Dear Families,
First, thank you to all the parents who attended Monday's fundraiser. I would have loved to be there, but was attending a High School informational session for my son! Wow, they grow up so fast.
I love the Christmas season and would like to share my gratitude with all of the parents who have worked side-by-side with me thus far this year to help their children achieve great writing. I know that in fourth grade the academic load is higher, and some of my students/your children are still grappling with that, but your help has helped to bridge that gap.
Native American/Explorer reports will be presented on Thursday within the school and not as I had originally conceived (The Museum Project - please see previous BLOGS). Narratives are due by Friday and most students have been working hard to finish. We are basically done with spelling until we come back from break. In math we started Algebra today - it was fun to see the puzzled looks on students faces as I know within a short time they will understand and light bulbs will start to turn on - a teacher's joy! What is interesting about algebra is that it is really no different than what we have been doing in another format. Let's keep those brain highways open!
Enjoy your holiday and with much appreciation - see you in the New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kim
Arriving at Smith Ranch
Arriving at Smith Ranch!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Weekly Update
Dear Families,
Thank you to all those dedicated parents that brought potluck dishes to our last Family Night. I want you to know how much I appreciate your help on these nights! Don't forget next Monday, the 13th to visit Fresh and Easy on University Avenue in North Park for your grocery shopping. Some of the IA staff will be there to greet and bag groceries. A percentage of all groceries purchased will be donated back to IA as a fundraiser.
Our Museum project is moving forward. Three paragraph reports are due tomorrow! Something that has surprised me is that many of the students DO NOT WANT TO DRESS IN COSTUME for the actual museum day, so I am making a change. Those students that want to dress up can on the 14th. Instead of making it a school-wide event, we will be making presentations to our class only on that afternoon.
Winter break is from December 18th-January 4th (return on Tuesday)!
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Thank you to all those dedicated parents that brought potluck dishes to our last Family Night. I want you to know how much I appreciate your help on these nights! Don't forget next Monday, the 13th to visit Fresh and Easy on University Avenue in North Park for your grocery shopping. Some of the IA staff will be there to greet and bag groceries. A percentage of all groceries purchased will be donated back to IA as a fundraiser.
Our Museum project is moving forward. Three paragraph reports are due tomorrow! Something that has surprised me is that many of the students DO NOT WANT TO DRESS IN COSTUME for the actual museum day, so I am making a change. Those students that want to dress up can on the 14th. Instead of making it a school-wide event, we will be making presentations to our class only on that afternoon.
Winter break is from December 18th-January 4th (return on Tuesday)!
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Monday, November 29, 2010
December is almost here............
Dear parents,
Can you believe we are only a few short days away from Christmas break! We still have so much to do. Here are some dates to be aware of for your child's current project:
Reports for Native Americans or Explorers are due next Tuesday, December 7th; the Dioramas are due the following Tuesday, November 14th, and finally we will be completing the project with children dressed as their chosen tribe member or explorer on Thursday, the 16th. Other classes at IA will be invited into our room for your child to share their expertise on that day in the afternoon from 2:00-3:15pm. You are all invited to attend!
This Thursday, December 2nd is another family night. From 5-6pm, Christine will be speaking about next year's school sight (Location FOR TALK to be announced!). Later, families will meet in classrooms for a potluck dinner. Your children came home with an update today explaining the list of items each family is requested to bring that evening:
STUDENTS WITH LAST NAMES A-M MAIN DISH (SERVE 6-8)
N-P SIDE DISH + 2 LITER BEVERAGE + CUPS
R-Z DESSERT+ LITER BERVERAGE + CUTLERY
We are hoping for full participation by all families! Hope to see you there.
There will be no school this Friday due to a professional day!
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Kim
Can you believe we are only a few short days away from Christmas break! We still have so much to do. Here are some dates to be aware of for your child's current project:
Reports for Native Americans or Explorers are due next Tuesday, December 7th; the Dioramas are due the following Tuesday, November 14th, and finally we will be completing the project with children dressed as their chosen tribe member or explorer on Thursday, the 16th. Other classes at IA will be invited into our room for your child to share their expertise on that day in the afternoon from 2:00-3:15pm. You are all invited to attend!
This Thursday, December 2nd is another family night. From 5-6pm, Christine will be speaking about next year's school sight (Location FOR TALK to be announced!). Later, families will meet in classrooms for a potluck dinner. Your children came home with an update today explaining the list of items each family is requested to bring that evening:
STUDENTS WITH LAST NAMES A-M MAIN DISH (SERVE 6-8)
N-P SIDE DISH + 2 LITER BEVERAGE + CUPS
R-Z DESSERT+ LITER BERVERAGE + CUTLERY
We are hoping for full participation by all families! Hope to see you there.
There will be no school this Friday due to a professional day!
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Kim
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
This Week's Update1
Dear Families,
I hope you are all able to attend the Souplantation fundraiser this evening from 5-8pm. IA will receive 20% of the proceeds. I am unable to attend because I will be attending my daughter's open house. Also from now until December 31st we are doing a promotion with Fresh and Easy grocery stores. For every receipt with at least $20.00 of groceries purchased and presented to Fresh and Easy, IA receives $1. Any Fresh and Easy store can work for this!
This week in our classroom your children started work on yet another 20 spelling and high-frequency words. If you are interested in getting a list of these words to practice with your child at home, please stop by the classroom. We also continue to add to their vocabulary through the Wordly Wise program. We will be starting Lesson 5 this week and that means that we are one-quarter of the way through the program! Please encourage your child to go to wordlywise.com on their home computers in order to get some practice in at home. Students also continue to work on their fictional narratives. We start on the ending paragraph this week with revisions and then it's only the conclusion and they will be ready to type. One computer per every two students have finally arrived!
Students have been busy on their artistic book reports. The due date has been pushed back until Monday, the 15th. All students have had the opportunity to research their explorer or Native American tribe at school. At least a few students have started their rough drafts on their three paragraph reports. I'm hoping to have them finished by the end of next week, but would also like for students to gather their materials for their dioramas and have all materials in class by next Wednesday, the 17th. I will announce the date for our actual Museum on my next BLOG.
As always, if there any questions or concerns, please email me at kim@innovationsacademy.org.
I hope you are all able to attend the Souplantation fundraiser this evening from 5-8pm. IA will receive 20% of the proceeds. I am unable to attend because I will be attending my daughter's open house. Also from now until December 31st we are doing a promotion with Fresh and Easy grocery stores. For every receipt with at least $20.00 of groceries purchased and presented to Fresh and Easy, IA receives $1. Any Fresh and Easy store can work for this!
This week in our classroom your children started work on yet another 20 spelling and high-frequency words. If you are interested in getting a list of these words to practice with your child at home, please stop by the classroom. We also continue to add to their vocabulary through the Wordly Wise program. We will be starting Lesson 5 this week and that means that we are one-quarter of the way through the program! Please encourage your child to go to wordlywise.com on their home computers in order to get some practice in at home. Students also continue to work on their fictional narratives. We start on the ending paragraph this week with revisions and then it's only the conclusion and they will be ready to type. One computer per every two students have finally arrived!
Students have been busy on their artistic book reports. The due date has been pushed back until Monday, the 15th. All students have had the opportunity to research their explorer or Native American tribe at school. At least a few students have started their rough drafts on their three paragraph reports. I'm hoping to have them finished by the end of next week, but would also like for students to gather their materials for their dioramas and have all materials in class by next Wednesday, the 17th. I will announce the date for our actual Museum on my next BLOG.
As always, if there any questions or concerns, please email me at kim@innovationsacademy.org.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Another Week of Learning!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Families,
Well, I am happy to announce that my computer is healthy and running just fine now! Whew, it's amazing how much we depend on these little machines! Speaking of which, your children came home tonight with two websites (one for explorers and one for Native Americans) in order to make a choice for our Museum Project. Once they have made a choice, they have specific directions on some information to research and will be writing a three paragraph report plus (finally) creating their dioramas. Please be prepared to help them with home research and the materials for the dioramas. They will not only be presenting an oral report to their class, but will also be asked to dress-up on the day of the "Museum" when they will be the expert while other IA classes visit ours.
We are also continuing with our five paragraph narratives during writing. Most students are making great progress and some are not. Each day when we work on these, I review what we have talked about and also give specific directions about the next steps. I would like to see all students succeed on this writing assignment and am meeting with each student. Now is a great time to have a conversation with your child about how important it is to use independent work time effectively.
Students are also making progress on their book reports and are creating some beautifully crafted posters. Stop by anytime to see your child's work. These are due next Thursday, November 11th. There are still a few students who haven't finished their books. This coming weekend would be a good time to catch up, if need be.
In math, we are covering many topics, such as landmarks in data, representation of data, ballpark estimates, and partial-sum addition. I want to thank those parents who have worked with their students on basic facts at home. I have seen some great progress during "White-Board" math.
Our next science topic will be in the area of Life Science. Students will choose an animal and investigate it's habitat, food chain, and food web. The outcome will be a speech they give to their class on their chosen animal investigation.
Our Halloween celebration was a great success. Many students said it was one of the best days they had ever had in school or their lives. I wish I had taken video of the apple-bobbing as it was absolutely hilarious and much fun. Thanks again to parents for decorating, bringing treats, and for just overall support.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Kim
Well, I am happy to announce that my computer is healthy and running just fine now! Whew, it's amazing how much we depend on these little machines! Speaking of which, your children came home tonight with two websites (one for explorers and one for Native Americans) in order to make a choice for our Museum Project. Once they have made a choice, they have specific directions on some information to research and will be writing a three paragraph report plus (finally) creating their dioramas. Please be prepared to help them with home research and the materials for the dioramas. They will not only be presenting an oral report to their class, but will also be asked to dress-up on the day of the "Museum" when they will be the expert while other IA classes visit ours.
We are also continuing with our five paragraph narratives during writing. Most students are making great progress and some are not. Each day when we work on these, I review what we have talked about and also give specific directions about the next steps. I would like to see all students succeed on this writing assignment and am meeting with each student. Now is a great time to have a conversation with your child about how important it is to use independent work time effectively.
Students are also making progress on their book reports and are creating some beautifully crafted posters. Stop by anytime to see your child's work. These are due next Thursday, November 11th. There are still a few students who haven't finished their books. This coming weekend would be a good time to catch up, if need be.
In math, we are covering many topics, such as landmarks in data, representation of data, ballpark estimates, and partial-sum addition. I want to thank those parents who have worked with their students on basic facts at home. I have seen some great progress during "White-Board" math.
Our next science topic will be in the area of Life Science. Students will choose an animal and investigate it's habitat, food chain, and food web. The outcome will be a speech they give to their class on their chosen animal investigation.
Our Halloween celebration was a great success. Many students said it was one of the best days they had ever had in school or their lives. I wish I had taken video of the apple-bobbing as it was absolutely hilarious and much fun. Thanks again to parents for decorating, bringing treats, and for just overall support.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Kim
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Weekly Update
Dear Families,
Oops, my computer shut down before I was able to edit and finish my previous BLOg, so please read both to get all of my information. I was mentioning that a few book reports are going to be started this week as some children have finished their books. Others will start on Monday. I hope they enjoy working on them because most of the report will be drawing and presenting. Stop by if you would like to see what students are doing.
In math we have been studying and reviewing place value and we will be starting to look at data reporting and multiple digit adding next week.
Please make sure you have sent a shoe box with your child because next week they will also be choosing the topic for their "museum project" which will include dioramas. Please be prepared to supply the materials for each of your children to complete their dioramas. Students will also need to gather some research information from their home computers. The good news is that we finally have our routers, so students computers should be up and running soon.
I want to thank Rachell's dad, Chris for installing our projector. Soon we will have the capability to watch movies, but in the mean time we have been able to access the internet and see a quick video on erosion and weathering. Yay!
Sorry about the BLOG/computer problem. I hope you are all able to access both BLOGS.
Kim
Oops, my computer shut down before I was able to edit and finish my previous BLOg, so please read both to get all of my information. I was mentioning that a few book reports are going to be started this week as some children have finished their books. Others will start on Monday. I hope they enjoy working on them because most of the report will be drawing and presenting. Stop by if you would like to see what students are doing.
In math we have been studying and reviewing place value and we will be starting to look at data reporting and multiple digit adding next week.
Please make sure you have sent a shoe box with your child because next week they will also be choosing the topic for their "museum project" which will include dioramas. Please be prepared to supply the materials for each of your children to complete their dioramas. Students will also need to gather some research information from their home computers. The good news is that we finally have our routers, so students computers should be up and running soon.
I want to thank Rachell's dad, Chris for installing our projector. Soon we will have the capability to watch movies, but in the mean time we have been able to access the internet and see a quick video on erosion and weathering. Yay!
Sorry about the BLOG/computer problem. I hope you are all able to access both BLOGS.
Kim
Weekly Update!
Dear Families,
School pictures are on Wednesday, October 27th. Please send a your child ready for their pictures. The students will each come home with an order form and viewing card. You can order online or bring the form into class. Make checks payable to Innovations AcademyThursday-Field
School pictures are on Wednesday, October 27th. Please send a your child ready for their pictures. The students will each come home with an order form and viewing card. You can order online or bring the form into class. Make checks payable to Innovations AcademyThursday-Field
On Friday, we will enjoy a Halloween Party! Children can come in costume - please no blood and gore. I'm fine with masks as long as they are not too scary. We will be taking a walk through the school and of course we don't want to scare the younger children. My original plan was to start our celebration right away, but I'm a little concerned that sugar consumption too early in the day may not be such a wise idea, so I'm planning for the "PARTY" to start after lunch. With the help of our room parent (Deborah Mori), we are gathering decorations and supplies. I am still looking for rolls of toilet paper and individually wrapped candies. So far, the plan is to "bob for apples", mummy wrap each other, penny toss into a pumkin, and play some other word and puzzle games. Parents are welcome to stop by and enjoy the fun.
For learning;
We are starting our fourth lesson of Wordly Wise this week. I love the fact that children are noticing these higher level words in their reading and using them when they speak. Capitalization is still one of our grammar topics and I am reminding students that what we learn about capitalizing needs to be transferred into their writing! We are also continueing to write our fictional narratives. Today I introduced a synonym tool that will help our young writers create more varied and interesting work.
Some students are done reading their book report books.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Thank you!
Dear Families,
Last week was a long week, but very gratifying as I felt the student conferences were successful and meaningful. Parents got to see what students were learning and had a chance to ask questions of their children and of me. Thank you to all who participated. If you did not get a chance to come into the classroom, please let me know a convenient time - kim@innovationsacademy.org.
I will be giving you an update about the Halloween celebration on my next BLOG; however, it is a good plan to send your child in costume with some extra clothing for later in the day. Many children decide they want to change after they have tired of displaying their costume. Anyway, let's plan ahead, just in case.
Sincerely,
Ki m
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Weekly Update!
Dear Families,
I forgot to mention that this Thursday, October 14th is Family Night! Oops! I'm not sure how I forgot! I guess life as a teacher is just busy. Anyway, we will have the usual dinner arranged by a classroom teacher - this time it is sponsored by Lisa our 8th grade science/math teacher. Please support her classroom by purchasing tickets through Donna at our front office. After dinner, you are invited to your students' classrooms to participate in math games. I look forward to seeing you!
Conferences have been proceeding successfully. Your children have been leading the conferences and giving parents a "tour of their learning". Please remember that I am available throughout the conference not only to assist your child in their explanations of learning, but also to discuss any of your concerns or questions about classroom life.
I requested shoeboxes a while ago, but it's now time to get them in. I have 11 and need 21. We will be using them as we study the "Explorers" and creating dioramas. Students will not be asked to start this project until about November 1st; however by then I would like to have all of the shoeboxes in the classroom. Thank you for your cooperation.
We will also be starting an artistic book report soon. Students have been asked to bring an independent reading book from home or choose one from my library. I mention this because it is important for your child to committ to a book. We discussed today some important considerations:
Can you read the book independently?
Do you love the book?
Does it completely capture your attention?
I would like you to discuss these questions with your child. The book must be at school (vs. at home) to read, but must be tantilizing, so they are excited about reporting on it. Please let me know if you need help with this.
Our Halloween party is just around the corner. Please look for an email from one of the 4th grade room parents requesting help decorating, for treats, game ideas, etc. Your child is allowed to come in costume that day; however, I especially explained to the boys that means no weapons, or blood. Masks will be allowed only in our classroom, but not within the general school population. Please contact me with questions. For those of you not celebrating Halloween, please advise as to your students plans and any requests if they will be attending school that day.
I am always available by email, phone, or in the classroom.
Kim
Sincerely,
Kim
I forgot to mention that this Thursday, October 14th is Family Night! Oops! I'm not sure how I forgot! I guess life as a teacher is just busy. Anyway, we will have the usual dinner arranged by a classroom teacher - this time it is sponsored by Lisa our 8th grade science/math teacher. Please support her classroom by purchasing tickets through Donna at our front office. After dinner, you are invited to your students' classrooms to participate in math games. I look forward to seeing you!
Conferences have been proceeding successfully. Your children have been leading the conferences and giving parents a "tour of their learning". Please remember that I am available throughout the conference not only to assist your child in their explanations of learning, but also to discuss any of your concerns or questions about classroom life.
I requested shoeboxes a while ago, but it's now time to get them in. I have 11 and need 21. We will be using them as we study the "Explorers" and creating dioramas. Students will not be asked to start this project until about November 1st; however by then I would like to have all of the shoeboxes in the classroom. Thank you for your cooperation.
We will also be starting an artistic book report soon. Students have been asked to bring an independent reading book from home or choose one from my library. I mention this because it is important for your child to committ to a book. We discussed today some important considerations:
Can you read the book independently?
Do you love the book?
Does it completely capture your attention?
I would like you to discuss these questions with your child. The book must be at school (vs. at home) to read, but must be tantilizing, so they are excited about reporting on it. Please let me know if you need help with this.
Our Halloween party is just around the corner. Please look for an email from one of the 4th grade room parents requesting help decorating, for treats, game ideas, etc. Your child is allowed to come in costume that day; however, I especially explained to the boys that means no weapons, or blood. Masks will be allowed only in our classroom, but not within the general school population. Please contact me with questions. For those of you not celebrating Halloween, please advise as to your students plans and any requests if they will be attending school that day.
I am always available by email, phone, or in the classroom.
Kim
Sincerely,
Kim
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
This Week's News!
Dear Families,
This week has been much better in our classroom! Finally, students seem to be getting into the routine, observing the "quiet signal", and understanding our daily routine. I love when students request quiet of our neighboring classrooms as they seem have begun to take their academics seriously. You have wonderful children that are expressing a desire to learn! Yey!!!
There are just a few reminders this week as well as a few requests! Please make sure to put student-led conferences on your schedule. We will have a full day of regular school on Monday, October 11th. However, on Tuesday through Thursday, your children will only be in school half days. They will be dismissed at 12:30pm, and conferences will start at 1:00pm. If you have not yet reserved a time for a conference, please let me know. Friday, October 15th is a Professional Day for teachers at IA and students are not allowed to be present. Please make arrangements for child-care.
The other BIG excitement for this month is of course Halloween! I love this time of year and enjoy observing it in the classroom with a party. Are there any parents who would be willing to come in and decorate with black and orange streamers or....? I also need donations of toilet paper in order to have a mummy-wrapping contest and a large basin and apples for Apple-Bobbing. I would also like to make caramel apples with various toppings, but need help with the supplies. If you have any other ideas for this celebration, please let me know. For those student unable to participate in this event, could you provide other snacks for your children or advise what would work better for your family. I have explained to the students that all costumes are "OK" as long as there isn't BLOOD OR WEAPONS. I have requested that if they are unsure, to bring their costumes in early for me to preview
That's it for now!
Love, Kim
This week has been much better in our classroom! Finally, students seem to be getting into the routine, observing the "quiet signal", and understanding our daily routine. I love when students request quiet of our neighboring classrooms as they seem have begun to take their academics seriously. You have wonderful children that are expressing a desire to learn! Yey!!!
There are just a few reminders this week as well as a few requests! Please make sure to put student-led conferences on your schedule. We will have a full day of regular school on Monday, October 11th. However, on Tuesday through Thursday, your children will only be in school half days. They will be dismissed at 12:30pm, and conferences will start at 1:00pm. If you have not yet reserved a time for a conference, please let me know. Friday, October 15th is a Professional Day for teachers at IA and students are not allowed to be present. Please make arrangements for child-care.
The other BIG excitement for this month is of course Halloween! I love this time of year and enjoy observing it in the classroom with a party. Are there any parents who would be willing to come in and decorate with black and orange streamers or....? I also need donations of toilet paper in order to have a mummy-wrapping contest and a large basin and apples for Apple-Bobbing. I would also like to make caramel apples with various toppings, but need help with the supplies. If you have any other ideas for this celebration, please let me know. For those student unable to participate in this event, could you provide other snacks for your children or advise what would work better for your family. I have explained to the students that all costumes are "OK" as long as there isn't BLOOD OR WEAPONS. I have requested that if they are unsure, to bring their costumes in early for me to preview
That's it for now!
Love, Kim
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
What's Going On?
Dear Families,
Life in our classroom is moving along and when I think about the biggest issue right now it comes down to classroom behavior. Many of my current students are observing the quiet signal and many are not. This is making it difficult for me to finish assessments in order to form groups and be the best teacher I can be for your children. Your children know if they are being appropriate. Please take a moment to discuss with them the following:
1. The quiet signal means quiet. There are no exceptions.
2. Getting up randomly in the middle of a lesson is not "OK"! Students must ask for permission to interupt a lesson to go to the bathroom, sharpen pencils, get a drink, or a snack. Wandering off just because they feel like it is not accepted.
3. When I ask for silent reading, it must happen right away without question or arguing.
4. Bathroom breaks are given before we meet for Morning Meeting, at "Break", at Lunch, or in the case of an emergency. Some students are still not adhering to this schedule. I need your help.
5. Going down to Donna's for anything but an emergency will not be granted.
Unfortunately these disruptions are interferring with the flow of lessons. I want all of your children to benefit from being in an organized, learning-filled classroom.
The other item I must bring to your attention are math skills. If your child is still having trouble adding or subtracting either single digit or double digits with regrouping, please be prepared to work with them at home. I want all students to benefit from math education this year and I am finding that some of these basic skills are lacking. Please understand that I will be working with your children at their level no matter what, but your supplementation at home will help.
This is a difficult BLOG for me to write as I would like to say that all is just perfectly fine, but it isn't. I need your teamwork to help students know that interrupting lessons to the point that
I am unable to keep teaching is not "OK" and that they must get some of the basic math skills "under their belt".
I appreciate your support.
Kim
Life in our classroom is moving along and when I think about the biggest issue right now it comes down to classroom behavior. Many of my current students are observing the quiet signal and many are not. This is making it difficult for me to finish assessments in order to form groups and be the best teacher I can be for your children. Your children know if they are being appropriate. Please take a moment to discuss with them the following:
1. The quiet signal means quiet. There are no exceptions.
2. Getting up randomly in the middle of a lesson is not "OK"! Students must ask for permission to interupt a lesson to go to the bathroom, sharpen pencils, get a drink, or a snack. Wandering off just because they feel like it is not accepted.
3. When I ask for silent reading, it must happen right away without question or arguing.
4. Bathroom breaks are given before we meet for Morning Meeting, at "Break", at Lunch, or in the case of an emergency. Some students are still not adhering to this schedule. I need your help.
5. Going down to Donna's for anything but an emergency will not be granted.
Unfortunately these disruptions are interferring with the flow of lessons. I want all of your children to benefit from being in an organized, learning-filled classroom.
The other item I must bring to your attention are math skills. If your child is still having trouble adding or subtracting either single digit or double digits with regrouping, please be prepared to work with them at home. I want all students to benefit from math education this year and I am finding that some of these basic skills are lacking. Please understand that I will be working with your children at their level no matter what, but your supplementation at home will help.
This is a difficult BLOG for me to write as I would like to say that all is just perfectly fine, but it isn't. I need your teamwork to help students know that interrupting lessons to the point that
I am unable to keep teaching is not "OK" and that they must get some of the basic math skills "under their belt".
I appreciate your support.
Kim
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Weeekly Update
Dear Families,
First, I want to thank all the 3rd/4th grade parents who so generously have helped in our classroom and who have offered to help in the future. Two parents have offered to be my room parent (they are sharing the responsibility). I will be giving them all family emails to help everyone stay up to date. If for some reason there is an objection to your email being given out, please let me know immediately.
I also appreciate all the families who attended our open house. I want to share an update for those of you who were unable to attend. The following was discussed:
1. The snack program - please see Donna if you would like to participate as she has all of the information. We have a parent at IA who is taking her time and money to provide nutritious snacks for your children. Everyday, she brings a bowl of fruit, crackers, cheese, etc...for the children. Believe me when I say they gobble it up. She is looking for baking help and/or a financial contribution.
2. Some of the children are not bringing enough to eat. We have a snack/play break at 10:15-10:30am Tuesday-Friday. Many children eat their lunch at break because they are hungry and then later do not have a lunch. I would ask, if possible for you to pack extra food in your kids' lunch bags. It is also important for you to pack multiple bottles of water. I give the children time in the morning to fill cups with water. They also have time later in the day to fill their cups; however there are many interuptions during the day for thirsty kids needing a drink. This truly disrupts our lessons. It would be so much easier if they had 2-3 bottles of their own water with their name labeled in Sharpie. They can always bring the bottles home they don't drink and bring them the next day.
3. Student-led conferences are scheduled Tuesday-Thursday, October 12th-14th. I have alloted one-half hour slots for families to come with their child and listen to them take you on a tour of what they are learning and doing at IA. Many families have signed up for their tour and some have not. Now is the time to stop by if possible and sign up. You may also email me, so we can figure out the best time for you to come. I will be available throughout the student-led conferences to sit with you and discuss how your child is doing in class.
4. Friday, October 15th is a Professional Development day for the teachers at IA. In other words, all IA teachers will be at our school site, but no students. Please make child-care arrangements accordingly.
5. If you have not filled out a student information sheet with me in the classroom, please stop by in order for me to have your email and phone numbers.
6. Birthday parties were discussed at open house and as a teacher I feel somewhat uncomfortable with what resulted. Many parents want only healthy snacks and other parents are pro-cake, cupcakes, etc. For those of you who have children allergic or with reactions to sugar or food dyes, I would ask that you bring snacks labeled with your child's name that I can offer to them when birthday's arise. For those of you with religious considerations, please know I will offer alternatives for your children out of the classroom (most likely in another classroom).
7. School pictures are scheduled from October 26th-28th. I do not have the specific schedule for our class yet, but will update you when I have that information.
8. If you have not yet brought a 3"-inch binder for your child's portfolio and a thumb drive, please do so. As soon as routers are available, we will have computers available for your child to work on. Thumb drives will provide your child with the ability to work on any available computer as well as bring work home, if he/she is so inclined.
9. I need a shoebox for each of your children for their first diorama. Please bring them in no later than Friday, October 1st. Your children will be making dioramas depicting daily like of the Iroquois Indians. Please be prepared to provide them with the supplies they need to complete this assignment. For example, they may need clay, wooden dowels, cotton balls, rocks, feather, etc...Thank you.
10. I have been talking to your children about beautiful work. Extraordinary work requires extra attention to detail. Please know that if your child is asked to re-do some work, it may be because I think they can form their letters more beautifully, or put more color into their drawing, or edit more thoroughly. Overtime, these areas will improve. I am setting expectations now.
I know I addressed many of you with this information on the night of open house, but for those families unable to attend if you have any questions, always know you can contact me in the classroom or via email: kim@innovationsacademy.org.
Kim
First, I want to thank all the 3rd/4th grade parents who so generously have helped in our classroom and who have offered to help in the future. Two parents have offered to be my room parent (they are sharing the responsibility). I will be giving them all family emails to help everyone stay up to date. If for some reason there is an objection to your email being given out, please let me know immediately.
I also appreciate all the families who attended our open house. I want to share an update for those of you who were unable to attend. The following was discussed:
1. The snack program - please see Donna if you would like to participate as she has all of the information. We have a parent at IA who is taking her time and money to provide nutritious snacks for your children. Everyday, she brings a bowl of fruit, crackers, cheese, etc...for the children. Believe me when I say they gobble it up. She is looking for baking help and/or a financial contribution.
2. Some of the children are not bringing enough to eat. We have a snack/play break at 10:15-10:30am Tuesday-Friday. Many children eat their lunch at break because they are hungry and then later do not have a lunch. I would ask, if possible for you to pack extra food in your kids' lunch bags. It is also important for you to pack multiple bottles of water. I give the children time in the morning to fill cups with water. They also have time later in the day to fill their cups; however there are many interuptions during the day for thirsty kids needing a drink. This truly disrupts our lessons. It would be so much easier if they had 2-3 bottles of their own water with their name labeled in Sharpie. They can always bring the bottles home they don't drink and bring them the next day.
3. Student-led conferences are scheduled Tuesday-Thursday, October 12th-14th. I have alloted one-half hour slots for families to come with their child and listen to them take you on a tour of what they are learning and doing at IA. Many families have signed up for their tour and some have not. Now is the time to stop by if possible and sign up. You may also email me, so we can figure out the best time for you to come. I will be available throughout the student-led conferences to sit with you and discuss how your child is doing in class.
4. Friday, October 15th is a Professional Development day for the teachers at IA. In other words, all IA teachers will be at our school site, but no students. Please make child-care arrangements accordingly.
5. If you have not filled out a student information sheet with me in the classroom, please stop by in order for me to have your email and phone numbers.
6. Birthday parties were discussed at open house and as a teacher I feel somewhat uncomfortable with what resulted. Many parents want only healthy snacks and other parents are pro-cake, cupcakes, etc. For those of you who have children allergic or with reactions to sugar or food dyes, I would ask that you bring snacks labeled with your child's name that I can offer to them when birthday's arise. For those of you with religious considerations, please know I will offer alternatives for your children out of the classroom (most likely in another classroom).
7. School pictures are scheduled from October 26th-28th. I do not have the specific schedule for our class yet, but will update you when I have that information.
8. If you have not yet brought a 3"-inch binder for your child's portfolio and a thumb drive, please do so. As soon as routers are available, we will have computers available for your child to work on. Thumb drives will provide your child with the ability to work on any available computer as well as bring work home, if he/she is so inclined.
9. I need a shoebox for each of your children for their first diorama. Please bring them in no later than Friday, October 1st. Your children will be making dioramas depicting daily like of the Iroquois Indians. Please be prepared to provide them with the supplies they need to complete this assignment. For example, they may need clay, wooden dowels, cotton balls, rocks, feather, etc...Thank you.
10. I have been talking to your children about beautiful work. Extraordinary work requires extra attention to detail. Please know that if your child is asked to re-do some work, it may be because I think they can form their letters more beautifully, or put more color into their drawing, or edit more thoroughly. Overtime, these areas will improve. I am setting expectations now.
I know I addressed many of you with this information on the night of open house, but for those families unable to attend if you have any questions, always know you can contact me in the classroom or via email: kim@innovationsacademy.org.
Kim
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Open House and Conference Sign-Ups!
Dear Families,
Our class is settling in at last. Ask your child to talk about our classroom agreements and how they were composed. At this time I am also assessing their reading and math to get them into small guided reading and math groups as I have a wide spectrum of abilities. Soon (I hope) our classroom will be running smoothly.
Thursday, September 16th is our Open House/Family Night. Dinner is available in the Commons hosted by the 6th grade at 5pm. At 6-6:30pm and 6:30-7:00pm teachers will be in their rooms talking about how we handle classroom management, signing up a room parent, and looking for a fundraising volunteer(s). In addition, I will be available to answer questions or address concerns.
Conferences are coming up on October11th-14th from 1-4:30pm. These conferences are student lead. In other words, your child will explain our daily schedule and the work they are doing in order to learn various academic areas. You can come anytime during those times. I will be available to answer questions and talk with families.
Friday, October 15th is a Staff Development day and so there will be no school. Please keep an eye on Innovations Academy's calendar for other important dates.
I think that's it for now. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you on Thursday.
Kim
Our class is settling in at last. Ask your child to talk about our classroom agreements and how they were composed. At this time I am also assessing their reading and math to get them into small guided reading and math groups as I have a wide spectrum of abilities. Soon (I hope) our classroom will be running smoothly.
Thursday, September 16th is our Open House/Family Night. Dinner is available in the Commons hosted by the 6th grade at 5pm. At 6-6:30pm and 6:30-7:00pm teachers will be in their rooms talking about how we handle classroom management, signing up a room parent, and looking for a fundraising volunteer(s). In addition, I will be available to answer questions or address concerns.
Conferences are coming up on October11th-14th from 1-4:30pm. These conferences are student lead. In other words, your child will explain our daily schedule and the work they are doing in order to learn various academic areas. You can come anytime during those times. I will be available to answer questions and talk with families.
Friday, October 15th is a Staff Development day and so there will be no school. Please keep an eye on Innovations Academy's calendar for other important dates.
I think that's it for now. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you on Thursday.
Kim
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Feedback and Updates!
Dear Families,
First,I want to thank you all for your incredible generosity I have received many items from my wish list plus many of the school supplies I requested for students. I'm currently waiting for the mount for my projector (which a parent generously offered to purchase), but then I may need help putting it up as I am rather clumsy with a drill. Sorry - I wish I were more adept! Any volunteers? A couple of items students still need to bring (if they haven't) are their 3"-inch three ring binders and thumb drives. The reason I need the binder is because I will be creating portfolios so that you can see work samples from the beginning of the year to the end. I'm sure you can purchase these binders at Staples or Office Depot. I want each child to have a thumb drive so they can save their work from the computer they will be working on to another computer (perhaps at home, but probably another computer they will be working on at I.A.) I appreciate these items coming in to our classroom as soon as possible.
Next, I want to express how much I am enjoying getting to know your children. They are a sweet bunch of kids. The first day I met with them I have to say I was a little worried as they were - what can I say - "a fairly bouncy group of kids" However, they are settling in nicely. Some of them are still not observing "the quiet signal", so there may possibly be some calls going out. Please know if you do get a call it's because I need order to take advantage of our instructional time together. Observing "QUICK, QUIET TRANSITIONS" is one of our learning keys at Innovations Academy.
We have an Open House night coming up on September 16th. Dinner will be from 5:00pm - 6:00pm and is sponsored this month by the sixth grade teachers in an effort to raise money for 6th Grade Camp. I'm not sure what they are charging for dinner - please check with Donna. From 6:00pm-7:00pm there will be a teacher talk in the classrooms. You may attend at 6pm or 6:30pm with each talk lasting 1/2 hour.
There is a park not too far from the school. I would like to have the ability to take your children there for picnics and play; however, I need off-campus permission slips signed. Please see Donna to complete a permission slip.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO FILL THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:
1. Room Parent
2. Correcting some math work, Wordly Wise packets, and to create student files.
3. Helping to organize the Family Night Fundraiser when it is my turn.
4. Fieldtrip Drivers
Please let me know!
One of the first field trips we will be taking is to Mission Trails as we will be looking at the First Americans. I also at some point want to organize a trip to Old Town when we study California. However, if we take the trip through the San Diego Unified School District it will cost each parent approximately $70.00 for two days (includes lunch and transpotation). Are parents willing to pay that much? I need feedback. Please write to me at my email or talk to me in person. My email is kim@innovationsacademy.org.
I am available on Tuesdays until 5pm and Monday&Thursdays until 4:30pm. Please let me know about your questions or concerns.
Kim
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Welcome IA Students!!!!!!!
Dear Families,
I just want to let everyone know how excited I am to be your teacher in the upcoming year. I cannot wait to build a fun, safe, and enriching community. I am really anxious to meet you all and find out more about you! Our first few weeks will be a time of team building, learning procedures, and starting our first project. A couple of things students will need to bring to school by the second day of school include a book they want to read or one they have read and are willing to read again and a picture of them enjoying a summer activity. I would like school supplies to arrive with students within the first week of school! Some of the supplies will be used on a community level with our classroom, so please don't get too attached to a particular set of markers, for example. If you have questions, my email address is kim@innovationsacademy.org.
I am attaching a school list to this BLOG along with a wish list of classroom supplies we need. In addition, I have a request for help with bookbags. Last year, a parent donated canvas bookbags for each of my students and another parent modified the straps, so the bookbags could be tied to the classroom student chairs. These bags helped students stay organized and the classroom look neater. Is anyone willing to help? Please let me know because I would like to get these in place as soon as possible. Each student decorated their bookbag to represent themselves. They were a beautiful addition to our classroom decor as well as being practical.
The following is a list of supplies each student must bring to class:
Pencil box
Pencils #2 - 24
Eraser - (Pink Wedge) - 3
Pen (red) - 2
Highlighters - 5 assorted colors (pink, yellow, green, orange, blue)
Children's Markers - Crayola/12 Ct. box
Colored Pencils - Crayola/24 Ct. box
Glue Stick(s) - 4
12" Ruler - 1 with centimeter and millimeter markings
7" Scissors - 1
Package of Index cards (3x5) - 1 pack of 100
POST-IT® NOTES - 2"x 2" pack of 3
Pocket Folders - 6 any color or style
Single-subject Spiral Notebooks - 6 (wide-ruled if possible)
Loose leaf ruled 3 hole filler paper - 1 pack of 150 wide-ruled
Tabbed Dividers - 8-tab multi-color
USB Flash Drives
3-Ring Binder - 3-inch
Sheet Protectors for Portfolio
Compass
The following is a wish list and items I would like donated to the classroom, if possible:
Paperclips, Chart Paper, Tissue Paper (all colors), Pencil Top Erasures, Speciality Papers (ask me), Tape, Disposable forks, spoons, plates, cups, and bowls, Dry-erase markers, Kleenex, Binder clips, Paper Towels, Clipboards, Construction Paper, Paint and Paint Brushes, Pastels, Glue Guns and Glue Sticks, Canvases for oil painting, and Ziploc bags (all sizes).
Thank you! I know this is going to be a great year! Enjoy your last days of summer and I will see you all on the first day of school.
Kim
I just want to let everyone know how excited I am to be your teacher in the upcoming year. I cannot wait to build a fun, safe, and enriching community. I am really anxious to meet you all and find out more about you! Our first few weeks will be a time of team building, learning procedures, and starting our first project. A couple of things students will need to bring to school by the second day of school include a book they want to read or one they have read and are willing to read again and a picture of them enjoying a summer activity. I would like school supplies to arrive with students within the first week of school! Some of the supplies will be used on a community level with our classroom, so please don't get too attached to a particular set of markers, for example. If you have questions, my email address is kim@innovationsacademy.org.
I am attaching a school list to this BLOG along with a wish list of classroom supplies we need. In addition, I have a request for help with bookbags. Last year, a parent donated canvas bookbags for each of my students and another parent modified the straps, so the bookbags could be tied to the classroom student chairs. These bags helped students stay organized and the classroom look neater. Is anyone willing to help? Please let me know because I would like to get these in place as soon as possible. Each student decorated their bookbag to represent themselves. They were a beautiful addition to our classroom decor as well as being practical.
The following is a list of supplies each student must bring to class:
Pencil box
Pencils #2 - 24
Eraser - (Pink Wedge) - 3
Pen (red) - 2
Highlighters - 5 assorted colors (pink, yellow, green, orange, blue)
Children's Markers - Crayola/12 Ct. box
Colored Pencils - Crayola/24 Ct. box
Glue Stick(s) - 4
12" Ruler - 1 with centimeter and millimeter markings
7" Scissors - 1
Package of Index cards (3x5) - 1 pack of 100
POST-IT® NOTES - 2"x 2" pack of 3
Pocket Folders - 6 any color or style
Single-subject Spiral Notebooks - 6 (wide-ruled if possible)
Loose leaf ruled 3 hole filler paper - 1 pack of 150 wide-ruled
Tabbed Dividers - 8-tab multi-color
USB Flash Drives
3-Ring Binder - 3-inch
Sheet Protectors for Portfolio
Compass
The following is a wish list and items I would like donated to the classroom, if possible:
Paperclips, Chart Paper, Tissue Paper (all colors), Pencil Top Erasures, Speciality Papers (ask me), Tape, Disposable forks, spoons, plates, cups, and bowls, Dry-erase markers, Kleenex, Binder clips, Paper Towels, Clipboards, Construction Paper, Paint and Paint Brushes, Pastels, Glue Guns and Glue Sticks, Canvases for oil painting, and Ziploc bags (all sizes).
Thank you! I know this is going to be a great year! Enjoy your last days of summer and I will see you all on the first day of school.
Kim
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
We're Nearing the End!!!!!!!!!
Dear Families,
I want to share with you a few updates as we near the end of the year. First, all "Passion Projects" are due on Thursday, June 3rd. Your children may be bringing home information to write their reports tonight and tomorrow night. I still have a few students who have not started their tri-fold posters. I have explained many times what my expectations for this project are, but if any questions still remain, let me know by dropping by or via email.
Next Monday, June 7th I need your help! I need parent volunteers/drivers for the YMCA Field Day! Students will be participating in supervised games (i.e., relay races, etc...) We will be heading to the YMCA at 11:30am and participating until approximately 2:30pm. Parents that volunte will need to drive and be available to supervise during that time. There is no cost for this fieldtrip!
On Friday, June 11th fourth graders have an opportunity to go to Flip Force in San Diego and enjoy working out on trampolines. Please see the following link for information on Flip Force: http://www.flipforcesandiego.com/. The cost is $10.00. Again I need volunteers and drivers for this fun and exciting fieldtrip. We are planning to leave at 9:30am and will either enjoy lunch there or come back to the school for lunch. In either case, please make sure to pack a lunch for your child.
Finally, on the last day of school, Friday, June 18th we plan to have a student talent show and pizza party in our fourth grade classroom. Please encourage your child to work on their talent. I will take care of pizza and drinks, but would ask that parents bring desserts, vegetables with dip, etc...
Report cards will be ready on the 18th and will be sent home with children or handed to parents directly at pick-up.
I may still be planning one other outing that final week, but will let you know the details as I have them ready.
Please contact me with any questions or your ability to participate as a parent volunteer.
Thanks,
Kim
I want to share with you a few updates as we near the end of the year. First, all "Passion Projects" are due on Thursday, June 3rd. Your children may be bringing home information to write their reports tonight and tomorrow night. I still have a few students who have not started their tri-fold posters. I have explained many times what my expectations for this project are, but if any questions still remain, let me know by dropping by or via email.
Next Monday, June 7th I need your help! I need parent volunteers/drivers for the YMCA Field Day! Students will be participating in supervised games (i.e., relay races, etc...) We will be heading to the YMCA at 11:30am and participating until approximately 2:30pm. Parents that volunte will need to drive and be available to supervise during that time. There is no cost for this fieldtrip!
On Friday, June 11th fourth graders have an opportunity to go to Flip Force in San Diego and enjoy working out on trampolines. Please see the following link for information on Flip Force: http://www.flipforcesandiego.com/. The cost is $10.00. Again I need volunteers and drivers for this fun and exciting fieldtrip. We are planning to leave at 9:30am and will either enjoy lunch there or come back to the school for lunch. In either case, please make sure to pack a lunch for your child.
Finally, on the last day of school, Friday, June 18th we plan to have a student talent show and pizza party in our fourth grade classroom. Please encourage your child to work on their talent. I will take care of pizza and drinks, but would ask that parents bring desserts, vegetables with dip, etc...
Report cards will be ready on the 18th and will be sent home with children or handed to parents directly at pick-up.
I may still be planning one other outing that final week, but will let you know the details as I have them ready.
Please contact me with any questions or your ability to participate as a parent volunteer.
Thanks,
Kim
Monday, May 17, 2010
May 17th - May 23rd News!
Dear Families,
It was great to see some of you at our monthly Family Night! We are officially done with STAR testing!! You will receive your child’s test results in the mail sometime in September. Overall school scores broken down by grade will be available in July on the internet. Thank you for making sure your children were on time and well rested, they did great!
Your child may mention some additional testing I have started in the classroom and they will be referring to the WRAT tests. These tests are for Innovations Academy and will tell us how your child has grown in reading comprehension, spelling, and math. Students took the math and spelling tests last Friday and I will begin scoring them this week. The other portion of the test is done individually, so of course takes additional time. If you have any questions, let me know.
Talking about the end of the year, on Monday, June 7th, in the afternoon we will be at the YMCA engaging in "WACKY RACES". On Friday, the 11th as noted in my last BLOG, we will be going to "Flip Force". Both of these will be great fun for your children! The very last week of school, I am planning a final field trip. I'm not sure what we will be doing yet, but am open to suggestions from parents. I would like it to be fun and educational. I would also like to have a final class party on the last day of school. Students have asked for a pizza party. Are there any parent willing to donate plates and napkins? I have drinks and will buy the pizza's out of our class funds.
In math:
We will be finishing up learning a partial-quotient strategy in division and moving onto some fraction work, understanding angles, and probability.
For writing:
We are still working on summaries. Students are working hard learning how to restate information using synonyms and pronouns.
In Science:
We are looking at classification of living things.
Project:
Students have been given dates to finish each part of their project. Some are still working on their 3-D representation and others on their reports.
At this point in the year, we are almost finished with Wordly Wise. When we have finished, we will either move to other sets of words or engage in other types of word work.
That's it for now.
Kim
It was great to see some of you at our monthly Family Night! We are officially done with STAR testing!! You will receive your child’s test results in the mail sometime in September. Overall school scores broken down by grade will be available in July on the internet. Thank you for making sure your children were on time and well rested, they did great!
Your child may mention some additional testing I have started in the classroom and they will be referring to the WRAT tests. These tests are for Innovations Academy and will tell us how your child has grown in reading comprehension, spelling, and math. Students took the math and spelling tests last Friday and I will begin scoring them this week. The other portion of the test is done individually, so of course takes additional time. If you have any questions, let me know.
Talking about the end of the year, on Monday, June 7th, in the afternoon we will be at the YMCA engaging in "WACKY RACES". On Friday, the 11th as noted in my last BLOG, we will be going to "Flip Force". Both of these will be great fun for your children! The very last week of school, I am planning a final field trip. I'm not sure what we will be doing yet, but am open to suggestions from parents. I would like it to be fun and educational. I would also like to have a final class party on the last day of school. Students have asked for a pizza party. Are there any parent willing to donate plates and napkins? I have drinks and will buy the pizza's out of our class funds.
In math:
We will be finishing up learning a partial-quotient strategy in division and moving onto some fraction work, understanding angles, and probability.
For writing:
We are still working on summaries. Students are working hard learning how to restate information using synonyms and pronouns.
In Science:
We are looking at classification of living things.
Project:
Students have been given dates to finish each part of their project. Some are still working on their 3-D representation and others on their reports.
At this point in the year, we are almost finished with Wordly Wise. When we have finished, we will either move to other sets of words or engage in other types of word work.
That's it for now.
Kim
Monday, May 10, 2010
Dear Families,
I hope you are doing well! I want to let all of you know how much I appreciate all that you do as families of IA. Near the end of the year, everyone gets tired (students and teachers alike); however last week I got just the boost I needed. The cards, flowers, and treats you all brought to school for "Teacher's Appreciation Week" touched my heart and I want to "thank you" all very much.
This week we continue CST testing for math. The fourth graders were given a practice test on Friday and I think overall did well and as expected. We did pinpoint one area that needs some attention which I will be covering today. In addition to these tests, I will be starting to assess students using the WRAT test this week. This is an IA assessment and helps us evaluate student growth! If you happen to stop by the classroom, things may not look exactly as usual. Last week, I also reassessed one of my reading groups and found that they had improved their word recognition skills by a minimum of one grade level and in some cases more! Yey!
Please mark your calendar for this Thursday, May 13th for our monthly Family Night Meeting. I'm not sure who is hosting it, but know it is a good time to gain important IA news and information. If you do come, be sure to stop by my classroom and see the current project your child is working on.
Since I mentioned our current project, I want to let you know that your child was given an information sheet to bring home for you to read. Students are required to display their work and I recommended a tri-fold poster be purchased for each student. They are available at Michael's for $5.99. At this point, very few students have brought them to school. They are not required to use a tri-fold poster, if they have another idea about how they want to display their work. Ask your child what they are researching? By the way, we can always use more art supplies. Right now, I am looking for wire we can use under clay to build a 3-D figures and thin dowels.
I think that is it for now! Keep an eye on my BLOG over the next few weeks as I will be announcing an end of the year field trip!
Kim
I hope you are doing well! I want to let all of you know how much I appreciate all that you do as families of IA. Near the end of the year, everyone gets tired (students and teachers alike); however last week I got just the boost I needed. The cards, flowers, and treats you all brought to school for "Teacher's Appreciation Week" touched my heart and I want to "thank you" all very much.
This week we continue CST testing for math. The fourth graders were given a practice test on Friday and I think overall did well and as expected. We did pinpoint one area that needs some attention which I will be covering today. In addition to these tests, I will be starting to assess students using the WRAT test this week. This is an IA assessment and helps us evaluate student growth! If you happen to stop by the classroom, things may not look exactly as usual. Last week, I also reassessed one of my reading groups and found that they had improved their word recognition skills by a minimum of one grade level and in some cases more! Yey!
Please mark your calendar for this Thursday, May 13th for our monthly Family Night Meeting. I'm not sure who is hosting it, but know it is a good time to gain important IA news and information. If you do come, be sure to stop by my classroom and see the current project your child is working on.
Since I mentioned our current project, I want to let you know that your child was given an information sheet to bring home for you to read. Students are required to display their work and I recommended a tri-fold poster be purchased for each student. They are available at Michael's for $5.99. At this point, very few students have brought them to school. They are not required to use a tri-fold poster, if they have another idea about how they want to display their work. Ask your child what they are researching? By the way, we can always use more art supplies. Right now, I am looking for wire we can use under clay to build a 3-D figures and thin dowels.
I think that is it for now! Keep an eye on my BLOG over the next few weeks as I will be announcing an end of the year field trip!
Kim
Thursday, April 29, 2010
We Have So Much to Do Together Yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello wonderful parents and brilliant students,
First, I want to thank all the dedicated parents and friends that made Biztown a reality for our kids! With just one exception, all of the kids loved the experience and found it a real life valuable experience. Junior Achievement has additional opportunities for learning and the 4th graders just started working with a financial analyst (Crystal), who will be joining our class every Tuesday for the next five weeks working with them on designing their own companies. The kids and I have met her for our first lesson and she is just great with the kids. They were so excited when they were able to put their business ideas on a map of the United States in the region they may be interested in working. I'll keep you updated on this learning opportunity. Please, ask your children about it?
I will also be receiving the $300.00 grant for a recycling program or start of a program (I haven't checked prices on materials yet)! I have two students in particular who are passionate about recycling. Our goal would be to cut our school's (or part of the school's) waste by 50%. I have no idea at this point if this possible. Is there a parent volunteer that would be willing to do some research and help the students with implementing this program. One of my ideas is to take a picture of one week's worth of trash before and then after we put the program in place. Please contact me ASAP if you are willing to help or possibly do some additional fundraising if needed.
Since Biztown is officially over and we are down to about seven weeks of school, your students have the opportunity with their next (and final) project to study, write, and create a presentation
called the "Passion Project". In other words, they will develop work based on guidelines that will help them learn and teach about their greatest current passion or interest. At this point, we have Avatar, history of the Mustang, the universe, wolves, J. Adams, and army captains' projects started. I sent home an overview of this project with your children. If your child has not shared it with you yet, please contact me as I would like all families to be "on board" to help their children create this "dream" project.
STAR testing begins next week on May 4th. Your children will test from 10am-11:30am that day as well as on May 5th, May 11th, andMay 12th. Please be sure your child has plenty of rest the night before and that they eat breakfast. Many of the students are starved by 10am. I will make time before testing for them to have a snack if they are hungry; however I prefer they don't reach that exhausted/hungry stage. Thank you for helping.
On Friday, May 28th, teachers have a professional day, so there is no school for your children!
In addition, we are out of school on May 31st, Memorial Day! Enjoy your four-day weekend!
I believe that is it for now!
Kim
First, I want to thank all the dedicated parents and friends that made Biztown a reality for our kids! With just one exception, all of the kids loved the experience and found it a real life valuable experience. Junior Achievement has additional opportunities for learning and the 4th graders just started working with a financial analyst (Crystal), who will be joining our class every Tuesday for the next five weeks working with them on designing their own companies. The kids and I have met her for our first lesson and she is just great with the kids. They were so excited when they were able to put their business ideas on a map of the United States in the region they may be interested in working. I'll keep you updated on this learning opportunity. Please, ask your children about it?
I will also be receiving the $300.00 grant for a recycling program or start of a program (I haven't checked prices on materials yet)! I have two students in particular who are passionate about recycling. Our goal would be to cut our school's (or part of the school's) waste by 50%. I have no idea at this point if this possible. Is there a parent volunteer that would be willing to do some research and help the students with implementing this program. One of my ideas is to take a picture of one week's worth of trash before and then after we put the program in place. Please contact me ASAP if you are willing to help or possibly do some additional fundraising if needed.
Since Biztown is officially over and we are down to about seven weeks of school, your students have the opportunity with their next (and final) project to study, write, and create a presentation
called the "Passion Project". In other words, they will develop work based on guidelines that will help them learn and teach about their greatest current passion or interest. At this point, we have Avatar, history of the Mustang, the universe, wolves, J. Adams, and army captains' projects started. I sent home an overview of this project with your children. If your child has not shared it with you yet, please contact me as I would like all families to be "on board" to help their children create this "dream" project.
STAR testing begins next week on May 4th. Your children will test from 10am-11:30am that day as well as on May 5th, May 11th, andMay 12th. Please be sure your child has plenty of rest the night before and that they eat breakfast. Many of the students are starved by 10am. I will make time before testing for them to have a snack if they are hungry; however I prefer they don't reach that exhausted/hungry stage. Thank you for helping.
On Friday, May 28th, teachers have a professional day, so there is no school for your children!
In addition, we are out of school on May 31st, Memorial Day! Enjoy your four-day weekend!
I believe that is it for now!
Kim
Monday, April 19, 2010
CURRENT UPDATES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Families,
I hope everyone is doing well and happy! I want to apologize for missing some of my blogging this month. Many school items have kept me busy and away from my computer. Although it has been a few weeks, first and foremost I want to thank all the wonderful parents and students who made our "Family Night" a big success. We raised almost $600.00 - Yeah! I've already refreshed some of our art supplies and will be purchasing science supplies.
As you know, Biztown is this Thursday, April 17th. Just as a reminder, all parent volunteers are required to be at JABiztown at 8am for training. Students will arrive at Biztown by 9:30am via San Diego Trolly. Passes for the trolley have already been purchased and the cost covered from our class funds. VERY IMPORTANT - I am at the school by 8am each morning. All Biztown students need to be at school by 8:15am with a packed lunch. If, for some reason, making these arrangments is difficult and you need to drop your student off before 8am in order to keep your volunteer committment for the JABiztown training, keep in mind that we have child care starting at 7:10am every morning. Please let me know if you will be using child care for this day, so I can let the child care workers at the school know.
Our daily schedule in school is much the same as the last time I blogged; however, in math we will be moving into division and fractions soon after. In science, we will be starting a unit on Life Science with our primary focus on plants as a primary source of matter and energy within food chains, producers and consumers, decomposers, and ecosystems. We will start on Friday and continue until students have a good grasp of these concepts.
I attended the Earth Day celebration at Balboa Park yesterday for Innovations Academy. During the time I was there, I was fortunate enough to meet a woman representing an organization giving away grant monies to schools. I completed her paperwork and found out last night that we will be receiving funds to start a better recycling program at school. I'll update you all as I receive more information.
I think that is it for now!
Kim
I hope everyone is doing well and happy! I want to apologize for missing some of my blogging this month. Many school items have kept me busy and away from my computer. Although it has been a few weeks, first and foremost I want to thank all the wonderful parents and students who made our "Family Night" a big success. We raised almost $600.00 - Yeah! I've already refreshed some of our art supplies and will be purchasing science supplies.
As you know, Biztown is this Thursday, April 17th. Just as a reminder, all parent volunteers are required to be at JABiztown at 8am for training. Students will arrive at Biztown by 9:30am via San Diego Trolly. Passes for the trolley have already been purchased and the cost covered from our class funds. VERY IMPORTANT - I am at the school by 8am each morning. All Biztown students need to be at school by 8:15am with a packed lunch. If, for some reason, making these arrangments is difficult and you need to drop your student off before 8am in order to keep your volunteer committment for the JABiztown training, keep in mind that we have child care starting at 7:10am every morning. Please let me know if you will be using child care for this day, so I can let the child care workers at the school know.
Our daily schedule in school is much the same as the last time I blogged; however, in math we will be moving into division and fractions soon after. In science, we will be starting a unit on Life Science with our primary focus on plants as a primary source of matter and energy within food chains, producers and consumers, decomposers, and ecosystems. We will start on Friday and continue until students have a good grasp of these concepts.
I attended the Earth Day celebration at Balboa Park yesterday for Innovations Academy. During the time I was there, I was fortunate enough to meet a woman representing an organization giving away grant monies to schools. I completed her paperwork and found out last night that we will be receiving funds to start a better recycling program at school. I'll update you all as I receive more information.
I think that is it for now!
Kim
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Just back from Spring Break!!!!!
Dear Parents,
Did Spring Break go by fast for anyone else? I can't believe it's already Sunday night! Hope you all had a chance to relax and get recharged, 'cause school starts again bright and early tomorrow morning.
I spent some of the break getting materials ready for leveled reading groups. All students were tested and reading was chosen for them based on the results of that testing. I have a wide range of readers in this 4th grade class. In other words, I will be working on decoding, sight words, and basic comprehension skills with some groups while others will be engaging in more of a literature study. In any case, my objective is to help students to continue improving as readers. We start that program tomorrow.
Biztown studies are going great! We still need more volunteers and students need to bring in their money for this trip ($18) and also the one coming up on April 13th. A science field trip is on our class calendar for that day. We are going to the Ruben H. Fleet to study electromagnatism and to tour the museum in general. After, we will head over to the Automotive Museum where we will see electricity in action as we will see an electric car. The cost is $10.00. This will be a full-day activity and all students need to bring a packed lunch, snacks, and beverages. Help!!!!!!!!!!! Drivers are needed and there is no cost for volunteering adults.
This Thursday, April 8th is our monthly scheduled Family Meeting. I have been fortunate enough to have all the pizza and salad donated - tickets will be on sale every morning. For $4.00 you will receive two pieces of yummy Mona Lisa's (located in Little Italy) pizza, salad and a drink. Parents, I am counting on your participation to help bring items listed on Leslie's (Quinlan's mom) list such as paper plates, cups, utensils, baked goods, etc...please let her know as soon as possible how you can assist! The money raised from the dinner will help pay for classroom items such as the novels I just purchased for our literature study. Please help!!!!!!!!
In the classroom we are still working on how to write a good summary, in math we are focusing on partial sums multiplication, in science I would still like to include an additional lesson on erosion (this one requires quite a few materials - again our fundraiser will help with this!), and of course Biztown. We are only three lessons away from finishing 4th grade vocabulary and the students had a choice to move to other 4th grade word activities or move onto 5th grade vocabulary. Ask which one they picked? We are also reviewing California STAR test release questions and practicing test taking strategies. Whew! Your kids work hard at school.
This Tuesday, there will be a substitute in class as I am attending a training on differentiated instruction. She's already been provided with extensive plans for the day, so I'm sure all will go well.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me via email or in person.
Kim
Did Spring Break go by fast for anyone else? I can't believe it's already Sunday night! Hope you all had a chance to relax and get recharged, 'cause school starts again bright and early tomorrow morning.
I spent some of the break getting materials ready for leveled reading groups. All students were tested and reading was chosen for them based on the results of that testing. I have a wide range of readers in this 4th grade class. In other words, I will be working on decoding, sight words, and basic comprehension skills with some groups while others will be engaging in more of a literature study. In any case, my objective is to help students to continue improving as readers. We start that program tomorrow.
Biztown studies are going great! We still need more volunteers and students need to bring in their money for this trip ($18) and also the one coming up on April 13th. A science field trip is on our class calendar for that day. We are going to the Ruben H. Fleet to study electromagnatism and to tour the museum in general. After, we will head over to the Automotive Museum where we will see electricity in action as we will see an electric car. The cost is $10.00. This will be a full-day activity and all students need to bring a packed lunch, snacks, and beverages. Help!!!!!!!!!!! Drivers are needed and there is no cost for volunteering adults.
This Thursday, April 8th is our monthly scheduled Family Meeting. I have been fortunate enough to have all the pizza and salad donated - tickets will be on sale every morning. For $4.00 you will receive two pieces of yummy Mona Lisa's (located in Little Italy) pizza, salad and a drink. Parents, I am counting on your participation to help bring items listed on Leslie's (Quinlan's mom) list such as paper plates, cups, utensils, baked goods, etc...please let her know as soon as possible how you can assist! The money raised from the dinner will help pay for classroom items such as the novels I just purchased for our literature study. Please help!!!!!!!!
In the classroom we are still working on how to write a good summary, in math we are focusing on partial sums multiplication, in science I would still like to include an additional lesson on erosion (this one requires quite a few materials - again our fundraiser will help with this!), and of course Biztown. We are only three lessons away from finishing 4th grade vocabulary and the students had a choice to move to other 4th grade word activities or move onto 5th grade vocabulary. Ask which one they picked? We are also reviewing California STAR test release questions and practicing test taking strategies. Whew! Your kids work hard at school.
This Tuesday, there will be a substitute in class as I am attending a training on differentiated instruction. She's already been provided with extensive plans for the day, so I'm sure all will go well.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me via email or in person.
Kim
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Upcoming Events!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Families,
Get ready because April is going to be an event filled month. Just as a repeat from my last BLOG, the following events need your participation.
On Thursday, March 25th, there is a fund raiser at Chevy's from 4-7pm. All IA families will receive 20% off all receipts. I hope to see you all there!
A science field trip is on our class calendar for Tuesday, April 13th. We are going to the Ruben H. Fleet to study electromagnatism and to tour the museum in general. After, we will head over to the Automotive Museum where we will see electricity in action as we will see an electric car. The cost is $10.00 for students, so please start bringing your money in. This will be a full-day activity and all students need to bring a packed lunch, snacks, and beverages. Drivers are needed and there is no cost for volunteering adults.
We also have a chance this year to participate in an upcoming field trip to Junior Achievements Biz Town on Thursday, April 22nd. This is a highly acclaimed program that only reaches a small percentage of student. We are extremely fortunate to be included. There will be a full curriculum taught to the students that has already begun, focusing on market-based economies. The unit culminates with our visit to Biz Town, a two-story mini-city with town hall and businesses. Each student will assume a job, produce or sell products, receive a paycheck, work on a team, repay business loans, and shop/manage personal bank accounts. The cost per student is $18 to cover the entire program. I need lots of adults for supervision. The 5th and 6th grade classes will also be attending, so between the three classes, we need 25-40 adults. Please start looking at your calendar and let me know as soon as possible if you can volunteer for this full day event!!! Volunteers will go to Biztown at 8am to train before the students arrive a bit after 9am. Supervising adults are free. I went for my training last Friday and Biztown is amazing. I was fortunate to see kids in action and they all looked engaged and excited!
In addition, your child can now win a trip to Magic Mountain for summer break. The only thing required is reading. Students will be bringing home a weekly reading log with a required reading time of 85 minutes a week. These logs are to be returned to me every Monday and require a parents initials daily. They do not have to read over Spring Break. Please see the IA master calendar for Spring Break dates.
For the next Family Meeting on April 8th, my class is in charge of the food, desserts, and drinks. You will be pleased to hear I've already lined up a restaurant that will be donating all the pizzas and salad. I need you (a parent(s)) to help organize other parents to help set-up, bring lots of desserts which we will sell, drinks, cups, plates, napkins, utensils, and finally to help break everything down. As usual the pizza (two pieces, I think), salad, and drinks will cost just $3.00. The pizza is from Mona Lisa's Italian restaurant in Little Italy. Yum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In class we are busy with vocabulary and grammar work, finishing up By the Great Horn Spoon and our study of California Indians, we are moving into the next unit in math which includes higher level multiplication and division, and before STAR testing I want to take time for lessons on fractions. We have begun our lessons for Biztown and have already covered what a community and economy are. They have been introduced to the circular flow of our economy and played games exchanging money, goods and services, and resources. Whew!!!
For reading, we will next to be breaking into leveled reading groups. I hope to have this up and running sometime next week. In writing we have just begun to learn how to write a summary. Finally, I am beginning to introduce them to test taking strategies for taking a test such as the STAR test, which is coming up in about a month. We don't teach to the test, but as we are reviewing, I am finding places students need extra support. I will be sending home optional work/practice packets over the next few weeks, so they feel a bit more confident as they take the test.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions and concerns, and please let me know how you might help where volunteers are needed above.
Kim
Get ready because April is going to be an event filled month. Just as a repeat from my last BLOG, the following events need your participation.
On Thursday, March 25th, there is a fund raiser at Chevy's from 4-7pm. All IA families will receive 20% off all receipts. I hope to see you all there!
A science field trip is on our class calendar for Tuesday, April 13th. We are going to the Ruben H. Fleet to study electromagnatism and to tour the museum in general. After, we will head over to the Automotive Museum where we will see electricity in action as we will see an electric car. The cost is $10.00 for students, so please start bringing your money in. This will be a full-day activity and all students need to bring a packed lunch, snacks, and beverages. Drivers are needed and there is no cost for volunteering adults.
We also have a chance this year to participate in an upcoming field trip to Junior Achievements Biz Town on Thursday, April 22nd. This is a highly acclaimed program that only reaches a small percentage of student. We are extremely fortunate to be included. There will be a full curriculum taught to the students that has already begun, focusing on market-based economies. The unit culminates with our visit to Biz Town, a two-story mini-city with town hall and businesses. Each student will assume a job, produce or sell products, receive a paycheck, work on a team, repay business loans, and shop/manage personal bank accounts. The cost per student is $18 to cover the entire program. I need lots of adults for supervision. The 5th and 6th grade classes will also be attending, so between the three classes, we need 25-40 adults. Please start looking at your calendar and let me know as soon as possible if you can volunteer for this full day event!!! Volunteers will go to Biztown at 8am to train before the students arrive a bit after 9am. Supervising adults are free. I went for my training last Friday and Biztown is amazing. I was fortunate to see kids in action and they all looked engaged and excited!
In addition, your child can now win a trip to Magic Mountain for summer break. The only thing required is reading. Students will be bringing home a weekly reading log with a required reading time of 85 minutes a week. These logs are to be returned to me every Monday and require a parents initials daily. They do not have to read over Spring Break. Please see the IA master calendar for Spring Break dates.
For the next Family Meeting on April 8th, my class is in charge of the food, desserts, and drinks. You will be pleased to hear I've already lined up a restaurant that will be donating all the pizzas and salad. I need you (a parent(s)) to help organize other parents to help set-up, bring lots of desserts which we will sell, drinks, cups, plates, napkins, utensils, and finally to help break everything down. As usual the pizza (two pieces, I think), salad, and drinks will cost just $3.00. The pizza is from Mona Lisa's Italian restaurant in Little Italy. Yum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In class we are busy with vocabulary and grammar work, finishing up By the Great Horn Spoon and our study of California Indians, we are moving into the next unit in math which includes higher level multiplication and division, and before STAR testing I want to take time for lessons on fractions. We have begun our lessons for Biztown and have already covered what a community and economy are. They have been introduced to the circular flow of our economy and played games exchanging money, goods and services, and resources. Whew!!!
For reading, we will next to be breaking into leveled reading groups. I hope to have this up and running sometime next week. In writing we have just begun to learn how to write a summary. Finally, I am beginning to introduce them to test taking strategies for taking a test such as the STAR test, which is coming up in about a month. We don't teach to the test, but as we are reviewing, I am finding places students need extra support. I will be sending home optional work/practice packets over the next few weeks, so they feel a bit more confident as they take the test.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions and concerns, and please let me know how you might help where volunteers are needed above.
Kim
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Exciting News!
Hello IA families,
I am sorry I am a few days late getting my BLOG out to you! Get your calendars out to mark some very important dates!
First on the agenda is our IA Family Night on Thursday, March 11th sponsored by the Karrlie's first grade class. The menu includes pasta, salad, and breadsticks for $3.00 each. Dinner is at 5pm. Please plan to eat in your student's classroom. This Thursday, I will be showing a video of an upcoming activity your children are going to participate in. Keep reading for details! During the actual parent meeting, students/kids will be assigned to classrooms where they will be safely supervised.
On Thursday, March 25th, there is a fund raiser at Chevy's from 4-7pm. All IA families will receive 20% off all receipts. I hope to see you all there.
A science field trip is on our class calendar for Tuesday, April 13th. We are going to the Ruben H. Fleet to study electromagnatism and to tour the museum in general. After, we will head over to the Automotive Museum where we will see electricity in action as we will see an electric car. The cost is $10.00 for students, so please start bringing your money in. This will be a full-day activity and all students need to bring a packed lunch, snacks, and beverages. Drivers are needed and there is no cost for volunteering adults.
We also have a chance this year to participate in an upcoming field trip to Junior Achievements Biz Town on Thursday, April 22nd. This is a highly acclaimed program that only reaches a small percentage of student. We are extremely fortunate to be included. There will be a full curriculum taught to the students beginning next week, focusing on market-based economies. The unit culminates with our visit to Biz Town, a two-story mini-city with town hall and businesses. Each student will assume a job, produce or sell products, receive a paycheck, work on a team, repay business loans, and shop/manage personal bank accounts. As mentioned above, I will be showing a video about Biz Town at this week's Family Night. The cost per student is $18 to cover the entire program. I need lots of adults for supervision. The 5th and 6th grade classes will also be attending, so between the three classes, we need 25-40 adults. Please start looking at your calendar and let me know as soon as possible if you can volunteer for this full day event!!! Supervising adults are free.
In addition, your child can now win a trip to Magic Mountain for summer break. The only thing required is reading. Students will be bringing home a weekly reading log today with a required reading time of 75 minutes a week. These logs are to be returned to me every Monday and require a parents initials everyday. They do not have to read over Spring Break. Please see the IA master calendar for Spring Break dates.
In science, I need the following supplies brought into class next Tuesday, March 16th. Each child needs to gather three different looking rock specimens about 2 cm in diameter, bring in an empty coffee tin with a lid, and a large steel nail. We are finishing looking at types of rock and moving on to weathering . By the way, we are studying the metric system in math, so let them measure the rocks to determine if they qualify as the correct size.
That's it for now! Please email or come by with questions or concerns.
Kim
I am sorry I am a few days late getting my BLOG out to you! Get your calendars out to mark some very important dates!
First on the agenda is our IA Family Night on Thursday, March 11th sponsored by the Karrlie's first grade class. The menu includes pasta, salad, and breadsticks for $3.00 each. Dinner is at 5pm. Please plan to eat in your student's classroom. This Thursday, I will be showing a video of an upcoming activity your children are going to participate in. Keep reading for details! During the actual parent meeting, students/kids will be assigned to classrooms where they will be safely supervised.
On Thursday, March 25th, there is a fund raiser at Chevy's from 4-7pm. All IA families will receive 20% off all receipts. I hope to see you all there.
A science field trip is on our class calendar for Tuesday, April 13th. We are going to the Ruben H. Fleet to study electromagnatism and to tour the museum in general. After, we will head over to the Automotive Museum where we will see electricity in action as we will see an electric car. The cost is $10.00 for students, so please start bringing your money in. This will be a full-day activity and all students need to bring a packed lunch, snacks, and beverages. Drivers are needed and there is no cost for volunteering adults.
We also have a chance this year to participate in an upcoming field trip to Junior Achievements Biz Town on Thursday, April 22nd. This is a highly acclaimed program that only reaches a small percentage of student. We are extremely fortunate to be included. There will be a full curriculum taught to the students beginning next week, focusing on market-based economies. The unit culminates with our visit to Biz Town, a two-story mini-city with town hall and businesses. Each student will assume a job, produce or sell products, receive a paycheck, work on a team, repay business loans, and shop/manage personal bank accounts. As mentioned above, I will be showing a video about Biz Town at this week's Family Night. The cost per student is $18 to cover the entire program. I need lots of adults for supervision. The 5th and 6th grade classes will also be attending, so between the three classes, we need 25-40 adults. Please start looking at your calendar and let me know as soon as possible if you can volunteer for this full day event!!! Supervising adults are free.
In addition, your child can now win a trip to Magic Mountain for summer break. The only thing required is reading. Students will be bringing home a weekly reading log today with a required reading time of 75 minutes a week. These logs are to be returned to me every Monday and require a parents initials everyday. They do not have to read over Spring Break. Please see the IA master calendar for Spring Break dates.
In science, I need the following supplies brought into class next Tuesday, March 16th. Each child needs to gather three different looking rock specimens about 2 cm in diameter, bring in an empty coffee tin with a lid, and a large steel nail. We are finishing looking at types of rock and moving on to weathering . By the way, we are studying the metric system in math, so let them measure the rocks to determine if they qualify as the correct size.
That's it for now! Please email or come by with questions or concerns.
Kim
Sunday, February 28, 2010
A Quick Update
Deat Families,
Firstly, just a quick reminder that we are petitioning for prop 39 school sites. The school site that was given to us is in an undesirable location and is virtually unusable for our current needs. We are encouraging all staff, parents, and students to sign a form letter stating our wish to be offered a more suitable site. We are also going to encourage parents and students to be present at the official board meeting on Tuesday, March 23. It will be held sometime in the evening. I am not sure of the exact time as of yet.
Next, I want to congratulate the fourth graders on the wonderful job thay did for our "Wax Museum" last Thursday. They were all so excited about being experts on their California figures. The entire school visited our classroom and asked questions of each student. They were all tired afterwards. Go fourth graders!! Biographies will be sent home soon!
Also, if you don't know already, some of the fictional narratives written by students and their
illustrations will be published in Frye Lights, Donna Frye's newsletter. When it is finished, I will have copies in the classroom for all to enjoy. I would also like to publish all narratives and illustrations in a class book. Is anyone willing to take the writing and drawings to a printer and get an estimate of cost?
In science we are studying crystals and rocks. Students have engaged in hands-on activities to make crystals, igneous and sedimentary rock, and this week they will make metamorphic rock. Shortly there after we will be taking a look at weathering. We will also be taking a field trip in mid-March to the Ruben H. Fleet museum to look at electricity and later the application of electricity at the Automotive Museum where we will view an electric car! The cost will be $10.00. I will let you know the date as soon as I have it.
Learning about California in Social Studies continues as we read our adventurous book, "By the Great Horn Spoon". Students have compared prices during the gold rush period to costs now. When do you think things cost more? Ask your child. I think you will be surprised. They are involved in answering review questions, drawing, and will be looking at the diseases of that time starting this week. We are also starting to read about California Indians. My goal is for groups of students to prepare posters identifying the differences between indian tribes as well as write a legend. I am looking for donations of books that are specifically legends to give students' examples.
In writing, we are just beginning to study the elements of writing a summary, a fourth grade standard. If their summaries are like the rest of their writing, I plan to look for excellent results.
The math unit we are studying is all about decimals and so far so good. I thought it would be more challenging, but most students have grasped the lessons. We have been using concrete representations (base-10 blocks and money), visual representations, and trying three strategies to add or subtract decimals.
Please stop by to see your child's beautiful oil paintings of the California poppy. I would like to make a quilt for the srtist who came in to teach. We need fabric, batting, embroidery and regular thread. Who can help???
Also, the fourth grade is responsible for the meal on the family night in April. This is an area I would like to get some input and help on. What are your ideas for the meal? Anyone know where we can get it donated from? Are you willing to set up a game night to go along with that night. We will be charging $3.00 for the meal and $0.50-$1.00 to play the games and we need prizes! Help!!!!!
That's it for now!
Kim
Firstly, just a quick reminder that we are petitioning for prop 39 school sites. The school site that was given to us is in an undesirable location and is virtually unusable for our current needs. We are encouraging all staff, parents, and students to sign a form letter stating our wish to be offered a more suitable site. We are also going to encourage parents and students to be present at the official board meeting on Tuesday, March 23. It will be held sometime in the evening. I am not sure of the exact time as of yet.
Next, I want to congratulate the fourth graders on the wonderful job thay did for our "Wax Museum" last Thursday. They were all so excited about being experts on their California figures. The entire school visited our classroom and asked questions of each student. They were all tired afterwards. Go fourth graders!! Biographies will be sent home soon!
Also, if you don't know already, some of the fictional narratives written by students and their
illustrations will be published in Frye Lights, Donna Frye's newsletter. When it is finished, I will have copies in the classroom for all to enjoy. I would also like to publish all narratives and illustrations in a class book. Is anyone willing to take the writing and drawings to a printer and get an estimate of cost?
In science we are studying crystals and rocks. Students have engaged in hands-on activities to make crystals, igneous and sedimentary rock, and this week they will make metamorphic rock. Shortly there after we will be taking a look at weathering. We will also be taking a field trip in mid-March to the Ruben H. Fleet museum to look at electricity and later the application of electricity at the Automotive Museum where we will view an electric car! The cost will be $10.00. I will let you know the date as soon as I have it.
Learning about California in Social Studies continues as we read our adventurous book, "By the Great Horn Spoon". Students have compared prices during the gold rush period to costs now. When do you think things cost more? Ask your child. I think you will be surprised. They are involved in answering review questions, drawing, and will be looking at the diseases of that time starting this week. We are also starting to read about California Indians. My goal is for groups of students to prepare posters identifying the differences between indian tribes as well as write a legend. I am looking for donations of books that are specifically legends to give students' examples.
In writing, we are just beginning to study the elements of writing a summary, a fourth grade standard. If their summaries are like the rest of their writing, I plan to look for excellent results.
The math unit we are studying is all about decimals and so far so good. I thought it would be more challenging, but most students have grasped the lessons. We have been using concrete representations (base-10 blocks and money), visual representations, and trying three strategies to add or subtract decimals.
Please stop by to see your child's beautiful oil paintings of the California poppy. I would like to make a quilt for the srtist who came in to teach. We need fabric, batting, embroidery and regular thread. Who can help???
Also, the fourth grade is responsible for the meal on the family night in April. This is an area I would like to get some input and help on. What are your ideas for the meal? Anyone know where we can get it donated from? Are you willing to set up a game night to go along with that night. We will be charging $3.00 for the meal and $0.50-$1.00 to play the games and we need prizes! Help!!!!!
That's it for now!
Kim
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Let the Good Times Roll!
Dear Families,
I hope you all had sufficient time to bond with your children over our latest holiday weekend! I did some maintenance, like brakes all around, plumbing repairs in the bathroom, etc...I live in a very old house! GRrrrrrrrrr!
In math most all of the students in class are really "getting it" (decimals). Wow, it seems like such a difficult subject to me, but they are flying. We will be continuing with decimals/fractions/percentages for awhile. But at this rate, it may go faster than I thought!
All of you must come into the classroom to view your child's incredibly beautiful oil paintings. Each painting is rich with the vision your child saw in the flower. Last year we made a quilt from the paintings that were transferred to fabric. "Sewing Bee" anyone? I have the quilt from last year, but this year I would love to put one together for the artist who donated her time for free to teach the children how to mix colors, express themselves, and create. This means we will need someone to take pictures of each painting, transfer them onto fabric, and help with purchases of materials like batting and diverse fabrics that will compliment the paintings. Any takers?
Also, fictional narratives are being posted on our bulletin board outside the classroom. On Friday, February 18th, Donna Frye's writer, Chet will be speaking to your children about writing, the process, and the final piece. He and Donna also offered to print some of the students' pieces in Frye Lights, her news letter. Yipee!
The Wax Musuem will be scheduled for Thursday, February 25th from 1pm-3pm. This means it is time to create costumes for your child's character. On that day they can just bring their costumes to change into at lunch time or they can be in character all day.
Lastly, we finally started science and are looking at minerals and the creation of crytals that we will be observing tomorrow and discussing what we see and why we think what we did made a change. Next, we will be looking at and defining rocks. Don't be surprised when your child tells you they ate some rocks that spewed out of a volcanoe.
As usual, email or call anytime.
Love,
Kim
I hope you all had sufficient time to bond with your children over our latest holiday weekend! I did some maintenance, like brakes all around, plumbing repairs in the bathroom, etc...I live in a very old house! GRrrrrrrrrr!
In math most all of the students in class are really "getting it" (decimals). Wow, it seems like such a difficult subject to me, but they are flying. We will be continuing with decimals/fractions/percentages for awhile. But at this rate, it may go faster than I thought!
All of you must come into the classroom to view your child's incredibly beautiful oil paintings. Each painting is rich with the vision your child saw in the flower. Last year we made a quilt from the paintings that were transferred to fabric. "Sewing Bee" anyone? I have the quilt from last year, but this year I would love to put one together for the artist who donated her time for free to teach the children how to mix colors, express themselves, and create. This means we will need someone to take pictures of each painting, transfer them onto fabric, and help with purchases of materials like batting and diverse fabrics that will compliment the paintings. Any takers?
Also, fictional narratives are being posted on our bulletin board outside the classroom. On Friday, February 18th, Donna Frye's writer, Chet will be speaking to your children about writing, the process, and the final piece. He and Donna also offered to print some of the students' pieces in Frye Lights, her news letter. Yipee!
The Wax Musuem will be scheduled for Thursday, February 25th from 1pm-3pm. This means it is time to create costumes for your child's character. On that day they can just bring their costumes to change into at lunch time or they can be in character all day.
Lastly, we finally started science and are looking at minerals and the creation of crytals that we will be observing tomorrow and discussing what we see and why we think what we did made a change. Next, we will be looking at and defining rocks. Don't be surprised when your child tells you they ate some rocks that spewed out of a volcanoe.
As usual, email or call anytime.
Love,
Kim
Sunday, February 7, 2010
WEEKLY UPDATE!!!
Dear Families,
Family Night is this Thursday, Feb 11th at starting at 5pm. At 5pm, a chili or hot dog dinner is being sponsored by the Kinder class. Please sign at the front desk and pick up a schedule of the nights events. You may also pay for your meals at the front desk. The price is $3 per dinner. Tickets are on sale all week during drop off and pick up, or you can purchase them from Donna. Yummy baked goods (two) will also be available for sale in the exploratorium for $1. Families are encouraged to come and have dinner with their child's teachers in the classrooms. This is a great time to interact, see how well your children are progressing and to get all of your class questions answered. You don't have to buy a chili dinner to participate. You are welcome to bring a dinner from home. It's important that you and your child take part in this interaction time. For information we'll have an open forum discussion on facilities, fundraising, and other school happenings to begin at 6:15pm sharp upstairs in the Commons Room. You'll need to be there to be kept up to date on the latest on our school. Children will be able to do crafts in the kinder room during the parent meeting. $1 for larger crafts like kaliedescope, pinwheels, bead necklace/bracelet, or 3 monster magnets. There will also be free crafts. Each child can make a free book mark.
What's new in our classroom? I know you are all waiting for the "Wax Museum" to be scheduled. Students are almost done with their biographies and then a little more work on dioramas needs to be done. I'll give you a date as soon as we are almost finished - hopefully by the end of this week. Most of the fictional narratives are being edited or in final draft mode. As they are finished, they will be displayed outside our classroom on the bulletin board. Please take the time to stop and read them as I think you will be surprised at the level of creative ability and writing skills. Go 4th graders!!!
We will be reading chapters 6 &7 this week in By the Great Horn Spoon! Students have been learning about the experiences of gold-seekers that traveled around the Horn in South America. They have been locating places from the story on the map, answering comprehension questions, drawing pictures, and finding locations based on longitude and latitude. This week they will write about the life of miners. After we finish this particular book, we will no longer be reading as a whole group. I will be reading with small groups so I can serve the needs of students at their reading levels.
In math, we are starting to learn about decimals. Last week, students looked at money and the decimals in money, we placed decimals on number lines, looked at a hundreds chart and how decimals relate, and looked at the relationship between thousands, hundreds, tens, ones, tenths, hundredths, and thousanths. This week I will be using Base 10 to further support learning about decimals and we will just begin to compare decimals to fractions.
On Tuesday of this week, I have scheduled with an artist to come in at 1pm to begin teaching the students to oil paint. Thank you to all the parents who brought canvasses and other supplies into the classroom so that your children have the wonderful opportunity to learn from a professional artist. We will be painting the California poppy.
On Thursday, we will be starting science and beginning to look at crystals and rocks. Yippee!
In history, along with reading, By the Great Horn Spoon, we recently read about the Mexican-American War, which is so important in California's statehood. We also had our wonderful field trip up to Julian to visit Smith's ranch where Mr. Smith was a well-informed resource for the time period in history we are studying. Through him we also had the opportunity to see a primary source document. That spurred a conversation in the classroom about primary and secondary resources in research. Thanks to all of the parents that drove to Julian. Stopping on the way back to touch snow and have snow-ball fights was another highlight of our trip.
I want to mention a special thanks to Leisa Mitchell who donated book bags to all 4th graders and also to Cheryl Geck for modifying the bags so they can actually hang on the back of the chairs. I like the desks to look uncluttered.
I will be sending home some unfinished work with students this week. In some cases students have had as much as two weeks to turn in some work and still have not. When it comes home, if you could have your child finish the work as soon as possible and return it to me, I would appreciate it.
That's it for now!
Kim
Family Night is this Thursday, Feb 11th at starting at 5pm. At 5pm, a chili or hot dog dinner is being sponsored by the Kinder class. Please sign at the front desk and pick up a schedule of the nights events. You may also pay for your meals at the front desk. The price is $3 per dinner. Tickets are on sale all week during drop off and pick up, or you can purchase them from Donna. Yummy baked goods (two) will also be available for sale in the exploratorium for $1. Families are encouraged to come and have dinner with their child's teachers in the classrooms. This is a great time to interact, see how well your children are progressing and to get all of your class questions answered. You don't have to buy a chili dinner to participate. You are welcome to bring a dinner from home. It's important that you and your child take part in this interaction time. For information we'll have an open forum discussion on facilities, fundraising, and other school happenings to begin at 6:15pm sharp upstairs in the Commons Room. You'll need to be there to be kept up to date on the latest on our school. Children will be able to do crafts in the kinder room during the parent meeting. $1 for larger crafts like kaliedescope, pinwheels, bead necklace/bracelet, or 3 monster magnets. There will also be free crafts. Each child can make a free book mark.
What's new in our classroom? I know you are all waiting for the "Wax Museum" to be scheduled. Students are almost done with their biographies and then a little more work on dioramas needs to be done. I'll give you a date as soon as we are almost finished - hopefully by the end of this week. Most of the fictional narratives are being edited or in final draft mode. As they are finished, they will be displayed outside our classroom on the bulletin board. Please take the time to stop and read them as I think you will be surprised at the level of creative ability and writing skills. Go 4th graders!!!
We will be reading chapters 6 &7 this week in By the Great Horn Spoon! Students have been learning about the experiences of gold-seekers that traveled around the Horn in South America. They have been locating places from the story on the map, answering comprehension questions, drawing pictures, and finding locations based on longitude and latitude. This week they will write about the life of miners. After we finish this particular book, we will no longer be reading as a whole group. I will be reading with small groups so I can serve the needs of students at their reading levels.
In math, we are starting to learn about decimals. Last week, students looked at money and the decimals in money, we placed decimals on number lines, looked at a hundreds chart and how decimals relate, and looked at the relationship between thousands, hundreds, tens, ones, tenths, hundredths, and thousanths. This week I will be using Base 10 to further support learning about decimals and we will just begin to compare decimals to fractions.
On Tuesday of this week, I have scheduled with an artist to come in at 1pm to begin teaching the students to oil paint. Thank you to all the parents who brought canvasses and other supplies into the classroom so that your children have the wonderful opportunity to learn from a professional artist. We will be painting the California poppy.
On Thursday, we will be starting science and beginning to look at crystals and rocks. Yippee!
In history, along with reading, By the Great Horn Spoon, we recently read about the Mexican-American War, which is so important in California's statehood. We also had our wonderful field trip up to Julian to visit Smith's ranch where Mr. Smith was a well-informed resource for the time period in history we are studying. Through him we also had the opportunity to see a primary source document. That spurred a conversation in the classroom about primary and secondary resources in research. Thanks to all of the parents that drove to Julian. Stopping on the way back to touch snow and have snow-ball fights was another highlight of our trip.
I want to mention a special thanks to Leisa Mitchell who donated book bags to all 4th graders and also to Cheryl Geck for modifying the bags so they can actually hang on the back of the chairs. I like the desks to look uncluttered.
I will be sending home some unfinished work with students this week. In some cases students have had as much as two weeks to turn in some work and still have not. When it comes home, if you could have your child finish the work as soon as possible and return it to me, I would appreciate it.
That's it for now!
Kim
Sunday, January 31, 2010
All Aboard!
Dear Families,
As you know, this week, on Thursday we are taking a field trip to Julian. We will be taking a train ride and then exploring a mine. Please be sure to get your monies in to me prior to the field trip. The cost is $7.00 for students and $10.00 for adults. Additionally, please be sure to pack a lunch for your child for the day and keep in mind there will not be a way to heat up meals.
As often as possible, I would like to share some of your childrens' writing with you. To keep it fair, I pull sticks from a cup with all students' names on them. This week, Kaya and Isaiah's names were chosen. We have been working on learning how to write what we call "sandwich paragraphs". In other words, the paragraph pattern is a topic sentence, detail sentences, and finally a closing statement. I hope you all enjoy reading these entries!
KAYA:
I found a great treasure in the canyon behind my house! I was out trying to find my dog and then fell into a big ditch. I looked all around for my dog. As I was searching, I turned and saw a deep hole with a rope ladder. The next thing I knew, I was face-to-face with a treasure chest. I pulled it up to me and saw a note with a key. After climbing back to the surface, I read the note and it said, "Ye who opens this will have riches forever". I located a wonderous surprise right behind my house!
ISAIAH:
Have you ever found a box full of jewels? I have! I was exploring Egypt and the Egyptian tombs when I approached a surprising discovery! It was a box full of jewels! The container was buried deep inside the soil, so I had to dig it up with my shovel. I estimated it's worth at $10,000.00 and I was right! I went back to my home in California and had made my fortune. That was my Egyptian discovery!
The two entries above are primarily rough drafts and can still use a bit of work; however, both students followed the "sandwich paragraph" pattern and did a great job.
Progress reports went out this week. If you have any questions, please contact me by dropping by our room or emailing me!
Kim
As you know, this week, on Thursday we are taking a field trip to Julian. We will be taking a train ride and then exploring a mine. Please be sure to get your monies in to me prior to the field trip. The cost is $7.00 for students and $10.00 for adults. Additionally, please be sure to pack a lunch for your child for the day and keep in mind there will not be a way to heat up meals.
As often as possible, I would like to share some of your childrens' writing with you. To keep it fair, I pull sticks from a cup with all students' names on them. This week, Kaya and Isaiah's names were chosen. We have been working on learning how to write what we call "sandwich paragraphs". In other words, the paragraph pattern is a topic sentence, detail sentences, and finally a closing statement. I hope you all enjoy reading these entries!
KAYA:
I found a great treasure in the canyon behind my house! I was out trying to find my dog and then fell into a big ditch. I looked all around for my dog. As I was searching, I turned and saw a deep hole with a rope ladder. The next thing I knew, I was face-to-face with a treasure chest. I pulled it up to me and saw a note with a key. After climbing back to the surface, I read the note and it said, "Ye who opens this will have riches forever". I located a wonderous surprise right behind my house!
ISAIAH:
Have you ever found a box full of jewels? I have! I was exploring Egypt and the Egyptian tombs when I approached a surprising discovery! It was a box full of jewels! The container was buried deep inside the soil, so I had to dig it up with my shovel. I estimated it's worth at $10,000.00 and I was right! I went back to my home in California and had made my fortune. That was my Egyptian discovery!
The two entries above are primarily rough drafts and can still use a bit of work; however, both students followed the "sandwich paragraph" pattern and did a great job.
Progress reports went out this week. If you have any questions, please contact me by dropping by our room or emailing me!
Kim
Thursday, January 28, 2010
SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR FIELD TRIP!!!
Dear Families,
I am writing to let you know that the Julian field trip has been postponed for two days. In otherwords, we will be going on Thursday, February 4th instead of on Tuesday, February 2nd! I hope all of you that had planned to drive can still make it.
Also, I don't have time tonight, but please read my upcoming BLOG as I will be posting some of your children's writing. This first post will feature Kaya and Isaiah's "sandwich" paragraphs! Ask them what a "sandwhich" paragraph is.
Take Care,
Kim
I am writing to let you know that the Julian field trip has been postponed for two days. In otherwords, we will be going on Thursday, February 4th instead of on Tuesday, February 2nd! I hope all of you that had planned to drive can still make it.
Also, I don't have time tonight, but please read my upcoming BLOG as I will be posting some of your children's writing. This first post will feature Kaya and Isaiah's "sandwich" paragraphs! Ask them what a "sandwhich" paragraph is.
Take Care,
Kim
Saturday, January 23, 2010
EXCITING NEWS! January 23rd-31st
Dear families,
I want to apologize for my late BLOG. I usually try to have a new one written early each week; however, I've been waiting for a confirmation on an exciting field trip we will be taking on Tuesday, February 2nd. We have reservations for the "Julian Train & Gold Mine Tour". Yeah!! I am looking for approximately five drivers, so please let me know as soon as possible if you can volunteer. The cost is $7.00 for students and $10.00 for adults. I'm sorry, we cannot cover the cost of drivers, but I'm sure this field trip will be worth every penny. Please bring the $7.00/$10.00 fee as soon as possible. The train ride and tour starts at 11:30am, so we will leave IA at approximately 9:45am. As you know, we are reading a book about the goldrush in class, as well as learning about California's history, so this field trip will help the whole idea of mining for gold come to life! I can't wait!
We are on Lesson 10 in Wordly Wise for the upcoming week. Students practice learning the definitions of the words on the word list through a variety of in class activities. I have just discovered that your child can also go on-line to www.wordlywise.com and practice their words though various game activities. I would encourage all students to do this as I am still seeing some low scores on the weekly assessment for definitions. Additionally, for spelling, each week the word list is being entered on www.spellingcity.com. If you go to Kim's list, students can practice their spelling.
For writing, almost all students have started their "not so rough drafts" for their fictional narratives. Yes, this took a long time, but I believe the results will be worth it. Ask your child why I call them "not so rough"! We are also working on our informational reports on an important California figure. As soon as the reports are done, we will have one more session on dioramas and schedule the "Wax Museum" activity. You will all be invited to this event.
Once we have finished this writing, I will be focusing on science. In other words, the time we spent writing will be devoted to covering science standards we have not gotten to so far this year. I know your children are enthusiastic about moving on to this important academic area.
In math, we continue to practice multiplication and division facts. This week we will be looking at how to approach word problems. They will learn what to pay attention to, what certain words indicate, drawing as a strategy, etc.
I think that is it for now. If you have questions or concerns, please email or stop by.
Kim
I want to apologize for my late BLOG. I usually try to have a new one written early each week; however, I've been waiting for a confirmation on an exciting field trip we will be taking on Tuesday, February 2nd. We have reservations for the "Julian Train & Gold Mine Tour". Yeah!! I am looking for approximately five drivers, so please let me know as soon as possible if you can volunteer. The cost is $7.00 for students and $10.00 for adults. I'm sorry, we cannot cover the cost of drivers, but I'm sure this field trip will be worth every penny. Please bring the $7.00/$10.00 fee as soon as possible. The train ride and tour starts at 11:30am, so we will leave IA at approximately 9:45am. As you know, we are reading a book about the goldrush in class, as well as learning about California's history, so this field trip will help the whole idea of mining for gold come to life! I can't wait!
We are on Lesson 10 in Wordly Wise for the upcoming week. Students practice learning the definitions of the words on the word list through a variety of in class activities. I have just discovered that your child can also go on-line to www.wordlywise.com and practice their words though various game activities. I would encourage all students to do this as I am still seeing some low scores on the weekly assessment for definitions. Additionally, for spelling, each week the word list is being entered on www.spellingcity.com. If you go to Kim's list, students can practice their spelling.
For writing, almost all students have started their "not so rough drafts" for their fictional narratives. Yes, this took a long time, but I believe the results will be worth it. Ask your child why I call them "not so rough"! We are also working on our informational reports on an important California figure. As soon as the reports are done, we will have one more session on dioramas and schedule the "Wax Museum" activity. You will all be invited to this event.
Once we have finished this writing, I will be focusing on science. In other words, the time we spent writing will be devoted to covering science standards we have not gotten to so far this year. I know your children are enthusiastic about moving on to this important academic area.
In math, we continue to practice multiplication and division facts. This week we will be looking at how to approach word problems. They will learn what to pay attention to, what certain words indicate, drawing as a strategy, etc.
I think that is it for now. If you have questions or concerns, please email or stop by.
Kim
Monday, January 11, 2010
Calling All Parents! January 11th-18th
Dear Families,
It looks like I am going to need some assistance this year, so I am looking for help in the following areas:
1. Lunch support from 12:15-1:00pm M,T,TH, & F. Our fourth grade class is now having lunch with the kindergarten class. Students eat from 12:15-12:30pm and then move to the playground. When students move to the playground, DeeDee and I have a chance to eat our lunches. I would like to have supervision on the playground I can count on - can you help?
2. I need some help in the classroom with reviewing student work and recording, filing, posting vocabulary words, etc...can you help?
3. A parent of a fourth grade student is interested in starting a student used book store. She is looking for help! Let me know if I can give her your name.
4. I am still looking for art supplies for the oil-painting classes I would like to have for the fourth graders. Michaels has 50% off coupons if you go to their site. I will print some so that they are available in my classroom. Oil paints are $8.99 per tube. I need Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White, and Cadmium Red. We need something to clean brushes and last year I purchased a product that was safer than turpentine, so if someone could check into the options for this and donate it, that would be great. Finally, 11x14 canvasses cost $7.99-10.99 depending on the type you want. If each parent could supply one canvas we will be able to get started. If possible, I would like these supplies by the end of January!
5. Bookbags have been graciously donated by Leisa Mitchell (Landon's mom). They are the perfect size; however, I need the handles changed, so they can hang on the back of the chairs. Is there anyone who can possibly work on this job? Please let me know.
6. I am starting to plan a field trip to the Julian mines for a tour. This will be an all-day field trip and I would like to go the last week of January, perhaps on Thursday, January 28th. Please check your calendar as we will need drivers. I will update you by next Monday on details such as cost, the time we will be leaving and get back, and the specifics of the field trip.
There is a parent meeting this Thursday which includes a Spaghetti Dinner starting at 5pm. The dinner is sponsored by the 5th grade class. I hope you are able to attend.
Sincerely,
Kim
It looks like I am going to need some assistance this year, so I am looking for help in the following areas:
1. Lunch support from 12:15-1:00pm M,T,TH, & F. Our fourth grade class is now having lunch with the kindergarten class. Students eat from 12:15-12:30pm and then move to the playground. When students move to the playground, DeeDee and I have a chance to eat our lunches. I would like to have supervision on the playground I can count on - can you help?
2. I need some help in the classroom with reviewing student work and recording, filing, posting vocabulary words, etc...can you help?
3. A parent of a fourth grade student is interested in starting a student used book store. She is looking for help! Let me know if I can give her your name.
4. I am still looking for art supplies for the oil-painting classes I would like to have for the fourth graders. Michaels has 50% off coupons if you go to their site. I will print some so that they are available in my classroom. Oil paints are $8.99 per tube. I need Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White, and Cadmium Red. We need something to clean brushes and last year I purchased a product that was safer than turpentine, so if someone could check into the options for this and donate it, that would be great. Finally, 11x14 canvasses cost $7.99-10.99 depending on the type you want. If each parent could supply one canvas we will be able to get started. If possible, I would like these supplies by the end of January!
5. Bookbags have been graciously donated by Leisa Mitchell (Landon's mom). They are the perfect size; however, I need the handles changed, so they can hang on the back of the chairs. Is there anyone who can possibly work on this job? Please let me know.
6. I am starting to plan a field trip to the Julian mines for a tour. This will be an all-day field trip and I would like to go the last week of January, perhaps on Thursday, January 28th. Please check your calendar as we will need drivers. I will update you by next Monday on details such as cost, the time we will be leaving and get back, and the specifics of the field trip.
There is a parent meeting this Thursday which includes a Spaghetti Dinner starting at 5pm. The dinner is sponsored by the 5th grade class. I hope you are able to attend.
Sincerely,
Kim
Sunday, January 3, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!
D ear Families,
What a great break I had this year and I hope you did too! I want to thank everyone for their generosity as I received many cards, gift cards, and gifts for the Christmas celebration. I was and am touched by all of your thoughtfullness and caring! I am grateful for all of your support.
We start back tomorrow morning with the addition of another new student. Welcome Sarah! That leaves me with just one seat open in my classroom! Wow, how we have grown! This week your children will be identifying the four regions in California and creating posters that identify the positive aspects of those regions and what would draw people to live in them. They will also be making murals of those regions. The posters, along with the murals will be posted outside our classroom. By the way, if you haven't, please take the time to read some of the wonderful poetry written by fourth graders about the mountains and deserts that is currently posted on the bulletin board closest to the exploratorium.
By next Tuesday, we will finally be finishing Patty Reed's Doll. As a final celebration, I am looking for a volunteer parent to donate and make a "Calico Bean" recipe (trail food) for 20 that the class can eat for lunch that day. That said, we will also need paper bowels, spoons, napkins, and drinks if possible. I have the recipe in my classroom, so if you like this type of thing please let me know soon, so we can plan. As soon as we finish, we will begin reading a book on the goldrush - By the Great Horn Spoon!
I am also still looking for canvases and paints for our oil painting adventure! I have the artist all lined up and just need the supplies to make this exciting art experience possible. Please see my previous BLOGS for the canvas dimensions and oil paint colors. We will be painting the CALIFORNIA POPPY, transferring those images onto fabric, and creating a quilt to be sold! If it ends up like last year's quilt, it will be beautiful!
In math, we are starting a unit on multiplication and division. Please work on skip-counting with your children so their facts become automatic sooner than later. We will be moving a little quicker in math now as we have so much to cover by the end of the year! I may be sending home some practice sheets for those students needing a little extra help!
In science (finally), we will beginning to look at animal adaptation. Some students will be asked to bring information into class on animals within the four California regions. We will be looking at why those animals survive well in those places.
We are also continuing on our fictional narratives and reports on important California people in writing with the later a part of our project. The project dioramas are almost finished, so I expect we should be ready for our "Wax Museum", no later than the last week in January. I will keep you posted.
Our next parent meeting, is next Thursday, January 14th. Please stay tuned for details regarding this meeting via our out-going phone blast or flyers coming home! Progress reports will also be coming out this month.
That's it for now. Stop by the classroom anytime!
sincerely,
Kim
What a great break I had this year and I hope you did too! I want to thank everyone for their generosity as I received many cards, gift cards, and gifts for the Christmas celebration. I was and am touched by all of your thoughtfullness and caring! I am grateful for all of your support.
We start back tomorrow morning with the addition of another new student. Welcome Sarah! That leaves me with just one seat open in my classroom! Wow, how we have grown! This week your children will be identifying the four regions in California and creating posters that identify the positive aspects of those regions and what would draw people to live in them. They will also be making murals of those regions. The posters, along with the murals will be posted outside our classroom. By the way, if you haven't, please take the time to read some of the wonderful poetry written by fourth graders about the mountains and deserts that is currently posted on the bulletin board closest to the exploratorium.
By next Tuesday, we will finally be finishing Patty Reed's Doll. As a final celebration, I am looking for a volunteer parent to donate and make a "Calico Bean" recipe (trail food) for 20 that the class can eat for lunch that day. That said, we will also need paper bowels, spoons, napkins, and drinks if possible. I have the recipe in my classroom, so if you like this type of thing please let me know soon, so we can plan. As soon as we finish, we will begin reading a book on the goldrush - By the Great Horn Spoon!
I am also still looking for canvases and paints for our oil painting adventure! I have the artist all lined up and just need the supplies to make this exciting art experience possible. Please see my previous BLOGS for the canvas dimensions and oil paint colors. We will be painting the CALIFORNIA POPPY, transferring those images onto fabric, and creating a quilt to be sold! If it ends up like last year's quilt, it will be beautiful!
In math, we are starting a unit on multiplication and division. Please work on skip-counting with your children so their facts become automatic sooner than later. We will be moving a little quicker in math now as we have so much to cover by the end of the year! I may be sending home some practice sheets for those students needing a little extra help!
In science (finally), we will beginning to look at animal adaptation. Some students will be asked to bring information into class on animals within the four California regions. We will be looking at why those animals survive well in those places.
We are also continuing on our fictional narratives and reports on important California people in writing with the later a part of our project. The project dioramas are almost finished, so I expect we should be ready for our "Wax Museum", no later than the last week in January. I will keep you posted.
Our next parent meeting, is next Thursday, January 14th. Please stay tuned for details regarding this meeting via our out-going phone blast or flyers coming home! Progress reports will also be coming out this month.
That's it for now. Stop by the classroom anytime!
sincerely,
Kim
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