Quarter 4!
It’s hard to believe we are in our
final quarter! I am sure you cannot believe you have an almost 5th
grader and I can’t believe I have 8 weeks left before they continue on in their
journey. As I look to what lies ahead, I can honestly say we will make the most
of it!
April 22nd
is Earth Day! Wear Green! Pack a Trashless Lunch! We will use less electricity
by doing most of our day outside and save paper by not using anything copied.
Homework- No homework
while on the extended hours. If students do not complete classwork in time or
need additional practice, they may have tasks come home from time-to-time.
Impressive Work!
Students created their ArcGIS Story Maps that they shared with you right before
Spring Break. The following links includes a map that showcases each one. Enjoy!
http://kempsodc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=ce337338ccb644aa8fa776ec94b9009c
Math and Science- We
have moved into measurement! Students will continue to see how these two are
connected as they apply measurements concepts to real-world situations
including the experimental design process. Students wrapped up length with a
mini-lab measuring their oysters and marsh grasses. They have already assessed
on length and it is in their binder. Tomorrow they will assess on volume (US
Customary system) and finish the lab we started today. We participated in a
STEM activity as students designed their own bubble wands, determined parts of
an experiment including linking the hypothesis and variables, and will use
measurement skills to carry the experiment out tomorrow. Next we will work on
mass and weight in both the US Customary and Metric Systems (https://www.khanacademy.org/math/cc-fourth-grade-math/cc-4th-measurement-topic/cc-4th-metric-US-customary/v/metric-weight).
Reading and Social Studies/Science- We are fine-tuning our research skills as we continue on
our river adventures! Students chose a river by interest and are tasked with
creating a National Geographic Photojournal Article that portrays the economic,
environmental, and social systems at work within and around their river. We are
focused on citing sources and taking paraphrased notes. From here, students
will put it altogether in a well-constructed article. We have spent time
working whole group and in pairs to analyze the structure and content of
photjournal articles before we begin our own in a couple weeks. Students blew
me away with their recollection of systems as they described the Nile River
System as a jumping off point for our work. We have spent time this year
looking at rivers locally. Through this unit students will look nationally and
globally all while developing the concept of interdependence and relationships.
Our mapping and geography objectives will come alive as they prove the enduring
understanding: Location Matters to piggy-back off of last year’s: Where you
live affects how you live.
Reading- Last week we
used the Junior Great Book text, “Thunder, Elephant, and Dorobo” to focus on
inferencing. Students shared their thoughts in writing by making a chart in
Word and reviewing another’s via the note feature. They then shared their ideas
verbally in a shared inquiry discussions. I have to say, their growth is
evident as they carry on discussions and question one another in an advanced
manner. Interest-based novel studies will begin soon and take us to the end of
the year.
Writing- While we are
taking many notes for research, we are also creating persuasive pieces on
different topics. Students brainstormed topics where they have an invested
interest. We spent time reviewing a structure to keep it organized. Students
are currently peer revising and editing before they publish final copies. Look
out for these coming home! When students identified their target audience,
parents were on the top of the list! Their final writing assessment on “produces
clear and coherent writing” will be a persuasive piece to get others to install
floating wetlands (something we will design and construct one of soon).
SOLs- Please mark your
calendars with our SOL dates. Math is May 28th and May 29th.
Reading is June 1st. Students need to make every effort to be here
on testing days and avoid ant appointments. All year we discuss test taking strategies,
doing your personal best, as well as reteaching and reviewing information. Students
work in flex groups so they can focus on areas of need. From time-to-time we
purposefully use a multiple choice format so that students are familiar. To
help students prepare, please continue sustained reading at home. Our reading
test is done in one sitting as 4th graders and this is different
from the two days spent on it last year. Sustained reading time in preparation
for this will help students have the stamina needed to do their best throughout
the entire test.
Odds and Ends-
·
Spring has sprung and
our students are getting older. Please time a minute to evaluate the deodorant
situation and needs of your child. We have warm days full of activities, like
PE, and our students are very active. Our room has become pretty stinky after
PE many days.
·
Please return pictures
or picture money ASAP.
·
Please return report
card envelopes ASAP.
·
BYOD- We encourage
students to bring devices and have times during the day when we use them along
with what we are doing. Students are always welcome to read an electronic book
as their independent reading book of choice. However, if a device is not
available, we will have school devices available for those students.
Upcoming Events-
4/25 Gifted Dance Recital @ Virginia Beach MS
12:00 PM & 3:00 PM
4/27 International Tattoo Music
Performance (Whole School Assembly) @ Track 9:30 AM
5/18 Dave and Busters Spirit
Night
5/22 Final
Day of Extended Time AND Tides Family Spirit Night 6:00 PM
5/25 Memorial Day (School Closed)
5/30 Spring Carnival 11:00 AM
April 22nd is Earth Day!
Wear Green! Pack a Trashless Lunch! We will use less electricity by doing most
of our day outside and save paper by not using anything copied.
Requests-
·
Do you sew? We are
looking for some adults to sew “Eagle Bags” (reusable sandwich bags the kids
designed last year). The sewing kits will come with materials to sew 10 of
them.
·
We are in need of dry
erase markers and tissues. If you can donate some we’d greatly appreciate it. I’ll
write your name on them as they come in. If we end up with too many, I’ll send
them back at the end of the year so you can use them for your supply list next
year.
Thank you! Thank you
for the birthday wishes and goodies that came my way. You all spoil me beyond
belief and I am grateful for your kindness and support.
Never
doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. -- Margaret Mead
Have a wonderful week!
