishing up our math unit on Fractions. Our test is scheduled for this Thursday. We will use Wednesday's class time to review and prepare for the test together. The test focuses on adding/subtracting fractions as well as converting fractions into mixed numbers or mixed numbers to fractions.

In social studies this week, we will begin discussing plantation life/slavery as well as Missouri's part in the Civil War. We will complete a study guide together for Chapter 5, read and discuss chapter 6, as well as watch a couple videos about these chapters. This open book test is tentatively planned for Thursday, March 12.

We are returning to spelling this week. We will hand out our word list today and begin studying those words. In this unit, we will also review homophones, "c" spelling patterns, and create mnemonics for tricky words. This test is tentatively scheduled for next Tuesday, March 10th.

In reading this week we will begin studying sequencing. We will use our knowledge of sequencing to place events in order, follow recipes, and other sequencing activities. Also, Friday is Read in Day. They can bring blankets/sleeping bag, pillows and wear comfy clothes. AR points for this quarter are due next Thursday, March 12th. 

In writing this week we will continue learning how to do research. We will practice this by beginning to research famous Missourians in preparation for writing a paper on one.

Have a great week!

February 23-February 27

Time is flying as we start our last week in February! It looks like we have more snow in the forecast so the schedule this week is subject to change. 

In math this week, we will continue our unit on fractions. We will start looking at mixed numbers and multiplying fractions. We will continue reviewing on Fridays using hands on activities to help them really understand the concept. Our test for this unit is tentatively scheduled for March 5th (depending on snow days)

We are still not doing spelling this week.

In science this week, we will finish up the unit by doing different investigations in small groups. Today and tomorrow's science time will be dedicated to doing these investigations independently in their groups as well as a vocabulary crossword. The investigation charts and questions (in their packet) and the crossword will be due first thing Wednesday. 

We will begin a new Social Studies unit on Thursday. In this unit this week, we will learn about the western expansion and Missouri's part in the civil war. While we are reading in this unit, we will be noting the famous Missourians we learn about. This will help them to prepare for a research paper they will be writing on a famous Missourian soon. 

In reading this week, we will continue reading non-fiction passages about our presidents and discuss how to best answer test questions. This Friday is Read the Most day. We will have the students save their AR tests this week for Friday. We are competing to see who can take the most AR tests on that day. The afternoon will be dedicated to just reading and taking AR tests. 

In writing this week, we will begin learning about how to write research papers. We will discuss research and note taking strategies that can aid them when they do this kind of writing. 

The character awards assembly will be Tuesday (March 3rd) at 2:00. This month's character trait has been "Honesty." 

The quarter ends March 12, 10 AR points will be due that day. 

February 16-20

In math this week we are starting a new unit on fractions. This week focuses mostly on adding and subtracting fractions and comparing them. We will do several hands on activities in our classrooms to help them learn this skill.

We are still not doing spelling this week.

In science this week, we are continuing to learn about electricity. We are discussing electric currents and magnets. We will be reading, answering questions in our packets, and watching Bill Nye the Science Guy videos. There will not be a test after this unit. Instead, the students will be given 2 class periods to complete hands on investigations independently. These investigations directly relate back to what we have studied this unit.

In reading, we will continue to work on drawing conclusions. We are now moving into doing this with non-fiction text. We will be reading several articles on our presidents and drawing conclusions over those articles and other non-fiction books.

In writing, we will be reviewing different parts of grammar. They will be practicing these skills daily in other subject areas as well as during our journal writing time.

February 9-February 13

This week in Reading we are working on Drawing conclusions. They will learn to use the information they get from books, paintings, or others' body  language to draw a conclusion.

In writing, they will be drafting a persuasive writing piece. Miss Ussary's class will be writing about their favorite food while Mrs. Kountz's class writes movie reviews. We will integrate what we know about persuasive writing with our knowledge of paragraph writing. Final drafts will be finished on Thursday.

In spelling this week, we will review today and take a test tomorrow over the unit 11 word list. After that, we will take a break from spelling until further notice. This will allow us to get caught up in other subject areas.

In math this week we will finish up our unit on measurement. We have discussed the metric system, customary system and time. Our last few lessons will focus on measuring rectangles with area and perimeter. Our math test will be on Friday. That is all we will be doing on Friday, since it is a half day and we have our Friendship parties starting at 9:30. 

In Social Studies, we are wrapping up this unit today with a review and some games. Tomorrow we will take an OPEN BOOK test. They will be required to write down where they found each answer. They will be able to use their books as well as their packets.

On Wednesday we will start a new science unit on Electricity. We will study Static electricity and Electic Currents this week.

Reminders:
5 AR points are due Friday
Progress Reports go home today, please sign and return them as soon as possible

Have a great week!

Spelling

Due to all of the snow days, we are starting to feel the grind of getting certain things accomplished before our MAP testing. We have moved the spelling test back to next Tuesday. After that, we are going to take a step back from spelling to allow for more time to hit other subject areas.

February 2- February 6

We hope your students enjoyed the snow day!

This week in math we will begin unit 5. This unit focuses a lot on measurement. We will discuss the US measuring system as well as the metric system. This is a short unit (only 8 lessons). We will be sending home a letter today to parents that explains this unit a little more.

In spelling this week we will work on the "er" suffix, review contractions, and have a test. Our test is scheduled for Thursday, depending on if we have anymore snow days.

In Social Studies this week, we had initially planned on having an open book test Friday. Because of the snow day, that will be pushed back to Monday. They will be able to use their books AND packets on this test. We are discussing the development of Missouri and Lewis and Clark.

In reading this week will will focus on the skill of following directions. We will discuss the importance, relevance, and practice this skill all week. In writing, we will develop their paragraph writing skills.

Progress reports will go home next Monday! Please sign them and return them.

Also, the character trait assembly is TODAY at 2;00.

Have a great week!

January 26-30

This week in reading and writing we will continue studying the different genres of literature. We will do this by reading books from different genres as well as practicing writing in them. In writing we will focus specifically on opinion/persuasive writing.

In spelling this week we will wrap up Unit 10 by discussing different patterns for the "oi" sound and then reviewing our words together in class with a hand-on activity. The spelling test will be Wednesday this week. We will begin Unit 11 on Thursday.

In science we will finish up our chapter on different types of energy. We will use today to review and the test will be tomorrow (Tues). The information in their packets and the study guides they have done will help them to be prepared for the test. We will move on to a new Social Studies unit on Thursday discussing the First Missourians and how Missouri developed.

In math this week we are also nearing the end of a unit. Our test will be Friday. We will finish up with 3 more lessons and then take Thursday to review. The test is mostly covering patterns, word problems, and using pictographs to answer questions. This is a tough unit as 4th graders always struggle with word problems but we are seeing a lot of improvement.

A Family in Need

A Family in Need

As many of you may know, a local family with students in our school lost their home and all of their possessions in a house fire.  The students in our district also incurred several injuries as a result of escaping the fire.  As of now, the family is without a home, and very few possessions, if any.

When the facts of this incident were presented to the class, we were very  moved to hear the overwhelming need to help this family out.  Almost all of the students in our class wanted to know how they could help.  Needless to say, we were impressed with this act of compassion.  

We have decided to allow the students the opportunity to donate items that the family may be in need of.  We will be sending home a note with a sort of "sign-up" sheet for items that the family has expressed need for.  

Some of you may have already donated items in one way or another.  This is absolutely fine.  We just wanted to give the class the opportunity to see their efforts come together in, and to see how they can make a difference in other's lives. 

Thank you for your continued support.  Please do not feel obligated to donate if you are unable to do so.  

January 12-16

In reading this week we will get back to our literature circles. Each reading group will have a book to read and we will do different activities with these books to build each child's skills. As a whole group, we will finish up talking about point of view and begin discussing summarizing and retelling stories.

In writing we will begin learning about the comma usage and quotation mark grammar rules. We will be using literature about Martin Luther King Jr. while we work on these skills.

In math this week we will be continuing with algebra. We will also start looking at comparison problems and learning how to represent those algebraically and then solve those equations.

In science we will begin discussing light and sound. We will do some activities and watch a Bill Nye video to explore these concepts further. They will be learning about how light and sound travel and how they are affected by different things.

In spelling we will have our test for unit 8 words tomorrow (Tuesday) instead of last Friday since we had a cold day and a late start. On Wednesday we will begin unit 9. This unit focuses on the apostrophe and teaching different purposes for it (contractions and possession). The test for this unit will be next Tuesday.

For Miss Ussary's class, book oders are due Friday (16th). 

January 5- 9

Welcome Back!

We hope that everyone enjoyed their nice winter break.  It is always nice to take some time to recoup and relax.  We are now on the downhill slope of the school year with so much to cover before the year is up.

Here is a look at our week ahead.

In Math, students will begin working on algebraic equations and expressions.  The main difference between these two types of math sentences is that an equation has an EQUAL sign in it that we try to balance both sides of.  An expression doesn't have an equal sign but requires simplifying to solve.  We will have three lessons with assignments this week, as we get back into the swing of things.  

We will begin our Energy and Motion Unit.  The students will have a packet with all available information for the test, including a study guide.  You may ask your child about this frequently.  These hold all of the information and notes that we go over in class, and would be a great thing to go over periodically to ensure understanding before the test.  

In Writing, students will be working on parts of a letter, and letter writing.

In Reading, students will be working on figuring out which point of view a story is told from.  We focus on first and third person in  fourth grade.  To help your child, we will have charts that are glued into their Reader's Notebooks.  These charts give key words that can guide your child to finding what perspective the story is told from.

2nd Quarter grade cards will be sent home today, Tuesday.  Please sign and return those.  We will give them back once we have received a signature.